BMW 5 Series: Towing other vehicles - Tow-starting and towing - Breakdown assistance - Mobility - BMW 5 Series Owners ManualsBMW 5 Series: Towing other vehicles

General information

Your vehicle must not be lighter than the Light towing vehicle
Your vehicle must not be lighter than the vehicle being towed; otherwise, it will not be possible to control vehicle response.◀

Attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow Attaching the tow bar/tow rope correctly
Attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow fitting; connecting it to other vehicle parts may cause damage.◀

▷ Switch on the hazard warning system, depending on local regulations.
▷ If the electrical system has failed, clearly identify the vehicle being towed by placing a sign or a warning triangle in the rear window.

Tow bar

The tow fittings used should be on the same side on both vehicles.

Should it prove impossible to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset angle, please observe the following:

▷ Maneuvering capability is limited during cornering.
▷ The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is secured with an offset.

Tow rope

When starting to tow the vehicle, make sure that the tow rope is taut.

To avoid jerking and the associated stresses on the vehicle components when towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.

Only secure the tow rope on the tow fitting; Attaching the tow rope correctly
Only secure the tow rope on the tow fitting; otherwise, damage can occur when it is secured on other parts of the vehicle.◀

    Manual transmission
    Observe before towing your vehicle The parking brake is blocked The parking brake cannot be released manually. When the parking brake is blocked, do not tow with the front axle lifted or the v ...

    Tow fitting
    The screw-in tow fitting should always be carried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front or rear of the BMW. It is located in the container on the inside of the trunk lid. Tow fit ...

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