Towing with BMW X3 of X5

i pick up my Rpod on Monday.  I have a 2015 BMW X3.  BMW installed the OEM transport system.  It's a slick design and when the system is not in use its nearly invisible.  Is anyone else towing with this system.  I am told the seven pin as a controller is wired and will recognize the trailer brakes when the trailer is plugged in.  The car was reprogrammed so when I brake the car I will brake the trailer.  In addition the dynamic traction control will compensate for any sway of the trailer and the back up cam now has a handy feature that guides lining up the SUV to the trailer for hitching.  So all this "sounds" terrific but I haven't been able to hook something up.  When I read about traditional brake controllers they are in the car.  BMW tells me this system is integrated and programmed into the car.  Reprogramming the car the was two hour process.  I have this horrible fear I will show up to get my Rpod and something will have gone wrong.  Has anyone used this system?  I did get all this information from the head BMW service manager.  Is it really possible all this is "integrated" and I plug in the trailer an go?  I'm hoping this is the case. BMWsare smart cars and the cost was $1600.  Couldn't find anyone else to do the work who would touch it.  

It has been very difficult to find answers.  I basically got the same information from the parts guy when I ordered the parts, my service advisor when I took the car in for the installation and the top service manager when I called yesterday (fearful this might not be everything I need).  I will check bimmerfest.  It has been very difficult to find anything online.  I will have an absolute "fit" with BMW if I am hung out to dry tomorrow.  Reprogramming the "brain" of the car accomplishes brake control.  I don't know enough to know how.  Car tows 3,500 pounds.

Originally posted by johnmaci "Reprogramming the "brain" of the car accomplishes brake control" I believe that may be an incorrect statement. I surmise it simply alters brake bias and traction control in your vehicle for better drivability if you are towing a light trailer with surge (not electric) brakes. Found this post from another X3 owner on a different board: 2016 X3 Xdrive 28i with dealer installed tow package For those of you thinking about towing a trailer with your X3, I just picked mine up from the dealer with the BMW tow package installed...It was $2000.00, out the door. Im towing a 6X10 utility trailer loaded with band equipment. The X3 has no issues pulling the trailer. The hitch is barely visible and looks completely stock. It comes with a removable arm that connects to the hitch receiver in seconds and it comes with a pair of keys to lock it to deter theft. In accepts both 7 pin round and 4 pin flat trailer light plugs. The plug hardware looks factory too. When a trailer is plugged in the BMW detects it and alters brake bias and traction control for better drivability . The back up alarm is disabled but the rear camera still operates and also gives you a trailer hitch view so you can back your X3 up to the trailer without someone guiding you or having to get out and look...there are red and green lines superimposed on the camera screen to assist you with a perfect hook up... My suggestion(s): 1. Buy and install a brake controller such as the prodigy: https://www.etrailer.com/bc-2015_BMW_X3.htm. They have lots of information on installing. My Pathfinder came with factory installed tow package, and I still had to install a controller. 2. My understanding is that there may be two different oil cooler types depending on the region where the car is sold. One with an auxiliary radiator, and one that is cooled by an oil/water heat exchanger. http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=829777 Not sure what the limitation is of not having an auxiliary radiator is, but they usually aid in cooling the transmission better when towing up mountainous terrain. If you are towing on flat highways this may not be an issue at all. 3. You did not mention which Rpod model you were purchasing. If it is one of the smaller models (171/172), you may be OK, but I would still recommend a Weight Distribution Hitch, and travel light (including fresh water tank empty). Hope this helps, and someone please chime in if I have misstated anything on this post.

I don't own a BMW, but I'd be surprised the I-Drive would control trailer braking. It appears to be entertainment, navigation, and communication. Your answer will have to come from the auto side, not the camper side, of the hitch. Either BMW or someone like etrailer.com. I would not expect the RPOD dealer to know the specifics of BMW. I would like, but not expect, the dealer to admit "I don't know".