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      02-26-2018, 07:24 PM   #1
eugene89us
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Hitch installation on 328d and missing heat shield?

Hello, N47 diesel enthusiasts. Was looking for advice on trailer hitch installation. Was considering Stealth Hitch or the option from eTrailer. I watched some YouTube videos, which all show that either of the hitches will not require any cutting or modification.

In eTrailer video for 2017 3-series, they removed and never replaced a heat shield that faces the bumper. When I got under the car to inspect, I noticed that shield is completely missing from my 328d. The muffler on 328d is also much smaller than the one in the video. Can anyone with unmodified 328d confirm if that heat shield should be missing from factory? Should I buy one and install - maybe not for the sake of heat shield itself, but to prevent dirt from accumulating in the bumper cover? See Picture 2 for image of missing heat shield that faces the bumper.

Second question - when installing hitch in the video, nothing appeared in the way once the bumper was out. The 328d variant has some sort of a device by passenger side bumper attachment point. Anyone with 328d specifically have had any issues with this being in the way of hitch installation? This is on picture 1 - see the electrical device right next to the bumper attachment.

Thank you all!
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      02-26-2018, 09:23 PM   #2
floydarogers
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Invisihitch is a favorite.
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      03-01-2018, 11:46 PM   #3
AlpineX
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eugene89us View Post

Second question - when installing hitch in the video, nothing appeared in the way once the bumper was out. The 328d variant has some sort of a device by passenger side bumper attachment point. Anyone with 328d specifically have had any issues with this being in the way of hitch installation? This is on picture 1 - see the electrical device right next to the bumper attachment.

Thank you all!
Your device is your DEF transfer pump 16197295660
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      03-02-2018, 08:40 AM   #4
eugene89us
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlpineX View Post
Your device is your DEF transfer pump 16197295660
Wow, that sucker is expensive! That's why I guess I wonder if that will get in the way of the towing hitch. Seems awfully close to the bumper bracket. Would hate to take the bumper off and spend all that time to later realize that the hitch won't fit due to transfer pump. Or should it be too close to cause some sort of damage later on. I would imagine someone who owns a diesel (328d or European 320d) has attempted to install one for their oil-burner. Any advice would be appreciated.
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      03-26-2018, 08:18 PM   #5
CO_Steve
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I installed a Curt hitch on my 2014 328d wagon. There were no issues. The Invisihitch looked good but was vastly more expensive. I don't mind seeing the receiver peaking out. YMMV.

My heat shield does not extend to block the rear bumper either. Looks like your picture.
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      03-27-2018, 05:44 AM   #6
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I have a 2014 328d Wagon as well with invisihitch and it doesn't have a heat shield by the bumper like you. No cutting or bending of the existing heat shield was needed for the install.
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      03-30-2018, 08:51 AM   #7
eugene89us
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You all are awesome! I appreciate everyone's input. I need to start riding bikes to stay healthy, so a hitch would be a great addition. Scared of transporting bikes on the roof rack - too many short bridges. My luck I will run into one or forget and try to drive into a garage with bikes on top.
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