Get DRIVING TIPS -> Trailer and rear carrier Guide for BMW X3 SUV Fourth Generation (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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DRIVING TIPS

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

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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DRIVING TIPS

▷

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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DRIVING TIPS

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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DRIVING TIPS

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.

▷

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.

▷

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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DRIVING TIPS

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.

321

DRIVING TIPS -> Trailer and rear carrier for Your BMW X3 SUV Fourth Generation (2024-2025)

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