BMW XM Owner's Manual page 318

DRIVING TIPS
Rear carriers
Principle
The trailer hitch ball head can be used as a
mount for rear carriers such as rear bicycle
racks.
General information
Rear carriers recommended by the manufac-
turer of the vehicle are available as optional
accessories.
Rear bicycle racks for a maximum of three bi-
cycles can be used.
Installation
Follow the assembly instructions for the rear
carrier.
Loading
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.
318
Trailer and rear carrier
Online Edition for Part no. 01405A8A608 - VI/23
▷ 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 power rating of the rear car-
rier tail lights should not exceed the maximum
power rating of the trailer tail lights.
To prevent functional limitations and malfunc-
tions affecting driver assistance systems, acti-
vate trailer towing.
Additional information:
▷ Electrical consumption, refer to page 311.
▷ Using a trailer or rear carrier, refer to
page 313.
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.