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EnglishDRIVING HINTS -> Trailers and load carriers for your BMW X5 2018-2025
Trailers and load carriers
DRIVING HINTS
Trailers and load carriers
only be used for towing purposes, the trailer
Vehicle equipment
tow hitch assembly should not be used in con-
junction with any towbar-mounted carrying de-
vice, such as, for example, a bicycle carrier.
This chapter describes equipment, systems
and functions which are offered or may be of-
fered in future on a model-specific basis, even
if they are not included in the vehicle in ques-
tion.
As all BMW Group towbar assemblies are de-
signed, tested and approved as a single unit,
the practice of modifying or replacing the BMW
supplied towball mount assembly is not ap-
proved. Use only the genuine BMW towball
mount assembly.
For further information:
Vehicle equipment, see page 8.
BMW Group Australia does not recommend or
support the installation and use of a Weight
Distribution Hitch or Load Levelling Device on
any BMW Group vehicle. The use of such devi-
ces may affect the vehicle's warranty status.
General
The permitted trailer loads, axle loads, trailer
nose weights and permitted total weight rating
are specified in the technical data.
We recommend you consult your Authorised
BMW Dealer for any further advice or clarifica-
tion.
Consult an authorised Service Partner or an-
other qualified Service Partner or a special-
ist workshop about options for increasing the
loads.
Before a journey
The vehicle is equipped with reinforced springs
on the rear axle and, depending on the vehicle
type, with a more powerful cooling system.
Trailer nose weight
The trailer nose weight should not be less
than the minimum trailer nose weight of 25 kg,
55 lb. Utilise the maximum trailer nose weight
as far as possible.
If the trailer socket is occupied, the vehicle is
automatically raised or lowered to the normal
level. The vehicle can be adjusted to the nor-
mal level either when using the trailer socket or
when driving off.
The weight of the trailer tow hitch and the
trailer nose weight reduce the maximum load
of the towing vehicle. The trailer nose weight
increases the vehicle weight. Do not exceed
the permitted total weight of the towing vehi-
cle.
For Australia: note
Towing
The Australian/New Zealand Standards AS
4177.1-2004 Caravan and light trailer towing
components – trailer tow hitches and tow-
ing brackets includes the following statement
which BMW Group Australia herewith adopts:
FOR TRAILER TOWING ONLY. The trailer tow
hitch supplied with your BMW vehicle should
Loading
Distribute the load as evenly as possible over
the loading area.
Stow the load as low down as possible and as
close as possible to the trailer axle. A low cen-
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tre of trailer gravity makes the car/trailer com-
bination much more stable and safe to drive.
Not Australia/New Zealand:Trailer
rear lights
The permitted total weight of the trailer and
the permitted trailer load of the vehicle must
not be exceeded. The lower value is the limit
which should be adhered to.
The power output of the trailer's rear lights
must not exceed the following values:
▷
▷
▷
▷
▷
Turn indicators: 42 watts per side.
Rear lights: 50 watts per side.
Brake lights: 84 watts total.
Tyre inflation pressure
Check the vehicle's and the trailer's tyre infla-
tion pressures carefully.
Rear fog lights: 42 watts total.
Reversing lights: 42 watts total.
On the vehicle, the tyre inflation pressure for
higher loads applies.
Australia/New Zealand:Trailer rear
lights
For the trailer, the regulations of the manufac-
turer apply.
▷
▷
▷
▷
Turn indicators: 54 watts per side.
Rear lights: 100 watts in total.
Brake lights: 108 watts total.
Reversing lights: 54 watts total.
Re-initialise the flat tyre monitor or reset the
Tyre Pressure Monitor or after the tyre inflation
pressure has been corrected or a trailer has
been attached or detached.
For further information:
Not for Australia:Trailer
tow hitch with electrically
adjustable ball head
▷
Tyre inflation pressure information, see
page 362.
▷
▷
Flat Tyre Monitor, see page 380.
Tyre Pressure Monitor, see page 373.
General
Exterior mirrors
The adjustable ball head is located on the un-
derside of the vehicle.
Two exterior mirrors which bring both rear cor-
ners of the trailer into your field of view are
required by law. Mirrors of this type are avail-
able as optional accessories from an author-
ised Service Partner or another qualified Serv-
ice Partner or a specialist workshop.
Safety information
WARNING
If the ball head is not locked, unstable driving
conditions or accidents can result. There is a
risk of accident or material damage. Before
a journey with a trailer or load carrier, check
that the ball head is correctly locked.
Power consumption
General
Before the start of a journey, check the func-
tion of the trailer rear lights.
When towing a caravan, only operate power
consumers briefly to avoid placing an exces-
sive load on the vehicle battery.
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NOTICE
The ball head swivels out. The LED flashes
green.
4. Wait until the ball head has reached the
end position.
The trailer tow hitch is intended to be used
with a trailer. If the ball head of the trailer tow
hitch has been swivelled out, it may become
jammed if the vehicle is subsequently driven
without a trailer or load carrier. There is a
risk of material damage. Swivel the ball head
back in when driving without a trailer or load
carrier.
The LED in the button illuminates green
when the ball head has reached an end
position.
If the ball head is not properly locked, the LED
in the button lights up red.
Swivelling the ball head back in
1. Disconnect the trailer or load carrier.
Overview
2. Remove any fittings for the track-stabilising
devices.
3. Remove the power supply connector for the
trailer and any adapter from the socket.
4.
Press the button in the luggage
compartment.
The ball head swivels inwards. The LED
flashes green.
The button for swivelling the ball head in and
out is in the luggage compartment.
5. Wait until the ball head has reached the
end position.
Operating requirements
Interruption or reversal of the swivel
movement
▷
▷
▷
▷
▷
Vehicle is standing on level ground.
Luggage compartment is open.
General
The trailer socket is not occupied.
Trailer operation is not activated.
The vehicle battery is sufficiently charged.
The swivel movement is interrupted, might be
reversed or is not performed if electrical current
limits are exceeded, for example at very low
temperatures, or if mechanical resistance is
encountered. LED illuminates red.
The LED in the button illuminates green if the
system is operational.
Swivelling out the ball head
1. Open the luggage compartment.
Repeating the swivel movement with
the engine running
1. Switch on drive-ready state.
2. Step out of the swing range of the ball head
behind the vehicle.
2.
Press the button in the luggage
compartment and hold it until the ball head
has moved completely in or out.
3.
Press the button in the luggage
compartment.
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If necessary, repeat the swivel movement with
the button pressed and the engine running.
Australia only:Mount for
trailer tow hitch
The LED in the button illuminates green when
the ball head has reached an end position.
General
If the swivel movement is repeatedly interrup-
ted, contact an authorised Service Partner or
another qualified Service Partner or a specialist
workshop.
Trailer socket
The mount for the trailer tow hitch is located
on the rear of the vehicle.
Information about suitable trailer tow hitches
is found on the underside of the mount, see
arrow.
The trailer socket is located on the trailer tow
hitch.
Observe the care information for the trailer tow
hitch mount.
Fold down the cover.
For further information:
Care of special parts, see page 425.
Eye for securing cable
Safety information
WARNING
During vehicle operation, high temperatures
may occur under the vehicle body, for exam-
ple due to the exhaust system. Contact with
hot components can lead to burns. There is
a danger of injury. Do not touch hot compo-
nents. Do not work in the vicinity of hot com-
ponents until they have cooled down.
There is an eye on the trailer tow hitch for fas-
tening the trailer securing cable.
For increased safety when towing a trailer, at-
tach the trailer securing cable to the eye.
Check that the securing cable can move freely
and is not dragging on the ground.
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Check that the trailer safety rope can move
freely and is not dragging on the ground.
Removing the cover
Towing a trailer
General
When driving with a trailer or rear luggage rack,
some driver assistance systems are unavail-
able or only available to a limited extent. A
Check Control message is shown where appli-
cable.
Pull the cover out of the back of the bracket
and stow it in the vehicle.
Safety information
Trailer socket
WARNING
Speeds in excess of approximately 80 km/h,
50 mph, can be enough to cause trailer snak-
ing, depending on the type of trailer and the
load being carried. There is a risk of accident
or material damage.
Keep to an appropriate speed when towing a
trailer. If the trailer starts to snake, brake im-
mediately and make the necessary steering
corrections as carefully as possible.
The socket is located to the left of the mount
for the trailer tow hitch.
Eyes for trailer securing chain
WARNING
The tyre inflation pressure must be adapted
because of the increased axle load in trailer
operation. Driving with inadequate tyre infla-
tion pressure can damage the tyres. There
is a risk of accident or material damage. Do
not exceed a speed of 100 km/h, 60 mph. In-
crease the tyre inflation pressure of the tow-
ing vehicle by 0.2 bar. Note the maximum
possible tyre inflation pressure stated on the
tyre.
There are two eyes on the trailer tow hitch
mount for attaching the trailer securing chain.
For increased safety when towing a trailer dur-
ing a journey, attach the trailer securing chain
to the eyes.
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Operation with trailer or rear
luggage rack
Maximum speed
General
General
When towing a trailer, the maximum permitted
speed for the vehicle combination can be set.
Depending on the equipment, this setting is
taken into account for the speed limit systems.
If the trailer socket is occupied, a selection
menu is displayed on the control display. In the
selection menu, specify whether the vehicle is
to be driven with a trailer or rear luggage rack.
For further information:
When driving with a trailer or load carrier, e.g.
rear luggage rack, and if the trailer socket is
not occupied, some driver assistance systems
may only operate to a limited extent or may
malfunction. To avoid malfunctions, activate
the operation of the trailer or rear luggage rack
manually.
▷
▷
Speed Limit Info, see page 232.
Speed Limit Assist, see page 255.
Setting the maximum speed
1.
Apps menu
2. "Vehicle apps"
3. "Driving settings"
Safety information
4. "Driver assistance"
5. "Trailer mode"
WARNING
6. "Maximum permitted speed"
7. Select the required speed.
If incorrect settings are made on the control
display, some driver assistance system func-
tions may be restricted or faulty. There is a
risk of accident. Ensure that the relevant set-
ting is activated when operating with a trailer
or rear luggage rack.
Upward gradients
General
In the interest of safety and to avoid holding
up other traffic flow, do not attempt to climb
upward gradients steeper than 12 % in trailer
operation.
Activating/deactivating trailer
operation manually
If higher trailer loads have been subsequently
approved, the limit is 8%.
1.
Apps menu
2. "Vehicle apps"
3. "Driving settings"
4. "Driver assistance"
5. "Trailer mode"
6. "Type"
Driving off on upward gradients
The parking brake is automatically released
when the accelerator pedal is operated.
To prevent the vehicle from rolling back when
driving off, use the parking brake.
7. Select whether driving with or without
trailer/rear luggage rack.
1.
Pull and release the switch shortly
before starting.
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The parking brake is engaged.
General
2. To drive off, press the accelerator pedal
with sufficient force.
The kink angle determines the angle between
the vehicle and trailer and thus the desired di-
rection of travel of the car/trailer combination
in reverse.
Downhill gradient
On downward gradients, a car/trailer combina-
tion tends to start snaking movement earlier.
With the Trailer Assistant, the car/trailer com-
bination is not guided via the steering wheel
when reversing, but via the continuous input
and correction of the kink angle on the control
display.
Before the downhill gradient, shift down man-
ually to the next-lowest gear and drive down-
hill slowly.
The system takes control of the steering. The
speed must be controlled by the driver using
the accelerator pedal and the brake.
High loads and high outside
temperature
Follow the information in the Chapter “Parking
assistance systems”.
NOTICE
For further information:
On long journeys with high trailer loads, a
high outside temperature and a low fuel tank
capacity, the fuel system can overheat lead-
ing to reduced engine output. There is a risk
of material damage. Refuel in good time. On
long journeys with high trailer loads and a
high outside temperature, make sure that the
fuel tank is more than 1/4 full.
Parking assistance systems, see page 263.
Safety information
WARNING
The system does not relieve you of your per-
sonal responsibility to assess the traffic situa-
tion correctly. Due to system limits, it cannot
respond independently and appropriately in
all traffic situations. There is a risk of acci-
dent. Adapt your driving style to the traffic
conditions. Observe the traffic situation, be
ready to take over steering and braking at
any time, and actively intervene if the situa-
tion warrants it.
Trailer Assistant
Principle
The Trailer Assistant provides support when
reversing with a trailer.
The front wheels are steered when reversing.
Vehicle equipment
WARNING
This system may not be available in the vehi-
cle in question, for example due to the selected
optional equipment, the national-market ver-
sion or the possibility of subsequent enabling
and software updates. This also applies to the
individual functions of the system.
The system can steer the vehicle over or onto
kerbs. There is a danger of injury or material
damage. Observe the traffic situation and in-
tervene actively if the situation warrants it
For further information:
Vehicle equipment, see page 8.
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Operating requirements
Reversing with Trailer Assistant
1. Attach trailer to vehicle and connect.
▷
A trailer must be attached and connected.
▷
Depending on the equipment and national-
market version, trailer operation must be
activated.
2. Depending on the equipment and national-
market version, activate the trailer opera-
tion on the control display.
▷
▷
The trailer towbar length used must be ad-
justed depending on the equipment and
national-market version.
3.
With the vehicle at a standstill, press
the button or engage reverse gear.
If necessary, when using the Trailer Assis-
tant for the first time, calibrate the system
to the trailer in use.
The display of the parking assistance sys-
tems is shown.
4. "Start Trailer Assistant"
▷
▷
The Reversing Assist Camera must be
clean and unobstructed.
The control display shows the Reversing
Assist Camera image with a view of the
trailer towbar and a stylised display of the
vehicle with the trailer.
Vehicles with removable trailer tow hitch:
use suitable accessories approved by
BMW.
5. If necessary, engage reverse gear.
6. Set the desired kink angle.
Adjusting the trailer towbar length
1.
Follow the instructions on the control dis-
play as applicable.
Apps menu
2. "Vehicle apps"
7. Take your hands off the steering wheel and
carefully drive in reverse with the accelera-
tor pedal and the brake.
3. "Driving settings"
4. "Driver assistance"
5. "Parking"
Green: the system takes control of the
steering.
6. "Towbar length"
When driving in reverse, observe the vehicle
surroundings.
7. Set the required trailer towbar length.
Switching operating tips on/off
Operating tips can be displayed for easier op-
eration of the Trailer Assistant.
In case of obstacles, stop immediately and
take over control of the vehicle.
8. If necessary, adjust the kink angle during
driving to correct the direction.
1. Select the BMW ID or driver profile.
9. Engage selector lever position P at the end
of the manoeuvring process.
2.
Apps menu
3. "Vehicle apps"
4. "Driving settings"
5. "Driver assistance"
6. "Parking"
Cancelling Trailer Assistant
manually
The manoeuvring of the car/trailer combina-
tion can be cancelled manually:
7. "Operating tips for Trailer Assistant"
"Cancel"
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Automatically cancelling Trailer
Assistant
The system automatically cancels in situations
such as the following:
System limits
General
The maximum speed is limited to approx.
10 km/h, approx. 6 mph.
▷
If the driver grips the steering wheel or
steers the vehicle.
A warning occurs at a speed of approx. 7 km/h,
approx. 4 mph.
▷
When shifting from reverse gear to selec-
tor lever position D, the Trailer Assistant
switches to standby mode.
If the maximum speed is exceeded, the func-
tion will be cancelled.
If reverse gear is engaged again after a
short distance, the function is reactivated.
Function limitation
The following can restrict the function during
manoeuvring or lead to a collision:
▷
▷
During activation or intervention by driver
assistance systems.
▷
Accessories on the trailer towbar, e.g. bicy-
cle carrier.
When the display on the control display is
faded due to messages.
▷
▷
Special shapes of trailer towbar and trailer.
Unsuitable, detachable trailer tow hitches.
▷
▷
In case of a slippery surface.
When the vehicle is rolling, for example on a
slope.
Trailers with pivot steering are not supported.
▷
▷
In case of changed environmental factors.
At speeds over approximately 10 km/h,
6 mph.
Trailer Stability Control
Principle
Turning trailer protection brake
on/off
After each cancellation of the Trailer Assistant,
the trailer protection brake is applied and the
vehicle is secured at a standstill. As a result,
the car/trailer combination cannot continue to
roll uncontrolled. This function can be turned
on and off.
Trailer Stability Control assists in intercepting
trailer snaking movements.
The system detects snaking movements and
promptly brakes the vehicle so that the vehicle
speed falls to below the critical speed range
and the outfit is stabilised.
General
1.
Apps menu
The system can also activate in extreme driv-
ing situations when the trailer socket is occu-
pied without a trailer attached, for example
when using a bicycle carrier with lighting.
2. "Vehicle apps"
3. "Driving settings"
4. "Driver assistance"
5. "Parking"
Operating requirements
The system is operational from a speed of ap-
proximately 65 km/h, 40 mph in trailer opera-
tion and with the trailer socket occupied.
6. "Trailer protection braking"
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System limits
Loading
The system is unable to intervene or inter-
venes too late, in the following situations for
example:
▷
▷
▷
▷
If a trailer folds instantly, for example on
slippery or loose road surfaces.
If a trailer with a high centre of gravity tips
over before snaking movement is detected.
If Dynamic Stability Control is deactivated
or has failed.
The permitted total weight of the rear luggage
rack when loaded depends on how far its cen-
tre of gravity is from the ball head.
If the power consumption of a trailer is too
low to be detected by the system, for ex-
ample due to LED rear lights.
▷
If the centre of gravity is up to 30 cm, ap-
prox. 11.8 in away from the ball head, the
total weight of the rear luggage rack must
not exceed 75 kg, 165 lbs.
Rear luggage rack
Principle
The ball head of the trailer tow hitch can be
used as a mount for rear luggage racks, for
example bicycle carrier systems.
▷
If the centre of gravity is 60 cm, approx.
23.5 in from the ball head, the total weight
of the rear luggage rack must not exceed
35 kg, 77 lbs.
▷
▷
Stow heavy loads as close as possible to
the ball head.
General
Fasten loads securely to the rear lug-
gage rack and secure them against sliding
around.
Rear luggage racks which the manufacturer
has classified as suitable are available as op-
tional accessories.
Bicycle carrier systems for up to three bicycles
can be used.
Before a journey
Before starting the journey, check the function
of the rear lights of the rear luggage rack.
Fitting
The maximum output of the rear lights of the
rear luggage rack must not exceed the values
for trailer rear lights.
Follow the installation instructions for the rear
luggage rack.
To prevent functional limitations and malfunc-
tions affecting driver assistance systems, acti-
vate trailer operation accordingly.
For further information:
▷
▷
Operation with a trailer or rear luggage
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Driving with a rear luggage rack
Loaded rear luggage racks change the driving
and steering behaviour of the vehicle by shift-
ing the centre of gravity.
Therefore when loading and driving, bear the
following in mind:
▷
Do not exceed the permitted axle load or
the permitted total weight.
▷
Drive cautiously and avoid driving off and
braking suddenly or fast cornerings.
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