Observe the applicable laws and regulations for tow-starting and towing vehicles.

Do not transport any passengers other than the driver in a vehicle that is being towed.

The screw-in tow fitting must always be carried in the car. It can be screwed in at the front or rear of the BMW.

It is stored with the onboard vehicle tool kit underneath the floor mat in the cargo area.

  Use only the tow fitting provided with the vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the tow fitting for towing on paved roads only. Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g. do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the tow fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.

Access to screw thread

Rectangular cover panel in bumper: Press the arrow on the cover.

Front

Rear

Make sure that the ignition is switched on, ; otherwise, the low-beam headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and windshield wipers may be unavailable. There is no power assist while the engine is off. Thus, braking and steering will require increased effort. Active steering is not active and it will be necessary to turn the steering wheel further.

Manual transmission

Gearshift lever in neutral position.

Automatic transmission

Selector lever in position N.

Changing selector lever position.

Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/70 km/h and a towing distance of 90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the automatic transmission may be damaged.

Sport automatic transmission with double clutch

Make sure that the parking lock P is not engaged; otherwise, the rear wheels are immobilized.

When using the car wash function, , make sure that after approx.

30 minutes, the parking lock P is automatically engaged and thus immobilizes the rear wheels. In the event of an electrical malfunction or if the vehicle must be towed for more than approx.

20 minutes, unlock the parking lock manually.

When towing, do not exceed a maximum speed of 30 mph or 50 km/h and a maximum distance traveled of 30 miles/50 km; otherwise, the transmission may be damaged.

BMW recommends transporting the vehicle on a tow truck with a flatbed or towing with the rear axle raised.

Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage may result.

With a tow bar

The towing vehicle must not be lighter than the towed vehicle; otherwise, it may be impossible to maintain control.

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 angle, please observe the following:

> Clearance and maneuvering capability will be sharply limited during cornering.
> The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is attached offset.

Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only, as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could result in damage.

With a tow rope

When starting off in the towing vehicle, make sure that the tow rope is taut.

To avoid jerking and the associated stresses on vehicle components when towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps. Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could result in damage.

With a tow truck

Manual transmission and automatic transmission:

Sport automatic transmission with double clutch:

Have the BMW transported with a tow truck with a so-called lift bar, or on a flatbed.

Do not tow the vehicle with just the rear axle raised as this may cause the steering to turn.

Avoid tow-starting the vehicle whenever possible; instead, jump-start the engine. Vehicles with a catalytic converter should only be tow-started when the engine is cold, vehicles with an automatic transmission or Sport automatic transmission with double clutch cannot be tow-started at all.

1.  Switch on the hazard warning flashers, comply with local regulations.
2.  Switch on the ignition.
3.  Shift into 3rd gear.
4.  Have the vehicle tow-started with the clutch completely depressed and then slowly release the clutch. After the engine starts, immediately depress the clutch completely again.
5.  Stop at a suitable location, remove the tow bar or rope and switch off the hazard warning flashers.
6.  Have the vehicle checked.