Being Towed; Vehicles With Manual Transmission - BMW 525i Owner's Manual

Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover panel in bumper: press on
the arrow symbol on the cover panel.
Front
Rear

Being towed

Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, as otherwise the steering lock will
engage, making it impossible to steer the vehi-
cle. There is no power assist with the engine
stopped. This then requires increased effort for
braking and steering. Active steering is deacti-
vated and larger steering wheel movements are
required.<
Switch on the hazard warning flashers depend-
ing on the local regulations. If the electrical sys-
tem fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with
a sign or warning triangle in the rear window.

Vehicles with manual transmission

Gearshift lever in neutral position.
Online Edition for Part-No. 01 41 0 159 251 © 03/05 BMW AG
Vehicles with automatic transmission
Selector lever in position N.
Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/
70 km/h and a towing distance of
90 miles/150 km, as otherwise the automatic
transmission may be damaged.<
Vehicles with SMG Sequential Manual
Gearbox
With the ignition switched on, engage the
selector lever position N, then switch off the
ignition again.
Towing methods
Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body
and chassis parts, as otherwise damage
may result.<
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiar-
ize yourself with the regulations on towing in the
respective country.
With tow bar
The towing vehicle may not be lighter
than the vehicle to be towed, as otherwise
it will not be possible to control vehicle
response.<
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 offset
angle, please observe the following:
> Clearance and maneuvering capability will
be sharply limited during cornering.
> When mounted at an angle, the tow bar will
exert lateral forces, tending to push the
vehicle sideways.
Secure the tow bar to the tow fitting only.
Otherwise damage to other vehicle parts
could result.<
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