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EnglishDRIVING TIPS -> Trailer and rear carrier for your BMW X3 2024-2025
Trailer and rear carrier
DRIVING TIPS
Trailer and rear carrier
Stow the cargo as low and close to the trailer
axle as possible. A low center of gravity in the
trailer increases the driving safety of the entire
trailer.
Vehicle features and options
This chapter describes model-specific equip-
ment, systems, and functions that are currently
available, or may become available in the fu-
ture, even if they are not present in the vehicle.
Do not exceed the approved gross vehicle
weight of the trailer and the permissible trailer
load of the vehicle. The smaller value applies
in each case.
Additional information:
Vehicle equipment, refer to page 8.
Tire pressure
When towing a trailer, follow the tire pressure
specifications for the vehicle and the trailer.
Using trailers and rear
carriers
For the vehicle, the tire inflation pressure for
higher loads applies.
Principle
For the trailer, the specifications of the manu-
facturer apply.
The trailer and rear carrier, e.g., rear bicycle
rack, can be connected to the vehicle. When
driving with a trailer or rear carrier, you must
follow certain values and specifications for
drawbar nose weight, load, tire pressure, exte-
rior mirrors, and electrical consumption.
After correcting the tire pressure or connecting
or disconnecting a trailer, reinitialize the Flat
Tire Monitor or reset the Tire Pressure Monitor.
Additional information:
▷
Tire pressure specifications, refer to
page 330.
General information
▷
▷
Flat tire monitor, refer to page 353.
The permissible trailer loads, the axle loads,
the drawbar nose weights, and the permissible
gross vehicle weight are specified in the tech-
nical data.
Tire pressure monitor, refer to page 346.
Exterior mirrors
Exterior mirrors, which bring both rear edges
of the trailer into the driver's field of vision,
are available as optional accessories from an
authorized service center or another qualified
service center or repair shop.
Drawbar nose weight
The maximum payload of the towing vehicle is
reduced by the weight of the trailer hitch and
the drawbar nose weight. The drawbar nose
weight increases the vehicle weight. Do not ex-
ceed the approved gross vehicle weight of the
towing vehicle.
Electrical consumption
General information
Loading
To preserve the vehicle battery and reduce
electrical consumption, keep the switch-on
times of power consumers short during
camper operation.
To load the trailer, distribute the cargo as
evenly as possible over the loading surface.
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Follow the instructions for maintaining the
trailer hitch mount.
Trailer lighting
Before starting a drive, make sure that the
trailer lighting is working properly.
Additional information:
The output of the trailer lighting should not ex-
ceed:
Caring for special components, refer to
page 391.
▷
▷
▷
Turn signals/brake lights: 54 watts per side.
Tail lights: 100 watts total.
Safety information
Reversing lights: 54 watts total.
Warning
Care for trailer hitch mount
When driving, high temperatures can occur
underneath the vehicle body, e.g., due to the
exhaust system, brakes or radiator. Contact
with the hot components can cause burns.
There is a risk of injury. Do not touch hot
components. Do not perform work in the vi-
cinity of hot components until after they have
cooled down.
Depending on vehicle equipment, keep the
trailer hitch mount clean.
Regularly treat the bearing points and sliding
surfaces with resin-free grease or oil.
Before using steam/high-pressure cleaners on
the vehicle, remove the ball head and insert
the cover into the mount.
Removing the cover
Mount for trailer hitch
Principle
The trailer hitch mount is located at the rear of
the vehicle and is used to mount a trailer hitch.
General information
Pull the cover to the rear out of the mount and
stow it in your vehicle.
The mount for the trailer hitch is located on the
rear of the vehicle, see arrow.
Information on suitable trailer hitches is pro-
vided on the underside of the mount cross
member.
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Trailer power socket
Warning
If the trailer safety line or the trailer safety
chain is not fastened correctly, the safety line
or safety chain may get caught and cause
damage to the vehicle or trailer. There is a
risk of accident. Before driving with a trailer,
correctly couple the trailer safety line or the
trailer safety chain to the eye of the trailer
hitch. Ensure that the safety line or safety
chain can move freely and is not dragging on
the ground.
The trailer power socket is located to the left of
the trailer hitch mount.
Loops for trailer safety chain
Driving with trailers or rear
carriers
General information
Principle
To drive with a trailer or rear carrier, your
vehicle must meet certain requirements, e.g.,
trailer towing is activated. In certain driving sit-
uations, you must follow given instructions for
correct handling of your trailer or rear carrier,
e.g., when driving uphill or downhill.
When driving with a trailer or rear carrier, some
driver assistance systems may be restricted or
not available. A Check Control message is dis-
played where applicable. The driving stability
control systems, e.g., Antilock Braking System,
are still available.
Two eyes can be found on the mount for
the trailer hitch for attaching the trailer safety
chain.
Safety information
Additional information:
▷
Driver assistance systems, refer to
page 211.
Warning
If the trailer safety line or the trailer safety
chain is not fastened correctly, the trailer
may unintentionally come loose. There is a
risk of accident. Before driving with a trailer,
correctly couple the trailer safety line or the
trailer safety chain to the eye of the trailer
hitch.
▷
Driving stability control systems, refer to
page 206.
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socket. To avoid malfunctions, activate use of
the trailer or rear carrier manually.
Safety information
When the trailer socket is occupied or trailer
towing is activated, some driver assistance
systems may be restricted or not available. A
Check Control message is displayed where ap-
plicable.
Warning
If a trailer hitch is faulty, a trailer cannot be
sufficiently secured. There is a risk of acci-
dent, injury, and property damage. Do not
continue driving with a faulty trailer hitch.
Safety information
Warning
Warning
Depending on the design and loading of trail-
ers, they may begin swinging at speeds ex-
ceeding approx. 50 mph/80 km/h. There is a
risk of accidents and risk of property damage.
If the control display is configured incorrectly,
some driver assistance systems may have
limited functionality or malfunction. There is
a risk of accident. Make sure that the corre-
sponding setting is enabled when using the
trailer or rear carrier.
Adapt your speed when driving with a trailer.
Immediately brake in the case of swinging.
Apply necessary steering corrections as care-
fully as possible.
Activating/deactivating trailer towing
manually
Warning
Trailer towing can be activated or deactivated
manually.
The tire inflation pressure must be adjusted
to the increased axle weight in trailer tow-
ing. Driving with too low tire inflation pres-
sure can damage the tires. There is a risk of
accidents and risk of property damage. Do
not exceed a speed of 60 mph/100 km/h. In-
crease the tire pressure of the towing vehicle
by 0.2 bar/3 psi. Note the maximum possible
tire inflation pressure indicated on the tire.
1. Go through the menu as follows: Apps
menu / "Vehicle" / "Driving settings" /
"Driver Assistance" / "Trailer mode" /
"Type".
2. Select whether you are driving with or with-
out a trailer/rear carrier.
Setting the maximum speed
The maximum permitted speed for the vehicle-
trailer combination can be set when towing a
trailer. Depending on vehicle equipment, this
setting is considered by speed limit systems.
Using a trailer or rear carrier
General information
When the trailer socket is occupied, a selection
menu is shown on the control display. In the
menu, you can specify whether you are driving
your vehicle with a trailer or rear carrier.
1. Go through the menu as follows: Apps
menu / "Vehicle" / "Driving settings" /
"Driver Assistance" / "Trailer mode" / "Max.
speed".
Some driver assistance systems may have
limited functionality or may malfunction when
driving with a trailer or rear carrier, e.g., rear
bicycle rack, and an unoccupied trailer power
2. Select the desired speed.
Additional information:
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▷
▷
Speed Limit Info, refer to page 211.
With the Trailer Assistant, the steering wheel
is not used to steer the vehicle-trailer combina-
tion when reversing. The vehicle-trailer combi-
nation is steered by continuously entering and
correcting the articulation angle on the control
display or using the buttons for adjusting the
exterior mirrors. The articulation angle is the
angle between the vehicle and trailer. This an-
gle is thus the desired direction of travel for the
vehicle-trailer combination in reverse.
Speed Limit Assistant, refer to page 234.
Uphill grades
Permissible gradients
Trailer towing is permitted up to gradients of
12 %.
If higher trailer loads are approved at a later
point in time, the permitted gradient limit is
8 %.
When reversing, the system takes control of
steering the front wheels. The driver must con-
trol the speed using the accelerator and brake
pedals.
Driving off on uphill grades
When driving off on gradients with a vehicle-
trailer combination, use the parking brake to
prevent the vehicle-trailer combination from
rolling backwards.
Vehicle features and options
This system may not be available in the
owned vehicle, e.g. due to the selected op-
tional equipment, the national-market version
or the option for later enabling and software
updates. This also applies to individual func-
tions of the system.
1.
On the center console, press and
release the parking brake button shortly be-
fore driving off.
For information on whether a function is cur-
rently available in the vehicle or when the func-
tion can be installed in the vehicle, contact an
authorized service center or another qualified
service center or repair shop.
The parking brake is set.
2. Step on the accelerator pedal sufficiently to
drive off.
The parking brake is automatically released
when the accelerator pedal is activated.
Additional information:
Vehicle equipment, refer to page 8.
Hills
Vehicle-trailer combinations tend to sway
more on hills.
General information
Follow the information in the "Parking assis-
tance systems" chapter.
Manually downshift to the next-lowest gear
before driving on a hill and drive downhill
slowly.
Additional information:
Parking assistance systems, refer to page 238.
Safety information
Trailer Assistant
Principle
Warning
The system cannot serve as a substitute for
the driver’s personal judgment in assessing
the traffic situation. Based on the limits of
the system, it cannot independently react to
The Trailer Assistant helps when reversing
with a trailer.
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all traffic situations. There is a risk of acci-
dent, injury, and property damage. Adjust
driving style to traffic conditions. Watch the
surrounding traffic situation closely, be ready
to take over steering and braking at any time,
and actively intervene where appropriate.
properly. The operating tips can be turned on/
off.
1. Select a BMW ID or driver profile on the
control display.
2. Go through the menu as follows: Apps
menu / "Vehicle" / "Driving settings" /
"Driver Assistance" / "Parking" / "Operating
tips for Trailer Assistant".
Warning
The system can steer the vehicle over or onto
curbs. There is a risk of injury and risk of
property damage. Watch surrounding traffic
closely and actively intervene where appro-
priate
Reversing with the Trailer Assistant
The Trailer Assistant can be used for reversing
with a trailer.
1. Attach and connect a trailer to the vehicle.
2. Teach the Trailer Assistant.
3. Depending on vehicle equipment and na-
tional-market version, activate trailer tow-
ing on the control display.
Functional requirements
The following functional requirements apply for
the Trailer Assistant:
▷
▷
A trailer is attached and connected.
4.
When your vehicle is stationary,
press the Park Assist key on the center
console or engage reverse gear.
The system is taught for the trailer to be
used.
▷
Depending on vehicle equipment and na-
tional-market version, trailer towing is acti-
vated.
Parking assistance systems displays are
shown on the control display.
5. Bring up the following menu via iDrive:
"Start Trailer Assistant".
▷
▷
The rearview camera must be clean and
clear.
The control display shows the rearview
camera image with a view of the tow bar
and a stylized view of the vehicle with
trailer.
Vehicles with removable trailer hitch: Only
use suitable accessories approved by the
vehicle manufacturer.
6. Confirm or turn off operating tips on the
control display as necessary.
Teaching the Trailer Assistant
Whenever you hitch a trailer, the Trailer Assis-
tant must be taught again.
7. If necessary, shift into reverse.
8. Set the desired articulation angle.
A message on the control display prompts the
driver to drive forward at low speed while also
steering.
Follow the instructions on the control dis-
play.
9. Take your hands off the steering wheel
and carefully drive off using the accelerator
pedal and the brake.
Turning operating tips on/off
The Trailer Assistant operating tips provide
specific information for operating the system
The status symbol for the Trailer Assis-
tant illuminates green. The system takes
over the steering.
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When driving in reverse, observe the vehi-
cle's surroundings.
Activating/deactivating the trailer
brake
In case of obstacles, stop immediately and
take over steering.
The trailer brake intervention system helps
prevent the vehicle-trailer combination from
rolling away in an uncontrolled way. Whenever
the Trailer Assistant is canceled, the trailer
protection brake is applied and the vehicle is
secured at a standstill. The trailer brake can be
activated or deactivated.
10. If necessary, adjust the kink angle while
driving to correct the direction.
11. Engage selector lever position P when you
are finished maneuvering.
Go through the menu as follows: Apps
menu / "Vehicle" / "Driving settings" / "Driver
Assistance" / "Parking" / "Trailer protection
braking".
Canceling the Trailer Assistant
manually
Maneuvering of the car-trailer combination can
be aborted manually:
Bring up the following menu via iDrive:
"Cancel".
System limits
Speed threshold
The maximum speed is limited to approx.
6 mph/10 km/h.
Canceling the Trailer Assistant
automatically
The Trailer Assistant is canceled automatically
in situations such as the following:
If the maximum speed is exceeded, the func-
tion is interrupted.
▷
When the driver grasps the steering wheel
or takes over steering.
A warning is given at a speed of approx.
4 mph/7 km/h.
▷
When shifting from reverse gear to selec-
tor lever position D, the Trailer Assistant
switches to standby mode.
Functional limitations
The Trailer Assistant may be restricted in the
following situations:
If reverse gear is engaged again after a
short distance, the function is active again.
▷
Trailers with fifthwheel steering are not
supported.
▷
▷
During activation or intervention by driver
assistance systems.
▷
Accessories on tow bar, e.g., a rear bicycle
rack.
When the view on the control display is
overlaid with messages.
▷
▷
▷
Tow bars and trailers with unusual shapes.
Unsuitable removable trailer hitches.
Rearview camera is dirty or covered.
▷
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In case of a slippery surface.
When the vehicle is rolling such as on a
slope.
Additional information:
▷
▷
In case of changed ambient conditions.
Cameras, refer to page 36.
If the vehicle speed exceeds approx.
6 mph/10 km/h.
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Trailer stabilization control
Brake Controller
Trailer brakes only work if a brake controller is
installed.
Principle
Trailer stabilization control helps by absorbing
the swinging movements of the trailer.
Trailer brakes will not work without the brake
controller.
The system detects swinging and automati-
cally brakes the vehicle quickly in order to
leave the critical speed range and stabilize the
trailer.
The vehicle manufacturer recommends having
the brake controller installed by an authorized
service center or another qualified service cen-
ter or repair shop. Incorrect installation or pin-
ning of the connector can cause the trailer
lights and brake system to fail.
General information
If the trailer power socket is occupied but a
trailer has not been hitched, the system can
also become active in extreme driving situa-
tions, e.g., when using a bicycle rack with light-
ing.
For information on installing a brake control-
ler, contact an authorized service center or an-
other qualified service center or repair shop.
Rear carriers
Functional requirement
To use trailer stabilization control, the follow-
ing functional requirements must be met:
Principle
Rear carriers, e.g., rear bicycle racks, are devi-
ces that are mounted on the vehicle in order to
help transport cargo.
▷
▷
▷
A trailer is attached.
The trailer power socket is occupied.
Vehicle speed must be more than approx.
40 mph/65 km/h.
When driving with a rear carrier, you must fol-
low various specifications, e.g., correct load.
System limits
The system cannot intervene or not intervene
in time in the following situations, for instance:
General information
Rear carriers recommended by the manufac-
turer of the vehicle are available as optional
accessories.
▷
▷
▷
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If a trailer jackknifes suddenly, for instance
on slippery roads or loose surfaces.
Rear bicycle racks for a maximum of three bi-
cycles can be used.
If a trailer with a high center of gravity tilts,
before swinging is detected.
Only use rear carriers that are mounted directly
on the mount for the trailer hitch.
If Dynamic Stability Control is deactivated
or has malfunctioned.
Installation
Follow the assembly instructions for the rear
carrier when installing.
When the power consumption of a trailer is
too low, for instance due to tail lights with
LED technology, to be detected by the sys-
tem.
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Loading
Driving with a rear carrier
When loaded, rear carriers move the vehicle's
center of gravity, which affects how the vehicle
handles and steers.
Therefore, note the following when loading
and driving:
▷
Do not exceed the gross axle weight rating
and permissible gross vehicle weight.
▷
Drive cautiously and avoid driving off and
braking with jerky movements or fast cor-
nering.
The permissible gross weight of the loaded
rear carrier depends on how far its center of
gravity is from the ball head.
▷
If the center of gravity is up to 11.8 in-
ches/30 cm from the ball head, the gross
weight of the rear carrier must not exceed
165 lbs/75 kg.
▷
If the center of gravity is 23.5 inches/60 cm
from the ball head, the gross weight of the
rear carrier must not exceed 77 lbs/35 kg.
▷
▷
Stow heavy cargo as close as possible to
the ball head.
Fasten cargo securely to the rear carrier,
making sure it will not slip.
Before driving
Before starting your trip, make sure that the
tail lights on the rear carrier are working.
The maximum output of the rear carrier tail
lights should not exceed that of the trailer light-
ing.
Activate trailer towing when necessary to pre-
vent functional limitations and malfunctions of
driver assistance systems.
Additional information:
▷
▷
Electrical consumption, refer to page 313.
Driving with trailer or rear carrier, refer to
page 315.
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