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      11-07-2019, 06:07 AM   #16
jmciver
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Drives: 2017 M3, 2020 X7 40i
Join Date: Jul 2016
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2017 BMW M3  [10.00]
2020 BMW X7  [0.00]
2019 BMW X3  [0.00]
2009 BMW 128i  [0.00]
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Originally Posted by MB21 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmciver View Post
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Originally Posted by amesh View Post
Yes, you do keep the kick to open option. I like that a lot. I would doubt that it would mess up your lease but I would say. Honestly, they probably wouldn't know unless u told them.
So how does the X7 "behave" when towing with an aftermarket hitch?

The X7, unlike most full size SUVs on the road, is thoroughly integrated mechanically and electronically with the factory tow hitch. For example, from what I have read, the air suspension, the transmission and iDrive are just a few components that are integrated with the factory trailer hitch. You obviously don't get that integration with an aftermarket setup.

Not saying that using an aftermarket tow hitch is dangerous on the X7. But without the full integration, you would be missing out on the full towing capabilities and experience the X7 has to offer. But I guess an additional question would be, is the integrated towing system of the X7 worth it? Or is it a case of you don't miss what you don't know?
The integrated towing is cheaper than aftermarket so by asking if it is worth it do you mean cost or benefits wise?
From a pure cost perspective, the benefit of getting a factory hitch seems initially very clear - but can also be relative and situation dependent. However, if you take into account buying off the lot vs ordering a new X7, the pure cost benefit can be blurred a bit. For example, a dealer could offer a very large discount on a vehicle in their inventory which could offset (or even eliminate) the additional cost of adding an aftermarket hitch.

I have been watching the dealer inventory in my area (and there are a lot of dealers in the Washington, DC area). I have found several X7's configured "close" to the configuration I want, with a factory hitch being at the top of my list. I have found several X7's in my area that had everything I wanted - except the hitch (and I am sure the dealers would offer a very good deal on them). The potential to get a "very good" deal on an X7 in dealer inventory vs a "decent" deal on an ordered X7 configured with a hitch is definitely part of my cost mental calculus.

Given the fact that people are still getting pretty good deals on ordered X7's and that I would still prefer the full vehicle integration of the factory hitch, I am still leaning hard towards getting a factory hitch (either ordered or from dealer inventory). But I still want to learn as much about the factory hitch performance (there is still not much real world experience info out there on it yet) so that when the time comes to pull the trigger I can make an informed decision. In the past, trailer hitch tech was very simple and I would not think twice about factory vs aftermarket hitch options. However, in typical BMW fashion, BMW has added some nice "tech" to the simple trailer hitch (at least to me anyway) so I am paying more attention to it .
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BM3 / MP-HAS / GC Camber Plates / Carbonstructure Interior
X7 XDrive 40i ///M-SPORT - 2020 G07 Arctic Grey Metallic

X3 XDrive 30i - 2019 G01 Mineral White (wife's) / 128i 6MT - 2009 E82 Jet Black (son's)
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