
Ask a Question About This Product
Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
Our in-house experts typically reply within one business day.
CURT
Verify Fitment
Select your vehicle to confirm this part fits.
2017 - 2023 BMW 540i
Confirmed to Fit










Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!










Always the correct part
We know our products
Quality Products
Free Shipping!
Select your vehicle to find the exact plug-and-play parts that fit — no cutting or splicing.
This fits: 2017-2023 BMW 540i All
However you define adventure -- whether it's climbing onto the back of a mountain bike, hunting from the top of a tree stand or camping with the family a long way from nowhere -- CURT class 1 hitches provide a light-duty towing receiver to help you Bring It. Each is made to fit a specific vehicle, providing easier installation, a better fit and optimal towing capacity. Custom class 1 trailer hitches are available for a variety of smaller vehicle types, including the compact car, crossover, minivan and small SUV. This particular class 1 hitch is designed to be a custom hitch for certain years of the BMW 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i and 540i xDrive (to verify vehicle compatibility, see the CURT application guide at curtmfg.com). Tested in accordance with SAE J684, it offers a weight carrying capacity of 2,000 lbs. GTW and 200 lbs. TW. It is equipped with 1-1/4" receiver tube opening to accept a ball mount shank or other hitch mount. This class 1 hitch also comes with all necessary mounting hardware. With its lightweight design and smaller receiver tube size, a class 1 hitch is especially useful for adding cargo space with a hitch-mounted bike rack or cargo carrier. They can also typically be used to tow small trailers such as a utility trailer, kayak trailer or teardrop camper (never exceed the lowest weight capacity of any towing component; i.e. the vehicle, hitch, trailer, etc). Though CURT class 1 trailer hitches are only intended for light-duty towing, we apply the same principles of quality as we do to the rest of our rear mount hitches. Each class 1 hitch is made with hands-on engineering, high-strength steel and precise welding. We use a co-cured finish of liquid A-coat, inside and out, and durable black powder coat to provide a lasting defense against rust, chips and UV rays.
Trailer hitch weight ratings are limited to vehicle manufacturer's stated capacities
Not compatible for use with vertical hanging bicycles (bike racks that require the bicycles to be hung / mounted vertically)
Uses pre-existing vehicle hardware for installation (installation requires underbody panel trimming)
2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 BMW 540i All Class 1 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4" Receiver, Select BMW 530i, 540i, xDrive

CURT offers a variety of high-quality trailer hitches and accessories for select vehicle models. Find the perfect fit for your towing needs at TowUniverse.
CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit hitches, and each one is designed, welded, and coated in Wisconsin.
CURT is also a leader in flat towing products, as well as 5th wheel, gooseneck, and weight distribution hitches, ball mounts, electrical components, cargo solutions, and other towing accessories.
For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products®.'
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-94941 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 - 2023 | BMW 540i | — |
Yes, the 2017-2023 BMW 540i All Class 1 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4" Receiver + 2" Ball + 1-7/8" Ball Kit (Part #CHD-11478-002) is designed to fit the 2017-2023 BMW 540i.
The 2017-2023 BMW 540i All Class 1 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4" Receiver + 2" Ball + 1-7/8" Ball Kit (Part #CHD-11478-002) fits the following vehicles: 2017-2023 BMW 540i. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 2017-2023 BMW 540i All Class 1 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4" Receiver + 2" Ball + 1-7/8" Ball Kit (Part #CHD-11478-002) fits 2017-2023 BMW 540i models. The 2023 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The 2017-2023 BMW 540i All Class 1 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4" Receiver + 2" Ball + 1-7/8" Ball Kit (Part #CHD-11478-002) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes, CURT hitch 11478 is designed for 2017-Present BMW 5 Series Sedan models. Verify your vehicle matches this year range and body style before purchasing.
The hitch is rated for a maximum of 2,000 lbs trailer weight and 200 lbs tongue weight when used as a weight-carrying hitch. You must never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
CURT hitch 11478 is designed for use with ball mount #45521. Euro mount options are available: #45571 (1 7/8" ball) and #45572 (2" ball).
Required tools include: 8mm socket, 10mm socket, 18mm socket, T15 torx bit, 8" socket extension, ratchet, torque wrench, pry bar, aviation shears, and safety glasses. A torque wrench is essential for final fastener tightening to specification.
Two people may be required to ease installation. The manual lists this as an installation tip to improve the quality of the install and reduce installation time.
The installation is rated as "Challenging" difficulty. If you are hesitant to undertake this task on your own, CURT recommends contacting an authorized CURT installer for additional assistance. You can also call CURT Technical Support at 877-287-8634 for help.
Installation requires temporary removal of the rear bumper fascia. The underbody panel, wheel liner, heat shield, and plastic trim around the tail lights must also be removed during the process. All removed items are reinstalled following the installation steps in reverse order.
Yes, trimming is required. You must trim the underbody panel along the slotted line as part of step 6 of the installation. This is a permanent modification to the vehicle.
All M12 hardware must be torqued to 82.5 ft-lbs. A torque wrench is required to achieve this specification. This torque value applies to the fasteners that secure the hitch to the vehicle frame.
Safety glasses must be worn at all times while installing this product. This is a mandatory safety requirement listed in the installation instructions.
Non-trailer (wheel-less) loads can be applied to this hitch only if they are supported by CURT 18050 stabilizing straps. Failure to properly support non-trailer loads will void the product warranty. See the CURT catalog or visit www.curtmfg.com for further information on the stabilizing straps.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure all fasteners are tight and all structural components are sound. This ongoing inspection is critical to safe operation and is mentioned multiple times in the manual.
Yes, this product complies with safety specifications and requirements for connecting devices and towing systems of the state of New York, V.E.S.C. Regulation V-5 and SAE J684.
Yes, CURT 11478 is designed for 2017-Present BMW 5 Series Sedan models only.
2,000 lbs trailer weight and 200 lbs tongue weight. Never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity.
8mm, 10mm, and 18mm sockets; T15 torx bit; 8" socket extension; ratchet; torque wrench; pry bar; aviation shears; and safety glasses.
Yes, temporary removal of the rear bumper fascia is required. It is reinstalled following the installation steps in reverse order.
Yes, you must trim the underbody panel along the slotted line. This is a permanent modification.
All M12 hardware must be torqued to 82.5 ft-lbs using a torque wrench.
Safety glasses must be worn at all times during installation.
On Sale Today
Original price was $434.85. Current price is $424.59.




Quick Ship
In stock and ready to ship — order now!
FREE ShippingFREE SHIPPING
Estimated delivery Thu, Aug 20 - Sun, Aug 23
Order before 2 PM EST Monday–Friday for same-day processing
Guaranteed safe & secure checkout
No reviews have been added for this product.