Tow experts: Which Tekonsha brake controller do I buy?

RenaissanceMan · #1 07-28-2009, 03:32 PM

Hi everyone-

I'm getting my 'new to me' X5 ready for its first towing gig next weekend. I have just had the factory tow package installed by my local dealer, and now am getting ready to purchase a brake controller. From the research I have done on this forum it appears I need to purchase a Prodigy brake controller to install.

Is there a particular model I need to best fit my needs? I see there is a Prodigy and a P3... I'm going to be towing my E30 race car on a trailer. I'm totally new to this, so any advice is appreciated!

Sponsored Links

RenaissanceMan · #2 07-28-2009, 03:47 PM

Also noticing the 2 brake controller install links that were up here are no longer working... Anyone know where I can find that info? I have an '05 3.0...

Seabass · #3 07-28-2009, 06:53 PM

I have the P3. I believe it's the latest generation of the Prodigy. I'm sure the basic Prodigy is fine but the P3 is great. I don't have experience with other brake controllers, but I found the P3 to be super easy to set up and it works like a charm.

Follow the installation DIYs on this site and you'll have no troubles.

I bought my P3 on ebay and saved about $100 from what the local trailer/rv shops charge.

RenaissanceMan · #4 07-28-2009, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seabass

I have the P3. I believe it's the latest generation of the Prodigy. I'm sure the basic Prodigy is fine but the P3 is great. I don't have experience with other brake controllers, but I found the P3 to be super easy to set up and it works like a charm.

Follow the installation DIYs on this site and you'll have no troubles.

I bought my P3 on ebay and saved about $100 from what the local trailer/rv shops charge.

Ended up going with the Prodigy to try and save some cash... Hopefully it will be fine. Can you tell me where I can find the installation instructions? The 2 links I found here in a related brake controller thread are no longer active:

http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/BM...er%20Brake.pdf
http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/X5...stallation.pdf

Thanks for the reply!

Seabass · #5 07-28-2009, 09:46 PM

hmm, I accessed those links a few months ago but unfortunately, I didn't save them on my computer.

Sorry.

I'm sure someone has them!

ncsucarjock · #6 07-28-2009, 10:31 PM

Hmm. Well, I do recall accessing those links, but I installed my brake controller a couple months ago, let's see if I can help you go for it.

power and ground are fairly obvious. The sending wire is the tricky one, and the blue (as I recall) off the prodigy runs to the rear. There are a couple ways to pick up the brake light signal for the controller, on mine, I tapped into the LCM in the passenger's footwell.

The full write up I have attached in .pdf You'll need to run a fused power wire to the front, I pulled mine off one of the larger power wires in the rear, with a splice. It is fused separately. No problems, and I've got about 2000 miles of towing under the belt since then.

JCL · #7 07-29-2009, 12:51 AM

I believe that the link may not work if you are not a premier member (a contributor to the cost of the site). Feel free to join

ncsucarjock gave you one of the files. I tried to attach the file you are missing, but it exceeds the file size limits for other than admins. Sorry.

Here is the updated link as I see it:

http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/e5...er%20Brake.pdf

kishg · #8 10-01-2009, 02:21 PM

doing the research to install this myself. already installed the hitch using the very helpful writeup on this site. i'll be going with the tekonsha prodigy as well. is the consensus now to use the 3rd brake light signal via the LCM? Not keen on installing another brake switch or using the HF switch.

RenaissanceMan · #9 10-01-2009, 02:54 PM

I should update this post by saying that my install ended up going without a 'hitch' (sorry, couldn't resist...), and I've towed my race car successfully since with no major issues. I bought the prodigy and used 2 installation articles to work out my install job, pulling info from both to come up with my own install plan:

http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/e5...er%20Brake.pdf

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e53/x5_...er_install.pdf

In my opinion, to get the cleanest install take the time to go through both articles completely before beginning. I elected to mount the Prodigy under the driver side lower dash trim, so that I could remove it when not in use.

You take the brake light signal from the LCM, which is located behind the passenger footwell panel. Note that you will see 3 plugs connected to the front of the LCM. You are going to be splicing from pin 10 of the TOP plug. Your plug may not have as many wires connected to it as the wiring diagram graphic that is posted somewhere up here. Don't worry about that. You will still splice from pin 10. The pin numbers are visible on the front of the plug. There is no need to unplug this connector. Although room is tight in there, you will be able to move the plug wiring around enough to where you can get to the brake light wire. If you have any questions you are welcome to PM me here and I'll do my best to help.

BTW, the Prodigy is quite easy to setup and use. I was quite impressed with it. Just make sure you take the time and follow the instructions on how to set the braking power before you start towing. That is very important.

Seabass · #10 10-01-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kishg

doing the research to install this myself. already installed the hitch using the very helpful writeup on this site. i'll be going with the tekonsha prodigy as well. is the consensus now to use the 3rd brake light signal via the LCM? Not keen on installing another brake switch or using the HF switch.

Definitely take the signal from the LCM. Be careful and take it slow. MAke sure you get the right wire. Easy install.

Sponsored Links