The trailer limits maneuverability, climbing ability, acceleration and braking capabilities, affecting the dynamic properties and handling of the car.
Information about the permissible towing load and the permissible drawbar load can be found in Specifications. The permissible mass of the towed load is also indicated in the vehicle's passport. You can inquire about the possibility of increasing it at any BMW workshop.
Drawbar hitch
If the trailer hitch is fitted at the factory, the vehicle is equipped with a reinforced rear axle suspension that compensates for the weight of the trailer hitch and optimizes driving dynamics when driving without a trailer.
The optimum chassis design of your vehicle guarantees high driving safety and comfort, as well as the possibility of sporty driving. The running gear allows you to tow a trailer with a load not exceeding the weight limit for the standard vehicle, if you drive with a trailer only on holidays or a little more often, and your driving style matches the more difficult operating conditions of the car.
If the vehicle is retrofitted with a tow hitch with removable ball head, it must be BMW approved. And its installation must be technically competently carried out at a company service station.
The detachable part of the ball head tow hitch must be coated with grease; this facilitates its installation and dismantling.
If the trailer hitch is installed after the vehicle leaves the factory, it is also recommended to equip it with a reinforced suspension. This is also a condition for obtaining a driving permit (for some types of trailers) with a larger towed load. Vehicles with ride height control do not need to be equipped with reinforced suspension.
Other suspension systems offered for free sale in the auto parts trade are not BMW approved.
The installation of a towing device limits the effectiveness of the rear bumper system, which absorbs the energy of collisions at low speeds due to elastic deformations.
Stabilizers are recommended especially when towing heavy trailers. This can be done at any BMW workshop.
Drawbar socket cover
To remove the cover, you need to take hold of the recess from above, pull down, if necessary, picking it up with a screwdriver, and remove the cover from the bottom guide. Before removing and installing the ball head, please read the attached separate instructions.
When installing the cover, its groove must first be inserted into the guide, and then pressed against the top of the cover.
Permissible load on drawbar support
This refers to the load with which the trailer drawbar presses on the ball head of the tow hitch. It can be determined, for example, by floor household scales.
According to the rules in force in Germany, this value should be at least 25 kg.
The allowable value should not be exceeded, but its maximum use is desirable.
The mass with which the trailer drawbar presses on its support affects the behavior of the car. Therefore, when driving with a trailer, the permissible values of the gross vehicle weight and the load on the road from its rear axle should not be exceeded. The load capacity is partly reduced by subtracting the weight of the drawbar from it. The indicator of the permissible total mass of the vehicle with the sight must not be exceeded.
Loading
Trailer loading should be carried out in such a way that the load is placed as low as possible and as close as possible to the axis of the bridge. Lowering the center of gravity of the trailer significantly improves the safety of the vehicle with the trailer.
Do not exceed the total trailer weight and the permissible tow load. The smaller value is decisive.
When buying a trailer, it is recommended to request from the seller a guarantee confirmation by the manufacturer of its actual weight and load capacity.
Uphill movement
Gradeability (measured at sea level) limited to 12% for safety reasons and to avoid interfering with the traffic flow, and with an increased mass of towed cargo (in permitted cases) - 8%.
From experience it is known that as the altitude increases, the engine power decreases, when driving on mountain roads should be remembered in particular. on the deterioration of the ability to start on the rise, and therefore, it is necessary to abandon the full use of the permissible weight limits of the car itself and the trailer.
Downhill driving
The slopes require special attention. At the entrance to them, it is necessary to switch to a lower gear, if necessary, up to the first (when equipped with AT, the control lever is moved up to position 2), then move downhill at low speed.
Max Speed
The maximum speed with a trailer on the roads is limited to 80 km/h. The permissible axial load is determined in such a way that normal trajectory stability is ensured at this speed. Even if other countries allow higher speeds. still, for safety reasons, you should not drive faster.
The influence of the trailer can only be eliminated by immediate braking.
Tire pressure
The air pressure in the tires of the car and trailer should be a matter of special attention. For a trailer, the norms established by its manufacturer are decisive.
Rear view mirrors
If, when driving with a trailer, the field of view through the standard exterior rear-view mirrors is insufficient, the regulations require the installation of two mirrors instead of them, through which the driver can see the trailer up to the rear edge of each side. Such mirrors, incl. with adjustable brackets, available from your BMW workshop.
Electrical equipment
When transporting a caravan, you should take into account the increased energy consumption. Therefore, taking into account the limited capacity of the battery, the inclusion of current consumers should be short.
Be sure to check the operation of the rear lights of the trailer before leaving.