[surfearth]

I've read mixed reports about builds with the factor trailer hitch not having the kick-to-open feature for the rear power tailgate. Can anyone that owns a 2018 m40i with the trailer hitch confirm if they kick-to-open feature works?

[JSY]

The kick to open feature is non existent if you have the US factory hitch receiver. I believe if you are outside of the US (and Canada, I think) and have the Euro factory tow ball that retracts, the kick to open works - which would be moot to you if you are in the US.

That being said, I haven't see any fellow forumers from Europe post any pictures of their retracting hitch. Has no one here in Europe optioned it? Just curious, but I don't want to hijack the thread.

[dkhm3]

Just helped a friend pick up their 3.0 x drive x3 with trailer hitch factory option- the kick to open does not work.

[surfearth]

Thanks both, it is great to have confirmation on this before my order locks in shortly. I may reconsider the hitch as kick-to-open is one feature my spouse was looking forward to.

[CruzM3]

The feature isn't installed if you order the trailer hitch. We had to reorder my wife's X3 30i because it wasn't in the dealer order guide saying that this option was deleted. It's the same for the M40i. So if you want the lock to open feature DON'T get the trailer hitch.

[Slalom]

Despite the marketing information, Canada also get the US hitch with no kick to open. As a result I deleted it from my order. Unfortunately, my kick to open does not work this is the third trip to the dealer to get it fixed (and no we do not have lemon laws here).

Since my son has a Tacoma the need for the hitch was secondary to the convenience of kick to open (and close) with arms full of stuff.

[No1Cares]

Originally Posted by Slalom

Despite the marketing information, Canada also get the US hitch with no kick to open. As a result I deleted it from my order. Unfortunately, my kick to open does not work this is the third trip to the dealer to get it fixed (and no we do not have lemon laws here).

Since my son has a Tacoma the need for the hitch was secondary to the convenience of kick to open (and close) with arms full of stuff.

you can claim the lemon law (where applicable) for something like a kick to open feature?

on topic, I don't want to ever put a trailer hitch on this beauty! I'll use the roof rack if I need to carry lots of luggage or a bike....

[Slalom]

Originally Posted by Casotakar

you can claim the lemon law (where applicable) for something like a kick to open feature?

on topic, I don't want to ever put a trailer hitch on this beauty! I'll use the roof rack if I need to carry lots of luggage or a bike....

I am in Canada so we do not have Lemon Laws. That does not mean that we are without remedies. However, recession of the contract is generally not one of them. Most manufacturers subscribe to an industry arbitration program. Consumers may still bring private actions, but the arbitration program is faster and less costly for all concerned.

I am not a US qualified attorney so I can't comment on what is a "substantial defect" under state lemon laws, other than to say that the test does not appear to be a uniform one.

On the question of retrofitting a hitch, I will wait to see what others have to say about the Stealth hitch, and also look at the EU hitch (which is available as retro-fit kit) to see if it can be modified to take chains. Since I spend part of the year in the EU it is not a big issue to bring one back with me.

[nosnoop]

Originally Posted by Slalom

Despite the marketing information, Canada also get the US hitch with no kick to open. As a result I deleted it from my order. Unfortunately, my kick to open does not work this is the third trip to the dealer to get it fixed (and no we do not have lemon laws here).

My previous car had kick to open, and it never worked reliably enough for me to trust it. I could imagine how stupid I must have look for me to waving, kicking my leg behind the car and nothing was happening. So I absolutely don't mind having a trailer hitch instead, and I don't miss the kick to open one second.

[No1Cares]

Originally Posted by nosnoop

My previous car had kick to open, and it never worked reliably enough for me to trust it. I could imagine how stupid I must have look for me to waving, kicking my leg behind the car and nothing was happening. So I absolutely don't mind having a trailer hitch instead, and I don't miss the kick to open one second.

agree. I’ll just use the key. It works well though when I’m spraying the car down with the hose and key is in my pocket. It’ll pop right up. Haha

[voyagergab]

I don't have a hitch and my kick to open almost never works anyway.
I spoke with a service advisor and she said that the new x3 has the sensor toward the right where the right pdc sensor is.
Next time when I was getting groceries like an idiot I was waving my foot every which way and it did not open.
I tried practicing in the garage. out of about 40 attempts 1 worked.
I've got my recalls appointment tomorrow and will add this to the list.

[Slalom]

Originally Posted by voyagergab

I don't have a hitch and my kick to open almost never works anyway.
I spoke with a service advisor and she said that the new x3 has the sensor toward the right where the right pdc sensor is.
Next time when I was getting groceries like an idiot I was waving my foot every which way and it did not open.
I tried practicing in the garage. out of about 40 attempts 1 worked.
I've got my recalls appointment tomorrow and will add this to the list.

I have had mine in for a replacement of the control module, then a replacement of the sensor. It is still temperamental. Seems to work best if the key fob is not shielded by a wallet or mobile phone. Makes me wish that I had kept the trailer hitch in the order.

[voyagergab]

Originally Posted by Slalom

I have had mine in for a replacement of the control module, then a replacement of the sensor. It is still temperamental. Seems to work best if the key fob is not shielded by a wallet or mobile phone. Makes me wish that I had kept the trailer hitch in the order.

I dropped the X3 off today, we talked about the hatch opening issues.
So indeed there are TWO sensors, one on each side, around the area of the PDC sensors. The SA did a little dance with his foot in this area and it kind of works if you do it just right.

[yllwwgn]

Mine always works, without fail, 50% of the time, every time