The BMW 520d aut. with a Abbey GTS 416 with an actual weight of 1545 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 good. But the weight of the Abbey with a normally distributed User Payload (200 kg in the caravan and 200 kg in the car including passengers), is quite heavy, but no problem if the caravan is well loaded and the driving speed is not 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
252
243
Mountains
Risk of snaking
313
139
Weight ratio: 79% (90% of kerbweight)
1545 kg
1945 kg
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2
BMW 520d aut. Abbey GTS 416
Actual Weights
Abbey GTS 416: 1545 kg.
BMW 520d aut.: 1945 kg.
Noseweight: 85 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 79%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally very good on flat roads (performance score to compare 252 points).
Speeds of 78 mph (126 km/h) to 83 mph (134 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is more than enough power at low engine speeds (score to compare 243 points).
Higher revs (1600 rpm) are usually not necessary on flat roads, under most circumstances.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) is theoretically possible in 15.4 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally very good (score to compare 313 points).
No problems are to be expected on steep mountain roads. Hill starts are possible on steep slopes up to 24%.
On motorway inclines higher revs (2500 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 70 mph (113 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 79%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 90%.
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 85 kg.
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 139 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 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.