The title says it all. Are there any trailer hitches available for a 1st Gen R53? I've found plenty for the R50.

I'm assuming it's due to the center exhaust.

 

The trailer hitch comes out of the reverse light on the early or the rear fog on the late. You pop out the light or the blank cover to put the hitch extension in. Uhaul, and Curt manufacturing make one. It is close to $130. There is also the mini fini. And a brand called mini do more.

 

Back when Gen1s were sold at the dealer the Mini Fini hitch was the dealer installable option. In fact the install directions have the BMW and MINI logos all over them.

While pricier I like the look of the Mini Fini better.

I'm getting one installed on my R59 Roadster as we speak.

I was considering the Mini Fini for my R53 but as I only needed a bike carrier I decided to go with the Saris Bones RS hatch rack. Easy on/off, its been my bike rack for 8 years now.