Driving precautions
122
The car's payload limit is reduced by the
weight of the trailer tow hitch and, if a trailer
is being towed, by its nose weight. The
gross weight limit for the combined car and
trailer must not be exceeded.
Load
When loading the trailer, make sure that the
weight is kept as low as possible and
stowed if possible close to the axle.
A low centre of trailer gravity makes the
outfit much more stable and safe to drive.
Do not exceed either the trailer's gross
weight or the specified trailer load limit for
the car. The smaller value is the limit which
should be adhered to.
Before purchasing a trailer, it is advisable
to obtain a declaration from the trailer
manufacturer concerning the effective
trailer weight and trailer payload limit.
Gradients
In the interests of safety and to avoid
holding up other traffic, do not attempt to
climb gradients steeper than 12
X
.Ifa
supplementary permit for towing a heavier
trailer is obtained, the limit is 8
X
.
As altitude above sea level increases,
engine power output tends to drop. You
should therefore take particular care when
drivingthrough mountainous country,since
the maximum gradient on which the outfit
can be started may be lower than usual and
it may not be possible to exploit the full
gross weight limit of the car and trailer.
Downhill gradients
Special care must be taken when
descending gradients:
Before doing so, in the automatic transmis-
sion's manual mode, see page 63, always
change down to the next-lower gear and
if necessary as far as 1st gear and drive
down the hill slowly.
Speed limit
The maximum speed limit when towing a
trailer is 80 km/h (approx. 50 mph) in
Germany, and similar speed limits apply in
other countries also. The trailer load limits
have been chosen to ensure that driving
stability is satisfactory at this speed. If
higher speed limits are permitted in other
countries, you are none the less recom-
mended not to drive faster for safety
reasons.
If the trailer begins to snake, the outfit can
only be stabilised by braking immediately.
Tyre pressures
Check the car's and the trailer's tyre pres-
sures most carefully. For the trailer, comply
with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Outside mirrors
If the standard outside mirror is not suitable
for towing a trailer, legislation prescribes
two outside mirrors which bring both rear
corners of the trailer into your field of view.
Mirrors of this kind, including versions with
adjustable arms, can be obtained from
BMW Service.
Electrical system
Higher electrical consumption can be
expected if a caravan is towed. Try to
avoid operating electrical equipment for
too long at a time, in order to limit the drain
on the car's battery.
<
Before starting a journey, check that
the trailer's rear lights are operating
correctly.
<
ba.book Page 122 Thursday, December 19, 2002 8:13 PM
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