BMW 316I, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 111 / 177

109
If a trailer tow hitch is retrofitted, it must
be of a type approved by BMW and be
expertly installed by BMW Service. It is
best to have uprated suspension fitted
as well.
BMW does not approve any other sus-
pension systems offered by the auto-
motive trade.
See the manufacturer's instructions for
information about upkeep and installa-
tion of the removable tow hitch.
If a trailer tow hitch is installed, the
self-regenerating action of the
rear bumper system may not be able to
take effect.
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Nose weight
In Germany: a minimum nose weight of
25 kg (55 lb) is stipulated by law.
Permissible nose weight, see page 157.
The trailer's nose weight affects the
towing vehicle, and must not lead to the
car's gross weight limit or rear axle load
limit being exceeded if a trailer is being
towed. 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.
Towing a trailer
The permissible trailer load and nose
weights (towbar downthrust) are stated
in "Technical Data", see page 157. The
trailer load limit is also entered in the
car's registration papers. Consult BMW
Service regarding increased trailer
weights.
Loading:
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.
Gradients:
In the interests of safety and to avoid
holding up other traffic, do not attempt
to climb gradients steeper than 12%. If
an application is made to tow a heavier
trailer, the limit is 8%, see page 157.
Downhill gradients:
Take particular care on downhill gradi-
ents, because a trailer's tendency to
fishtail, or swing from side to side, is
more pronounced on a downhill slope:
on the approach to the downslope,
always shift down to the next-lower
gear, if necessary as far as 1st gear,
and drive down the hill slowly.
Maximum speed:
The maximum speed limit when towing
a trailer is 80 km/h (50 mph) in Ger-
many, and similar speed limits apply in
other countries also.
If the trailer begins to swing from side
to side, the outfit can only be stabilised
by immediately and sharply applying
the brakes. Do not try to counter the
trailer's action by turning the steering
wheel unless absolutely necessary, and
keep all movements of the steering
wheel as gentle as possible.
Tyre pressures:
Check the car's and the trailer's tyre
pressures most carefully. For the trailer,
comply with the manufacturer's recom-
mendations.
Outside mirrors:
Legislation prescribes two outside mir-
rors which bring both rear corners of
the trailer into your field of view. Suita-
ble mirrors can be obtained from BMW
Service.
Towing a trailer
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handbook.book Page 109 Thursday, December 19, 2002 4:29 PM