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EnglishOwner service procedures -> Towing the vehicle for your BMW 3 Series 1997-2006
146 Towing the vehicle
Towing eyelet
The towing eyelet, which can be
unscrewed, is in the luggage compart-
ment under the floor mat and must
remain in the vehicle. This eyelet is
designed for installation in the tow
sockets located at the front and rear of
the vehicle. It is intended for towing on
paved road surfaces only.
The towing eyelet should not be used
to pull a vehicle out of deep snow, mud,
sand, etc.
Access to tow sockets
Rear:
Comply with all applicable towing laws
and regulations at all times.
Press out the cover panel with a screw-
driver at the top of the recess.
Front:
Press out the cover panel with a screw-
driver at the top of the recess.
Make sure the towing eyelet is
firmly screwed all the way in, oth-
erwise the thread could be damaged.
Only use the towing eyelet provided in
the vehicle to avoid damage.
Do not tow the vehicle by any compo-
nents of the running gear, or lash them
down in any way. If you do, the compo-
nents could be damaged, possibly
leading to accidents.<
Keep the vehicles in line and avoid
towing at an offset angle. Ensure
that the tow rope connecting the two
vehicles is tight, with no slack, before
starting off.<
Towing the vehicle
147
Use only a nylon towing strap to tow
the vehicle, since the inherent resil-
ience of this material helps protect both
vehicles from sudden jerking move-
ments.
5. Switch on the hazard-warning sys-
tem – observe applicable legal regu-
lations.
Find some means of identifying the
vehicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it will not be pos-
sible to control vehicle handling.<
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when
the electrical system has failed to pre-
vent the steering lock from engaging.
The steering and brakes are without
power-assist when the engine is off.
This means that increased effort is
required for steering and braking.<
Tow-starting
For instructions on jump-starting, refer
to page 145.
Towing with a commercial tow
truck
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle, since damage to
the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
>Do not tow with sling-type equipment
>Use wheel lift or flatbed equipment
>Please comply with applicable state
towing laws.
Vehicle with sequential M gearbox
SMG II:
To push or tow, engage selector lever
in position 0.
Towing a vehicle
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.
1. Gearshift lever in Neutral
2. Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph / 70 km/h
3. Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles/150 km
4. Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn sig-
nal indicators, horn and windshield
wipers remain operative, and to pre-
vent the steering lock detent from
engaging
Never work on the vehicle with a
driving position engaged.<
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control
arms, or any other part of the vehicle
suspension, as severe damage to these
components will occur, possibly lead-
ing to accidents.<
