I’ve got a new X3 M50 and was disappointed to learn that if the towing prep package wasn’t ordered from the factory that you can’t install the BMW hitch. I was originally planning to purchase the M440i Grand Coupe but switched to the X3 after finding out you can’t put a receiver hitch on the M440i. I called my dealer to get a price on the BWM hitch and that’s when I was told that my vehicle didn’t have the tow prep package so they couldn’t do it. I then asked if they could install it without the wiring harness and I was told they could, but that they only install Stealth Hitch receivers and that one wasn’t available yet.

I messaged Stealth Hitches and asked if they had plans to produce one and they said they would but not until someone brought them a vehicle. They even offered a free rack if I was able to bring them my car but I’m no where near Atlanta so I can’t do that.

I was curious if anyone here has had a 2” receiver hitch installed (either BMW or third party) and what you used? I would also like to know if a wiring harness can be installed if a third-party hitch is installed. My primary need for the hitch is for a bike rack but I would ideally like to be able to two a small trailer as well.

BTW – If anyone is in the Atlanta area and wants a free hitch please reach out to Stealth Hitches.

Out of curiosity... has anyone heard any updates about a Stealth Hitch for the G45?

I was kinda hoping they'd have one available by this summer. So it's a bummer that their web site still doesn't offer a compatible model.

Answering my own question:

I messaged Stealth Hitches, and they responded really quickly. Their reply: "Thank you for your interest in Stealth Hitches. Our development team plans to release a hitch for the 2025 BMW X3 within the next 2-3 months."

So hopefully we can finally get our hands on it in early fall.

Update for those of you who (like me) have been waiting for a while:

Stealth Hitch has finally released their model for the G45! Apparently it's the same one they already had for the X3M, but the instructions have been updated with steps for the X3.

https://stealthhitches.com/products/2025-bmw-x3-30-xdrive-2025-bmw-x3-m50-xdrive

$638 + tax & shipping. And of course you'll have to pay someone for the installation, if you don't do it yourself.

I'm a little too busy right now to follow up here. But hopefully I'll have time to buy this and get it installed next month or so.

Curious if anyone else wants to take the plunge?

Just received my 2026 X3 M50 yesterday. I ordered the towing hitch with the vehicle and was surprised to see that the one on my vehicle was not the electric pivoting version that was shown on the build site. It just has a normal hitch receiver and plug for electrical harness.

It's totally fine and appears to be heavy-duty, but was looking forward to the hidden pivoting version shown on the build site.

BMW.GSman wrote

Just received my 2026 X3 M50 yesterday. I ordered the towing hitch with the vehicle and was surprised to see that the one on my vehicle was not the electric pivoting version that was shown on the build site. It just has a normal hitch receiver and plug for electrical harness.

It's totally fine and appears to be heavy-duty, but was looking forward to the hidden pivoting version shown on the build site.

Unfortunately, the pivoting hitch is not available in the US market as it's not compliant with regulations here. If it were, then frankly there would be no need for Stealth Hitches' products.

1. It doesn't cost $638, but 937$, since you need electric socket (well I do...)
2. What is the main concern BMW themselves won't install towbar, when the "prep" option wasn't ordered. I'd like to have deeper insight. Changes in alternator? In cooling system? Different rear parts/mounts in the car? Electric cable pack?

bouchy wrote

1. It doesn't cost $638, but 937$, since you need electric socket (well I do...)
2. What is the main concern BMW themselves won't install towbar, when the "prep" option wasn't ordered. I'd like to have deeper insight. Changes in alternator? In cooling system? Different rear parts/mounts in the car? Electric cable pack?

For the US market (fixed hitch receiver, not hidden pivoting ball), the center diffuser for the rear bumper has a cutout. My guess is that the dealership could order the hitch + new bumper trim, but gave a more simplistic answer of "the hitch won't work with your car"

bouchy wrote

1. It doesn't cost $638, but 937$, since you need electric socket (well I do...)
2. What is the main concern BMW themselves won't install towbar, when the "prep" option wasn't ordered. I'd like to have deeper insight. Changes in alternator? In cooling system? Different rear parts/mounts in the car? Electric cable pack?

When I pushed on why they couldn't add it after the fact I was told "we just don't" and then suggested I go elsewhere. I needed one right away so I went with a hidden hitch. So far it's been flawless.

Well I supposed it's water under the bridge but honestly I'm curious why you purchased without the trailer hitch. Why spend that much money if you can't get the exact build you want? Factory order only takes 3.5 weeks and you can negotiate the price same as on lot.

Firstof3 wrote

Well I supposed it's water under the bridge but honestly I'm curious why you purchased without the trailer hitch. Why spend that much money if you can't get the exact build you want? Factory order only takes 3.5 weeks and you can negotiate the price same as on lot.

I purchased my car on the last day of the year and of the two dealers I spoke with they were both willing to discount considerably more if I took one, they had in stock. Although I ultimately saved money, in hindsight if I was doing it again, I would have ordered to get exactly what I wanted. In all honesty, the factory hitch isn't at the top of the list of things I would do differently.

Locotiki wrote

I purchased my car on the last day of the year and of the two dealers I spoke with they were both willing to discount considerably more if I took one, they had in stock. Although I ultimately saved money, in hindsight if I was doing it again, I would have ordered to get exactly what I wanted. In all honesty, the factory hitch isn't at the top of the list of things I would do differently.

Makes sense, if you're happy with it then it doesn't matter. For me it was a go/no-go issue since I wanted to be able to throw my bikes on the back quickly and easily and the after-factory options just seemed like too much of a hassle.