Being Towed - BMW 2009 M3 Owner's Manual

Using a tow fitting
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.
Coupe: it is stored in the onboard tool kit under-
neath the cover on the right-hand side of the
cargo bay, refer to page 213.
Convertible: it is stored in the onboard tool kit
underneath the cargo bay floor, refer to
page 213.
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
Access to screw thread
Release the cover panel in the bumper:
Press on the upper part of the cover panel.
Front
Rear

Being towed

Make sure that the ignition is switched on,
refer to page 55, otherwise the low-beam
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Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 600 999 - © 08/08 BMW AG
headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and
windshield wipers may be unavailable.
Power steering assistance is not available when
the engine is not running. Thus, braking and
steering will require increased
Manual transmission
Gearshift lever in neutral position.
M dual clutch transmission with
Drivelogic
be blocked.
When using the car wash function, refer to
page 57, note that the parking lock P is
damaged.<
engaged automatically after approx. 30 min-
utes, blocking the rear wheels.
If an electrical malfunction occurs or if towing
takes longer than approx. 20 minutes, manually
release the parking lock, refer to page
mum distance of 30 miles/50 km, otherwise the
transmission can be
BMW recommends transporting the vehicle on
a tow truck with a flat bed.
Towing methods
age may
With a tow bar
be impossible to maintain
The tow fittings used should be on the same
side on both vehicles. Should it prove impossi-
ble to avoid mounting the tow bar at an angle,
please observe the following:
>
>
Ensure that the parking lock P is not
engaged as the rear wheels will otherwise
When towing, do not exceed a maximum
speed of 30 mph/50 km/h and a maxi-
damaged.<
Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or
body and chassis parts, otherwise dam-
result.<
The towing vehicle must not be lighter
than the towed vehicle, otherwise it may
control.<
Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is
attached offset.
effort.<
60.<