Get DRIVING TIPS -> Trailer and rear carrier Guide for BMW XM SUV First Generation (2023-2025)

Trailer and rear carrier

DRIVING TIPS

Trailer and rear carrier

Tire pressure

Note the tire inflation pressure of the vehicle

and 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.

For the vehicle, the tire inflation pressure for

higher loads applies.

For the trailer, the specifications of the manu-

facturer apply.

Additional information:

Vehicle equipment, refer to page 8.

After correcting the tire inflation pressure or

connecting or disconnecting a trailer, reinitial-

ize the Flat Tire Monitor display or reset the

Tire Pressure Monitor.

General information

Additional information:

The permissible trailer loads, axle weights,

drawbar node weights, and the permissible

gross vehicle weight are specified in the tech-

nical data.

▷

Tire pressure specifications, refer to

page 343.

▷

Tire pressure monitor, refer to page 356.

Flat tire monitor, refer to page 362.

Before driving

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

Before start of the trip, check the function of

the trailer tail lights.

Loading

Distribute cargo as evenly as possible on the

loading platform.

Keep the activation times of the electrical com-

ponents short during camper operation to save

the vehicle battery power.

Stow the payload 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 car-trailer combination.

Trailer tail lights

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.

The consumption of the trailer tail lights must

not exceed the following values:

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▷

Turn signals/brake lights: 54 watts per side.

Safety information

Rear lights: 100 watts in total.

Reversing lights: 54 watts in total.

Warning

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.

Care for trailer hitch mount

Depending on vehicle equipment, keep the

mount clean.

Regularly grease or oil bearings and sliding

surfaces with resin-free greases or oils.

Before using steam cleaners or high pressure

cleaners on the vehicle, remove the ball head

and insert the cover into the mount.

Removing the cover

Mount for trailer hitch

General information

Pull the cover out of the back of the mount,

and stow it in the vehicle.

Trailer power socket

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.

Follow the instructions for maintaining the

trailer hitch mount.

Additional information:

Caring for special components, refer to

page 397.

The trailer power socket is located to the left of

the trailer hitch mount.

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Loops for trailer safety chain

Driving with trailer or rear

carrier

General information

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.

If necessary, select another driver assistance

system that can be used while towing a trailer,

e.g., Active Cruise Control.

There are two loops on the mount for the

trailer hitch for locking the trailer safety chain.

Additional information:

▷

Driver assistance systems, refer to

page 222.

Safety information

Driving stability control systems, refer to

page 210.

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.

Cruise control, refer to page 226.

Safety information

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.

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.

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.

Adapt your speed when driving with a trailer.

Immediately brake in the case of swinging.

Apply necessary steering corrections as care-

fully as possible.

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Activating/deactivating trailer towing

manually

Warning

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.

Apps menu

2. "Vehicle"

3. "Driving settings"

4. "Driver Assistance"

5. "Trailer mode"

6. "Type"

7. Select whether you are driving with or with-

out a trailer/rear carrier.

Maximum speed

Using a trailer or rear carrier

General information

When towing a trailer, you can configure

the maximum permitted speed for the vehi-

cle-trailer combination. Depending on vehicle

equipment, this setting is considered by speed

limit systems.

When the trailer socket is occupied, a selection

menu is shown on the control display. In the

menu, specify whether you are driving your ve-

hicle with a trailer or rear carrier.

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

socket. To avoid malfunctions, activate use of

the trailer or rear carrier manually.

Additional information:

▷

Speed Limit Info, refer to page 222.

Speed Limit Assistant, refer to page 247.

Setting the maximum speed

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.

1.

Apps menu

2. "Vehicle"

3. "Driving settings"

4. "Driver Assistance"

5. "Trailer mode"

Safety information

6. "Maximum permitted speed"

7. Select the desired speed.

Warning

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.

Uphill grades

General information

Trailer towing is permitted up to gradients of

12 %.

If higher trailer loads are approved at a later

point in time, the gradient limit is 8%.

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Vehicle equipment, refer to page 8.

Driving off on uphill grades

The parking brake is automatically released

when the accelerator pedal is activated.

General information

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.

In order to prevent rolling back when driving

off, use the parking brake.

1. Pull

and release the switch shortly

With the Trailer Assistant, the car-trailer com-

bination is not guided by the steering wheel

when reversing, but by continuous correction

of the articulation angle on the control display.

before starting. Press and release the

The parking brake is set.

2. Step on the accelerator pedal sufficiently to

drive off.

The system takes over the steering. The driver

must control the speed using the accelerator

and brake pedals.

Hills

Follow the information in the "Parking assis-

tance systems" chapter.

A car-trailer combination has the tendency to

swing more readily on hills.

Additional information:

Manually downshift to the next-lowest gear

before driving on a hill and drive downhill

slowly.

Parking assistance systems, refer to page 251.

Safety information

Trailer Assistant

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

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.

Principle

The Trailer Assistant helps when reversing

with a trailer.

When reversing, the steering of the front

wheels is determined by entering the kink an-

gle and adopted by the system.

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.

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

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.

Additional information:

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Trailer and rear carrier

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Functional requirements

4.

With the vehicle at a standstill, press

button or engage reverse gear.

▷

A trailer is attached and connected.

▷

The system is taught for the trailer to be

used.

Parking assistance systems displays are

shown on the control display.

▷

Depending on vehicle equipment and na-

tional-market version, trailer towing is acti-

vated.

5. "Start Trailer Assistant"

The control display shows the rearview

camera image with a view of the tow bar

and a stylized view of the vehicle with

trailer.

▷

The rearview camera is clean and clear.

Vehicles with removable trailer hitch: Use

suitable accessories approved by the vehi-

cle 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 gear.

8. Set the desired kink angle.

Follow the instructions on the control dis-

play.

A message on the control display prompts the

driver to drive forward at low speed while also

steering.

9. Take your hands off the steering wheel and

carefully drive in reverse with the accelera-

tor pedal and the brake.

Turning operating tips on/off

Green: the system takes control of

steering.

The Trailer Assistant operating tips provide

specific information for operating the system

properly. The operating tips can be turned on/

off.

When driving in reverse, observe the vehi-

cle's surroundings.

In case of obstacles, stop immediately and

take over steering.

1. Select the BMW ID or driver profile.

2.

Apps menu

10. If necessary, adjust the kink angle while

driving to correct the direction.

3. "Vehicle"

11. Engage selector lever position P when fin-

ished maneuvering.

4. "Driving settings"

5. "Driver Assistance"

6. "Parking"

Canceling the Trailer Assistant

manually

7. "Operating tips for Trailer Assistant"

Maneuvering of the car-trailer combination can

be aborted manually:

Reversing with the Trailer Assistant

1. Attach and connect trailer to vehicle.

2. Teaching the Trailer Assistant.

"Cancel"

3. Depending on vehicle equipment and na-

tional-market version, activate trailer tow-

ing on the control display.

Canceling the Trailer Assistant

automatically

The system automatically cancels in situations

such as the following:

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Trailer and rear carrier

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▷

When the driver grasps the steering wheel

or takes over steering.

If the maximum speed is exceeded, the func-

tion is interrupted.

When shifting from reverse gear to selec-

tor lever position D, the Trailer Assistant

switches to standby mode.

Functional limitations

The system may be limited 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 dirty or covered.

Additional information:

▷

In case of a slippery surface.

When the vehicle is rolling such as on a

slope.

▷

In case of changed ambient conditions.

Cameras, refer to page 39.

If the vehicle speed exceeds approx.

6 mph/10 km/h.

Trailer stabilization control

Turning trailer protection brake

on/off

Principle

Whenever the Trailer Assistant is canceled, the

trailer protection brake is applied and the vehi-

cle is secured at a standstill. As a result, the

car-trailer combination cannot continue to roll

uncontrolled. The trailer protection brake can

be switched on or off.

Trailer stabilization control helps by absorbing

the swinging movements of the trailer.

The system detects swinging and automati-

cally brakes the vehicle quickly in order to leave

the critical speed range and stabilize the car-

trailer combination.

1.

Apps menu

General information

2. "Vehicle"

If the trailer power socket is occupied but a

trailer has not been hitched, this system can

also activate in extreme driving situations, e.g.,

when using a rear bicycle rack with lighting.

3. "Driving settings"

4. "Driver Assistance"

5. "Parking"

6. "Trailer protection braking"

Functional requirement

System limits

▷

A trailer is attached.

The trailer power socket is occupied.

General information

The maximum speed is limited to approx.

6 mph/10 km/h.

Vehicle speed must be more than approx.

40 mph/65 km/h.

A warning is given at a speed of approx.

4 mph/7 km/h.

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Rear bicycle racks for a maximum of three bi-

cycles can be used.

System limits

The system cannot intervene or not intervene

in time in the following situations, for instance:

Only use rear carriers that are mounted directly

on the mount for the trailer hitch.

▷

If a trailer jackknifes suddenly, for instance

on slippery roads or loose surfaces.

Installation

Follow the assembly instructions for the rear

carrier.

If a trailer with a high center of gravity tilts,

before swinging is detected.

If Dynamic Stability Control is deactivated

or has malfunctioned.

Loading

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.

Brake Controller

Trailer brakes only work if a brake controller is

installed.

The permissible gross weight of the loaded

rear carrier depends on how far its center of

gravity is from the ball head.

Trailer brakes will not work without the brake

controller.

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.

▷

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.

For information on installing a brake control-

ler, contact an authorized service center or an-

other qualified service center or repair shop.

▷

Stow heavy cargo as close as possible to

the ball head.

Rear carriers

Fasten cargo securely to the rear carrier,

making sure it will not slip.

Principle

Before driving

Before starting your trip, make sure that the

tail lights on the rear carrier are working.

Rear carriers, e.g., rear bicycle racks, are devi-

ces that are mounted on the vehicle in order to

help transport cargo.

The maximum power rating of the rear car-

rier tail lights should not exceed the maximum

power rating of the trailer tail lights.

General information

Rear carriers recommended by the manufac-

turer of the vehicle are available as optional

accessories.

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Trailer and rear carrier

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To prevent functional limitations and malfunc-

tions affecting driver assistance systems, acti-

vate trailer towing.

Additional information:

▷

Electrical consumption, refer to page 316.

Using a trailer or rear carrier, refer to

page 318.

Driving with a rear carrier

When loaded, rear carriers move the vehicle's

center of gravity, which affects how the vehicle

handles and steers.

When loading and driving, note the following:

▷

Do not exceed the approved axle weight

and the approved gross vehicle weight.

▷

Drive cautiously and avoid driving off and

braking with jerky movements or fast cor-

nering.

324

DRIVING TIPS -> Trailer and rear carrier for Your BMW XM SUV First Generation (2023-2025)

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