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

Trailers and load carriers  
DRIVING HINTS  
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  
Loading  
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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Trailers and load carriers  
DRIVING HINTS  
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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DRIVING HINTS  
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.  
4.  
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.  
2.  
Press the button in the luggage  
compartment and hold it until the ball head  
has moved completely in or out.  
3.  
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  
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  
1.  
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%.  
1.  
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.  
1.  
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.  
3.  
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  
1.  
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.  
2.  
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  
1.  
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  
Loading  
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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