Downhill Gradients - BMW 318i Owner's Handbook Manual

see page 74. For the trailer, comply with the
manufacturer's specifications.
Run Flat Indicator
Reinitialise the Run Flat Indicator after a trailer
has been attached or detached, see page 74.
Outside mirrors
Two outside mirrors which bring both rear cor-
ners of the trailer into your field of view are
required by law. Mirrors of this kind can be
obtained from BMW Service as optional acces-
sories.
Electrical consumers
When towing a caravan, try to avoid operating
electrical equipment for too long at a time, in
order to limit the drain on the car's battery.
The power output of the trailer's rear lights
must not exceed the following values:
Flashing turn indicators: 42 W each side
Tail lights: 60 W each side
Brake lights: 84 W total
Rear fog lights: 42 W total
Reversing lights: 42 W total
Before starting a journey, check that the
trailer's rear lights are operating correctly.
Driving without functioning rear lights could put
other road users at risk.<
Towing a trailer
Do not exceed a speed of 80 km/h,
approx. 50 mph, otherwise the trailer may
start to snake, depending on design and
Counteracting snaking
If the trailer nevertheless begins to snake, the
outfit can only be stabilised by braking hard
immediately. Only attempt to steer out of the
situation if this is absolutely essential, and make
any steering movements as cautiously as pos-
sible and without endangering other road users.
Trailer Stability Control*
The system helps you to neutralise a trailer's
tendency to swing from side to side. It detects
snaking movements and promptly brakes the
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vehicle so that road speeds fall to below the
critical range and the outfit is stabilised.
The system functions whenever a trailer is
towed and connected to the corresponding
power socket, at road speeds of at least approx.
65 km/h, approx. 40 mph.
If the power socket for the trailer is in use but no
trailer is attached, for example during use of a
bicycle carrier with lights, the system may
become active in extreme driving situations.
The system cannot intervene if the trailer veers
instantly, e.g. on slippery or loose road sur-
faces. Trailers with a high centre of gravity can
tip over before any snaking motion is detected.
The system is not operational if DSC is deacti-
vated or malfunctioning, see page 71.
Gradients
In the interest of safety and to avoid holding up
other traffic, do not attempt to climb gradients
steeper than 12Ξ when towing a trailer. If a
supplementary permit for heavier trailer loads
has been obtained, the limit is 8Ξ, see
page 160.

Downhill gradients

Special care must be taken when descending
gradients, where a trailer is more susceptible to
snaking.
Before starting to descend, always change
down to the next lower gear, if necessary as far
as first gear, and drive down the hill slowly.
load.<