Driving with a trailer (BMW 5 Series E39)

Driving with a trailer will place increased demands on both the towing vehicle and the driver.

The trailer limits maneuverability, climbing ability, acceleration and braking capabilities, affecting the dynamic properties and controllability of the vehicle.

You will find information on the permissible towable load mass and the permissible drawbar load in Specifications. The permissible towable load weight is also indicated in the vehicle registration document. You can inquire about the possibility of increasing it at any BMW service station.

Towing hitch

If the towing hitch is installed at the factory, the vehicle is equipped with a reinforced rear axle suspension, which compensates for the weight of the towing hitch and optimizes dynamic performance when driving without a trailer.

The optimal design of your car's chassis guarantees high driving safety and comfort, as well as the possibility of sporty driving. The chassis allows you to tow a trailer with a load that does not exceed the weight limit permitted for the car in standard configuration, if you only drive with a trailer on holiday or a little more often, and your driving style corresponds to more difficult operating conditions of the car.

When retrofitting a vehicle with a towing hitch with a removable ball head, it must be certified by BMW. And its installation must be technically competently performed at a branded service station.

The removable part of the ball-head towing hitch must be coated with grease; this makes it easier to install and remove.



When installing a towing hitch 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 greater towable load. Vehicles with a ride height control do not necessarily need to be equipped with a reinforced suspension.

Other suspension systems offered for sale in the automotive accessories trade system are not BMW-certified.

The installation of a towing hitch limits the effectiveness of the rear bumper system, which absorbs low-speed collision energy through elastic deformation.

Stabilizing devices are recommended to be used primarily when towing heavy trailers. You can inquire about this at any BMW service station.

Towing hitch socket cover

To remove the cover, grasp the recess from above, pull downwards, using a screwdriver if necessary, and remove the cover from the lower guide. Before removing and installing the ball head, please read the separate instructions included.

When installing the cover, first insert the groove into the guide and then press down on the top of the cover.

Permissible load on drawbar support

We are talking about the load with which the trailer drawbar presses on the ball head of the towing hitch. It can be determined, for example, using household floor scales.

According to the regulations in force in Germany, this value must be at least 25 kg.

The permissible value must not be exceeded, but its maximum use is desirable.

The weight with which the trailer drawbar presses on its support affects the vehicle's behavior. Therefore, when driving with a trailer, the permissible values of the total vehicle weight and the load on the road from its rear axle must not be exceeded. The load capacity is partially reduced by subtracting the weight of the towing hitch from it. The permissible total vehicle weight with the sight must not be exceeded either.

Loading

The trailer should be loaded so that the load is placed as low as possible and as close to the axle axis as possible. Lowering the trailer's center of gravity significantly improves the safety of the vehicle with the trailer.

The total trailer weight and the permissible towed load weight must not be exceeded. The smaller value is decisive.

When purchasing a trailer, it is recommended to request from the seller a warranty confirmation from the manufacturer of its actual weight and load capacity.

Movement on the rise

The magnitude of the slope to be overcome (measured at sea level) is limited to 12% for safety reasons and to avoid creating obstacles to traffic flow, and with increased mass of the towed load (in permitted cases) - 8%.



Experience shows that as the altitude increases, engine power decreases; when driving on mountain roads, one should remember, in particular, the deterioration of the ability to start off on an incline, in connection with which, it is necessary to abandon the full use of the permissible limits of the mass of the car itself and the trailer.

Downhill movement

Road descents require special attention. When approaching them, it is necessary to switch to a lower gear, if necessary, down to first (when equipped with AT, the control lever is moved up to position 2), then move downhill at low speed.

Maximum speed

The maximum speed with a trailer on the roads is limited to 80 km/h. The permissible axle load is determined so that at this speed normal trajectory stability is ensured. Even if higher speeds are permitted in other countries, you should still not drive faster for safety reasons.

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 the subject of special attention. For the trailer, the standards set by its manufacturer are decisive.

Rear view mirrors

If the field of view through the standard exterior rear-view mirrors is insufficient when driving with a trailer, the rules require that two mirrors be installed instead, in which the driver can see the trailer up to the rear edge of each side. You can purchase such mirrors, including those with adjustable brackets, at BMW service stations.

Electrical equipment

When transporting a caravan, it is necessary to take into account the increased power consumption. Therefore, taking into account the limited capacity of the battery, the switching on of current consumers should be short-lived.



Before leaving, be sure to check the operation of the trailer's rear lights.