[bmtespar]

Greetings. Someone else posted recently that their x3 featured the kick to open feature along with the factory hitch. This is not available in the U.S. You lose kick feature when you add the hitch. Can anyone else outside the U.S. confirm that they have both features? I’m thinking of adding the kick sensor which I’m assuming the vehicle is presided for. Also pics of the sensor and plug location would be very helpful.

[skier219]

Might want to look at posts by deladude covering the install of a stealth hitch on his X3. Shows pictures with bumper removed and you can see the sensors:

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showp...68&postcount=4

Yes, BMWs outside the US have both features. They use a much different style hitch though. In the US, the factory hitch goes in the area where the sensor would be. So you can't have both here with the US-style hitch. Seems dumb to me that BMW couldn't figure this out better.

[skier219]

Here's a pic of the sensor location (there are upper and lower sensors):

[bmtespar]

Originally Posted by skier219

Might want to look at posts by deladude covering the install of a stealth hitch on his X3. Shows pictures with bumper removed and you can see the sensor wire:

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showp...68&postcount=4

Yes, BMWs outside the US have both features. They use a much different style hitch though. In the US, the factory hitch goes in the area where the sensor would be. So you can't have both here with the US-style hitch. Seems dumb to me that BMW couldn't figure this out better.

I’m not sure that is where the sensor is located. I had an aftermarket hitch installed and was told the sensor was right of center of the vehicle. My real question is to find out if the trailer module that comes with the factory uses the wiring plug for where the kick sensor would plug in. If not, it should be pretty straight forward to plug and play the kick sensor.

[BMWZ4]

I'm in Canada and have the factory hitch but NOT the kick to open feature. I was told at time of order that if I ordered the hitch I wouldn't get the kick to open. I want bothered since that feature wasn't critical for me

[BMWZ4]

Originally Posted by skier219

Might want to look at posts by deladude covering the install of a stealth hitch on his X3. Shows pictures with bumper removed and you can see the sensors:

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showp...38;postcount=4

Yes, BMWs outside the US have both features. They use a much different style hitch though. In the US, the factory hitch goes in the area where the sensor would be. So you can't have both here with the US-style hitch. Seems dumb to me that BMW couldn't figure this out better.

Sorry, but that's incorrect, at least for Canada. My factory hitch doesn't support the kick sensor.

[skier219]

Guys, if you have a North American style hitch, then you won't have the kick sensor. If you have a Euro style hitch, then you will have the sensor. Sorry I didn't specify that Canada gets the same style hitch as US.

You would definitely know it if you had a Euro style hitch, as they are much different.

[skier219]

Originally Posted by bmtespar

I’m not sure that is where the sensor is located. I had an aftermarket hitch installed and was told the sensor was right of center of the vehicle. My real question is to find out if the trailer module that comes with the factory uses the wiring plug for where the kick sensor would plug in. If not, it should be pretty straight forward to plug and play the kick sensor.

The picture I posted from BMW service manual shows the sensors in yellow. They stretch across the whole middle of the rear bumper.

[ND40oz]

Originally Posted by skier219

Guys, if you have a North American style hitch, then you won't have the kick sensor. If you have a Euro style hitch, then you will have the sensor. Sorry I didn't specify that Canada gets the same style hitch as US.

You would definitely know it if you had a Euro style hitch, as they are much different.

I was told that I couldn't install the electric euro hitch because of the extra wiring in the rear bumper which was from the kick to open sensor.

Did a dealer tell you the euro hitch could be retrofitted with the sensor or is that only for factory installed electric euro hitches?

[X3inZug]

Here's the information I got from my dealer here in Switzerland in regards to this question:

"With the trailer hitch installed, you still will be able to use the comfort access to open the trunk with your feet, even there’s something installed.

If you have the bike carrier installed, you have to hinge down the carrier first for the tailgate not to collide. If something is installed on the trailer hitch, you really have to want to open the trunk by your feet, as the access to the smart opener sensor is limited."