BMW 3 Series 2020-2023 Tow-Starting and Towing User Manual
Tow-Starting and Towing
Safety information
Warning
Due to system limits, individual functions can malfunction during tow-starting/towing with the Intelligent Safety systems activated. There is a risk of accident. Switch all Intelligent Safety systems off prior to tow-starting/towing.
Steptronic transmission: transporting the vehicle
General information
The vehicle is not permitted to be towed.
Safety information
NOTICE
The vehicle can be damaged when towing the vehicle with a single lifted axle. There is a risk of damage to property, among other potential damage. The vehicle should only be trans‐ported on a loading platform.
NOTICE
The vehicle can become damaged when lifting and securing it.
There is a risk of damage to property, among other potential damage.
- Lift the vehicle using suitable means.
Do not lift or secure the vehicle by its tow fitting, body parts, or suspension parts. -
Pushing the vehicle
- To remove a broken-down vehicle from the hazardous area, it can be pushed for a short distance.
Additional information:
Rolling or pushing the vehicle, refer to page 144.
Tow truck
The vehicle should only be transported on a loading platform.
Towing other vehicles
General information
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.
Safety information
Warning
If the approved gross vehicle weight of the tow‐ing vehicle is lighter than the vehicle to be towed, the tow fitting can tear off or it will not be possible to control handling. There is a risk of accident. Make sure that the gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle is heavier than the vehicle to be towed.
NOTICE
If the tow bar or tow rope is attached incorrectly, damage to other vehicle parts can occur. There is a risk of damage to property, among other potential damage. Correctly attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow fitting.
Press on the mark on the edge of the cover to push it out.
For covers which have an opening instead of a marking, pull the cover out by the opening.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
Start the engine by jump-starting, if possible.
Have the reasons for the starting difficulties corrected by a dealer’s service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.
Additional information:
Jump-starting, refer to page 367.
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 inclination, please follow the following:
- Free movement is limited going around corners.
The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is secured with an inclination.
Tow rope
Observe the following notes when using the tow rope:
- Use nylon ropes or straps, which will enable the vehicle to be towed without jerking.
Make sure the tow rope is not twisted when fastening.
Check the attachment of the tow fitting and tow rope in regular intervals.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 30 mph/50 km/h.
Do not exceed a towing distance of 3 miles/5 km.
When starting to tow the vehicle, make sure that the tow rope is taut. -
Tow fitting
- General information
- The screw-in tow fitting should always be carried in the vehicle.
- The tow fitting can be screwed in at the front or rear of the vehicle.
- The tow fitting is found in the onboard vehicle tool kit.
- Observe the following notes when using the tow fitting:
- Use only the tow fitting provided with the vehicle.
- Turn the tow fitting at least 5 turns clockwise and screw it in as far as it will go. If necessary, tighten with a suitable object.
After use, unscrew the tow fitting counter-clockwise.
Use the tow fitting for towing on paved roads only.
Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, for in‐stance do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting.
Check the attachment of the tow fitting in regular intervals.
Additional information:
Onboard vehicle tool kit, refer to page 359.
Safety information
NOTICE
If the tow fitting is not used as intended, there may be damage to the vehicle or to the tow fit‐ting. There is a risk of damage to property, among other potential damage. Follow the notes on using the tow fitting.
Screw thread for tow fitting
Press on the mark on the edge of the cover to push it out.
For covers which have an opening instead of a marking, pull the cover out by the opening.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
Start the engine by jump-starting, if possible.
Have the reasons for the starting difficulties corrected by a dealer’s service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.
Additional information:
Jump-starting, refer to page 367.
Reference Links
View Full User Guide : BMW 3 Series 2020-2023 User Manual
Download Manuals: https://www.bmwusa.com/owners-manuals.html