BMW 316I, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 110 / 177

108
Roof rack*
A special roof rack system is available
as an accessory for your BMW. If it is
used, please comply with the installa-
tion instructions supplied.
Mounting points
Access to the mounting points:
Use the tool supplied with the roof rack
system to open the caps, see arrow.
Loading and driving hints
Loaded roof racks significantly alter the
driving and steering characteristics of
your car by raising the centre of gravity.
When loading the roof rack, ensure that
the specified roof load limit, the car's
gross weight limit and the axle loads
are not exceeded. The relevant figures
are shown in the "Technical data" sec-
tion, page 157.
The roof load must be uniformly distrib-
uted and should not be too large in
area. Heavy items of luggage should
always be placed at the bottom. Make
sure that there is sufficient clearance
for raising the sunroof and that no
objects extend back far enough to be
struck by the luggage compartment lid
when it is opened.
Secure loads to the roof rack so that
they cannot shift or fall off during the
journey, and thus endanger following
traffic.
Drive smoothly and avoid violent accel-
eration, braking or cornering. The roof
rack and roof load increase the car's
surface area exposed to the wind: fuel
consumption will be higher and the
loads on the roof structure of the car
more severe.
Towing a trailer
Cover flap*
Removing:
Reach into the recess at the bottom of
the trailer tow hitch cover flap and pull it
off to the rear and down, see arrow.
For attaching and removing the bar,
please see the separate instructions.
Installing:
Insert the flap into its guide and press it
up.
Trailer tow hitch*
If a trailer tow hitch is fitted by the man-
ufacturer, the vehicle will also be
equipped with uprated suspension* at
the rear as standard.
handbook.book Page 108 Thursday, December 19, 2002 4:29 PM