The BMW 528i aut. with a Sterling Eccles SE Moonstone with an actual weight of 1474 kg is in general a good match and suitable for all journeys on all kinds of roads.
The motor preformance of the BMW is in general fairly good. But the weight of the Sterling with a User Payload (151 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is quite heavy. Proper and careful loading is essential and don't drive too fast. Remember to load your caravan correctly, insuring that the noseweight of the caravan is sufficient and the weight is distributed properly!
Flat roads
Towing Performance
235
196
Mountains
Risk of snaking
279
130
Weight ratio: 82% (92% of kerbweight)
1474 kg
1805 kg
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Number of useful calculations:
2
BMW 528i aut. Sterling Eccles SE Moonstone
Actual Weights
Sterling Eccles SE Moonstone: 1474 kg.
BMW 528i aut.: 1805 kg.
Noseweight: 80 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 82%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 235 points).
Speeds of 75 mph (121 km/h) to 81 mph (130 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is sufficient power at low engine speeds (score to compare 196 points).
Slightly higher revs (2200 rpm) may be necessary under normal conditions on flat roads.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 16.9 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally very good (score to compare 279 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 18%.
On motorway inclines higher revs (3300 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 67 mph (108 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the BMW is more than sufficient (check this in your vehicle documents).
If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you will need a B+E (or B96) driving license.
Weight ratio between the laden caravan and the loaded car is 82%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 92%.
The risk of snaking at higher speeds, strong side winds and thoughtless driving exist. Even if the combination normally feels stable, the forces by deflection side to side are so great that it could be dangerous. Only if the driver has knowledge of and experience in driving a caravan it should be safe to drive. Proper and careful loading is essential! An electronic stability system in the car and / or on the caravan is recommended.
Recommended noseweight is 80 kg.
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 130 points.
If the caravan starts to snake you should reduce your speed and slow down directly! Lift your feet off the accelerator and brake gradually. Hold the steering wheel into a fixed position.
Conclusion
Performance is fairly good.
Proper and careful loading is still important!
It's a perfect match!
Influence of User Payload on stability
Weight distribution and noseweight are vital in obtaining a stable caravan.