Get DRIVING HINTS -> Trailers and load carriers Guide for BMW X5 SUV 2024

Trailers and load carriers

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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

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.

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.

Press the button in the luggage

compartment and hold it until the ball head

has moved completely in or out.

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

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

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%.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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:

▷

Power consumption, see page 345.

Operation with a trailer or rear luggage

rack, see page 348.

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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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