The BMW Touring 520d with a Bailey Unicorn Barcelona with an actual weight of 1686 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 Bailey with a User Payload (160 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
245
231
Mountains
Risk of snaking
280
114
Weight ratio: 89% (101% of kerbweight)
1686 kg
1900 kg
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BMW Touring 520d Bailey Unicorn Barcelona
Actual Weights
Bailey Unicorn Barcelona: 1686 kg.
BMW Touring 520d: 1900 kg.
Noseweight: 90 kg.
Actual weight ratio: 89%.
Performance
The engine's performance is generally good on flat roads (performance score to compare 245 points).
Speeds of 78 mph (125 km/h) to 82 mph (133 km/h) are often quite possible.
There is more than enough power at low engine speeds (score to compare 231 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 17.1 sec.
In the mountains the performance is generally very good (score to compare 280 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 (2700 rpm) are needed.
A speed of 68 mph (109 km/h) is usually possible on most motorway inclines.
Weight
The towing limit of the BMW is 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 89%. Common in the UK: the weight ratio between the laden caravan and the kerbweight of the car is 101%.
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 90 kg.
Safe speed up to 56 mph (90 km/h).
Stability and safety score to compare is 114 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.