BMW 2007 X5 3.0d, Owner'S Handbook Manual

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Trailer tow hitch*
Cars fitted with a trailer tow hitch prior to deliv-
ery are equipped with uprated suspension at
the rear axle and a more powerful engine cool-
ing system, as appropriate for the model.
Look after a detachable ball end in accordance
with the manufacturer's operating instructions,
to ensure that it can be fitted and removed with-
out difficulty.
Due to the body reinforcements at the rear end
of the car, the effect of the regenerable bumper
system is limited.
Stowing away
The detachable ball hitch is stowed away in the
load area, beneath the floor panel flap.
Fitting and removing
The procedure for fitting and removing the ball
hitch is described in the enclosed manufac-
turer's operating instructions.
Before a journey
Nose weight
It is important to ensure that the nose weight is
never less than a minimum of 25 kg, approx.
55 lb. Information about nose weight limits is
given from page
242 onwards. The nose weight
should be kept close to this limit.
The trailer's nose weight affects the towing
vehicle and thus increases its weight. The
weight of the trailer tow hitch and the nose
weight reduce the maximum payload of your
BMW. Please ensure that these do not cause
the gross weight limit of the towing vehicle to be
exceeded if a trailer is being towed.
Loads
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 permitted
gross weight or the specified permitted towing
load for the car. The smaller value is the limit
which should be adhered to.
Tyre pressures
Take great care to check the car's and the
trailer's tyre pressures. For the car, the tyre
inflation pressures for heavy loads apply, see
page
216 . After each correction of the tyre
pressures, reinitialise the Run Flat Indicator,
see page
87 . For the trailer, comply with the
manufacturer's specifications.
Run Flat Indicator
Reinitialise the Run Flat Indicator after a trailer
has been attached or detached, see page
87 .
Outside mirrors
Two outside mirrors which bring both rear cor-
ners of the trailer into your field of view are
required by law. Mirrors of this kind can be
obtained from BMW Service as optional acces-
sories.
Electrical consumers
When towing a caravan, try to avoid operating
electrical equipment for too long at a time, in
order to limit the drain on the car's battery.
The power output of the trailer's rear lights
must not exceed the following values:
Flashing turn indicators: 21 W each side
Stop lights: 30 W each side
Brake lights: 42 W total
Rear fog lights: 42 W total
Reversing lights: 42 W total.
Before starting a journey, check that the
trailer's rear lights are operating correctly.
Driving without functioning rear lights could put
other road users at risk.
<
Towing a trailer
Do not exceed a speed of 80 km/h,
approx. 50 mph, otherwise the trailer may
start to snake depending on design and load. <
Counteracting snaking
If the trailer nevertheless begins to snake, the
outfit can only be stabilised by braking hard
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