Towing with BMW X3 of X5

Sounds like you're moving in the right direction. The info from BMW is pure bunk. It may stop you, but you might be looking at the side of the trailer from your window.  Most states require brakes, preferably electric, on any trailer of 1500# or more. I also think finding the correct wire is not a problem, but BMW has lots of lawyers. Hunter Kirk has it right. I'm glad the BMW guy gave you a straight answer and I hope he and the RPOD dealer can figure it out. The RF Prodigy should work fine. 

CharlieM:  Great minds think alike.  We posted simultaneously, but our opening sentences are virtually identical!

I have read posts from people who have had enormous frustrations trying to wire brake controllers into modern European vehicles (e.g., Volvos, Audis, etc.).  So RF might be the way to go in cases like this.

Smart Lady.

Originally posted by techntrek You absolutely need a brake controller, and I can't believe that after $1600-2000 to tune the car for towing that the price doesn't include an integrated controller.  You can get one with trucks for much less - although I would stick with Prodigy even if I bought a truck with an integrated controller. As for relying on the car to control sway, don't.  It is effective short-term, but it does it by applying the TV's brakes in various configurations.  So instead of knowing your pod is loaded and leveled correctly to prevent sway from the source (solving the problem), you end up wearing down your brakes to control the problem.  You could even overheat the brakes and then you have a bigger problem.

I have a bigger problem.  I still don't have my r-pod.  Couldn't get the trailer lights to light. My X3 is back at BMW.  My weekend is blown.  I even had a lamp out adapter that e-trailer suggested, this didn't work either.  A bit frustrated right now.  BMW doesn't know what is going on, they are in conversations with corporate.  They installed a other new module, same problem.  When the brake is depressed the computer goes nuts.  Took two vacation days and paid and RV reservation to the show, both for nothing.  The Rpod is super cute though, it's going to be perfect for my needs.  I did the once over at the dealer.  I was super excited until we found the lights not to work on my vehicle but they work on the test unit and another trailer with a 7-way.  They were able to get the RF prodigy mounted and working though.