Owner service procedures -> Towing the vehicle for your BMW 5 Series 1995-2003
172nJump-starting
Towing the vehicle
6 Start the engine of the support vehicle
and let it run.
7 Start the engine on the vehicle
needing the jump-start, and allow it
to run as usual. If the first start
attempt is not successful, wait a few
minutes before another attempt in
order to allow the discharged battery
to recharge.
8 Before disconnecting the jumper
cables from your BMW, turn on the
headlamps, the rear window
defroster, and set the blower to the
highest speed; allow the engine to run
approx. 10 seconds. This will prevent
a voltage surge from the voltage
regulator to the electrical accessories.
9 Then disconnect the jumper cables in
reverse sequence.
Tow fitting
Rear:
Apply pressure to the arrow symbol on
the cover; remove the cover.
The screw-in tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains
in the vehicle at all times. This fitting is
designed for installation in the tow
sockets located at the front and rear of
the vehicle, and is intended for towing
on paved road surfaces only.
Tightly screw in the towing fittings
all the way. If you do not, the
threads could be damaged.
Depending on the cause of the fault,
recharge the battery.
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, leading to
possible accidents.<
It should not be used to pull a vehicle
out of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.
Always observe all applicable towing
laws and regulations.
Access to tow sockets
Use only a nylon towing strap to tow the
vehicle, since the inherent resilience of
this material helps protect both vehicles
from sudden jerking movements.
Front:
Apply pressure to the arrow symbol on
the cover and remove the cover.
Towing the vehicle
173n
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it is no longer
possible to control vehicle response.<
Towing a vehicle
1 Place selector lever in position N.
2 Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h).
3 Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km).
Tow-starting
It is better to start the vehicle's engine
by jump starting. For instructions on
jump starting, refer to page 171.
4 Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that the brake lamps, turn
signals, horn and windshield wipers
remain operative, and to prevent the
steering lock detent from engaging.
5 Switch on the hazard-warning system
(comply with country-specific regula-
tions).
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle, as damage to
the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing with a commercial tow
truck
> Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
> Use a wheel lift or flat bed carrier.
> Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Find some means of identifying the
vehicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when
the electrical system has failed. This will
prevent the steering lock from
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.<
engaging. The steering and brakes are
without power assist when the engine is
not running. This means that increased
effort is required for steering and
braking.<
174n





