Towing a Trailer

Towing a trailer places higher demands on both the towing vehicle and the driver.
A trailer limits maneuverability, hill-climbing ability, acceleration and braking capability, and affects the dynamic characteristics and handling of the vehicle.
Refer to the Specifications for the permissible trailer weight and the permissible drawbar load. The permissible trailer weight is also indicated in the vehicle registration document. Inquire at any BMW service center about the possibility of increasing it.

Trailer hitch*

If the trailer hitch is installed 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 optimized chassis design of your vehicle guarantees high driving safety and comfort, as well as the capability for sporty driving. The chassis allows towing a trailer with a load whose weight does not exceed the limit permitted for the vehicle in standard equipment, if you tow a trailer only on vacation or somewhat more often, and your driving style corresponds to more demanding operating conditions.
When retrofitting the vehicle with a trailer hitch* with a detachable ball coupling, it must have BMW approval. Its installation must be performed technically correctly at an authorized BMW service center.
The detachable part of the trailer hitch with the ball coupling must be coated with grease; this facilitates its installation and removal.
When a trailer hitch is installed after the vehicle leaves the factory, it is also recommended to equip the vehicle with a reinforced suspension. This is also a condition for obtaining permission to drive (for certain trailer types) with a greater trailer weight. Vehicles with automatic ride height control do not necessarily need a reinforced suspension.
Other suspension systems offered for free sale in the accessories trade do not have BMW approval.
Installing a trailer hitch limits the effectiveness of the rear bumper system, which absorbs collision energy at low speeds through elastic deformation.
Stabilizing devices are recommended primarily when towing heavy trailers. Inquire at any BMW service center.

Trailer hitch receptacle cover*

To remove the cover, grasp it at the top by the recess, pull it downward, pry with a screwdriver if necessary, and remove the cover from the lower guide.
Before removing and installing the ball joint, refer to the separate instructions supplied.
When installing the cover, first insert its groove into the guide, then press on the upper part of the cover.

Permissible Towing Hitch Load

This refers to the load with which the trailer coupling presses on the ball of the towing hitch. It can be determined, for example, with a household floor scale.
According to the regulations in effect in Germany, this value must be at least 25 kg.
The permissible value must not be exceeded; however, it is advisable to use it to the maximum.
The mass with which the trailer drawbar presses on its support affects vehicle handling. Therefore, when towing a trailer, the permissible gross vehicle weight and the permissible rear axle load must not be exceeded. Payload is partially reduced by the mass of the towing hitch. The permissible gross combination weight must not be exceeded either.

Loading

The trailer must be loaded so that the cargo is placed as low and as close to the axle as possible.
Lowering the center of gravity of the trailer significantly improves driving safety when towing.
The gross trailer weight and the permissible towed load must not be exceeded. The lower value is decisive.
When purchasing a trailer, it is recommended to request written confirmation from the seller/manufacturer of the trailer's actual weight and payload.

Driving Uphill

The maximum gradient (measured at sea level) is limited to 12% for safety reasons and to avoid disrupting traffic flow, and to 8% when towing a heavier load (where permitted).
Experience shows that engine output decreases as altitude increases. When driving on mountain roads, be aware in particular of reduced ability to start moving on an incline, and therefore do not make full use of the permissible limits for vehicle and trailer mass.

Driving Downhill

Downhill grades require special attention. Before the descent, always shift to a lower gear, if necessary down to first gear (on vehicles with AT, move the selector lever to position 2), and then descend at low speed.

Maximum Speed

The maximum speed when towing a trailer on roads is limited to 80 km/h. The permissible axle load is determined so that normal directional stability is ensured at this speed. Even if higher speeds are permitted in other countries, for safety reasons do not drive faster.
The effect of the trailer can only be countered by immediate braking.

Tire Air Pressure

Special attention must be paid to the air pressure in the tires of the vehicle and the trailer. For the trailer, the standards specified by its manufacturer are decisive.

Rear View Mirrors

If, when towing a trailer, the field of view through the standard outside rear view mirrors is insufficient, regulations require installing two mirrors instead, through which the driver can see the trailer up to the rear edge of each side. Such mirrors, including those with adjustable brackets, can be obtained at a BMW service station.

Electrical Equipment

When towing a holiday trailer, take into account the increased power consumption. Therefore, given the limited battery capacity, electrical consumers should be switched on only briefly.
Before departure, always check the operation of the trailer's rear lights.