Towing a Trailer

Data on the permissible towing capacity and tow hitch load can be found in the section "Technical Data" on page 187. The permissible towing capacity is also listed in the vehicle registration document. Information on increasing the towing capacity is available from any BMW service center. When towing heavy loads, tire inflation pressure may need to be increased. Necessary information is available from any BMW service center.

Trailer Hitch

If the trailer hitch is installed at the factory, the vehicle is equipped with a reinforced rear suspension.

To ensure the removable ball coupling always installs and removes easily, maintain it in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Installing a trailer hitch reduces the effectiveness of the rear bumper system, which absorbs impact energy through elastic deformation.

Trailer Hitch Receiver Cover

Removal: pull the handle and remove the trailer hitch cover.

The procedure for installing and removing the removable ball coupling is described in a separate manual.

Installation: place the cover in position and press it down.

Before Driving: Permissible Tow Hitch Load. Observe the specified values. The minimum tow hitch load is 4% of the trailer weight, which is at least 25 kg.

The tow hitch load affects the overall vehicle weight. The maximum permissible payload is reduced by the weight of the trailer hitch and the load it imposes. Take this into account and do not exceed the maximum gross vehicle weight when driving with a trailer.

Loading Luggage:

Load the trailer as far forward as possible and, if possible, close to the trailer axle. Secure the load so that it cannot shift within the trailer.

A low center of gravity of the trailer improves the safety of the entire vehicle combination.

Never exceed the permissible values for the total trailer weight and the permissible trailer load. Always use the lower value as a guide.

The ratio of tow vehicle weight to trailer weight has a decisive influence on the stability of the entire vehicle combination. Consider redistributing the weight, especially if the trailer is heavier than the tow vehicle.

Tire pressure:

Pay special attention to the tire pressure of the vehicle and trailer. The tire pressure of the vehicle must correspond to the values specified for maximum load, see page 146. For the trailer, the values specified by its manufacturer are decisive.

If the trailer weight exceeds 2300 kg, increase the pressure in all tires by a further 0.3 bar. Observe the permissible trailer load values.

Outside mirrors:

Regulations require two outside rear view mirrors that allow the driver to observe both rear corners of the trailer. Such mirrors are available from a BMW Service Center.

Electrical consumers:

When towing a trailer caravan, the time for switching on electrical consumers must take into account battery capacity and, in any case, be kept to a minimum.

Always check the operation of the trailer tail lights before setting off.

Towing a Trailer

Avoid sharp steering movements and reduce speed on poor roads and in bad weather conditions. The maximum permissible speed of the vehicle with trailer is 80 km/h. Also observe the speed limits in effect in the country of travel. Excessive speed may cause the vehicle combination to lose stability.

Stabilizing the vehicle combination:

If the trailer begins to sway, do not try to stabilize the vehicle combination by braking hard.

Reducing speed can improve stability. Avoid unnecessary steering movements. If steering is required, act with extreme caution so as not to interfere with other road users.

The Trailer Stability Assist system will help you stabilize the vehicle combination.

Trailer Stability Assist:

As soon as the system detects trailer sway, it brakes the vehicle combination to a safe speed, restoring stability.

The system operates at speeds of 65 km/h and above when trailer electrical equipment is connected to the vehicle. It does not function when DSC is switched off or faulty.

In an emergency, the system may have a stabilizing effect even if the corresponding socket is connected to a device other than trailer electrical equipment, such as a bicycle carrier light.

The system cannot react in time to a sudden trailer skid, for example on slippery roads or loose ground.

A trailer with a high center of gravity may tip over even without swaying first.

Driving uphill:

For safety reasons and to avoid disrupting traffic flow, the gradient that can be negotiated, measured at sea level, is limited to 12 %. With the increased permissible trailer load, this limit is 8 %.

Driving downhill:

On downhill grades the trailer is more prone to swaying, so the driver must pay increased attention:

Before starting the descent, shift to a low gear, down to first, and descend slowly and carefully.

Trailer with overrun brake:

Apply the brake pedal as lightly as possible to allow the trailer to push, then gradually increase the braking force, otherwise the vehicle combination may lose stability.

Do not disconnect the trailer while it is in an overrun condition, to avoid damaging the vehicle.

Vehicles with two-axle level control: When driving with a trailer, select normal ride height and avoid changing it.

At normal ride height, the system recognizes a trailer by the connection of its electrical system and does not allow the ground clearance to be changed.

If a trailer was attached while the vehicle was at raised or lowered ride height, normal height can be restored by pressing the control system button or by reaching the speed at which the vehicle automatically returns to normal height. Once the body has returned to normal height, its height above the road no longer changes.