Tow Bar; Towing Eye - BMW X3 xDrive20i 2013 Owner's Handbook Manual

Towing truck
The BMW should only be transported on a load‐
ing platform.
Do not tow the vehicle using individually
raised front or rear axles
Do not tow the BMW using individually raised
front or rear axles, as otherwise the wheels could
jam and the transfer gearbox can be damaged.◀
Do not raise the vehicle
Do not raise the car at the towing eye or by
body or suspension components, otherwise it
could be damaged.◀
Towing other vehicles
General
Light towing vehicle
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may be un‐
able to keep the towed vehicle reliably under
control.◀
Attaching the tow bar/towing rope
Only attach the tow bar or towing rope to
the towing eye. Attaching the towing rope to
other parts of the car can result in damage.◀
▷ Switch on the hazard warning flashers, de‐
pending on local regulations.
▷ If the car's electrical system has failed, the
car being towed must be made identifiable
to following vehicles, for instance by placing
a notice or the warning triangle in the rear
window.
Online Edition for Part no. 01 40 2 900 867 - 03 12 490
Help in the event of a breakdown

Tow bar

The towing eyes of both vehicles should be on
the same side.
If it is impossible to avoid attaching the tow bar
at an angle, note the following:
▷ Tow bar clearance may be restricted when
cornering.
▷ The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it
is attached offset.
Towing rope
Ensure that the Towing rope is taut when the
towing vehicle moves off.
For towing, use nylon ropes or straps, as these
will help to avoid sudden tensile loads.
Attaching the towing rope correctly
Only attach the towing rope to the towing
eye. Attaching the towing rope to other parts of
the car can result in damage.◀

Towing eye

Always have the screw-on tow fitting on board
the vehicle. It can be screwed into the front or
rear end of the BMW. It is located in the tool kit
behind the left flap in the boot.
Towing eye, information on use
▷
▷ Only use the towing eye for towing on nor‐
mal roads (i.e. not off-road).
Mobility
Use only the towing eye supplied with
the car, and make sure that it is
screwed in fully and is tight.
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