BMW 2004 M3, Owner'S Manual

Page: 145 / 170

145
Towing and tow-starting the vehicle
Always observe all applicable
towing laws and regulations.
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Using the towing eyelet
The screw-in towing eyelet is stored in
the luggage compartment under the
floor panel and must remain with the
vehicle at all times. It can be attached
at the front or rear of your BMW.
Observe the following instruc-
tions in order to avoid damaging
the towing eyelet or the vehicle: use
only the towing eyelet supplied with the
vehicle, and screw it in firmly until it
stops. Use the towing eyelet for towing
on paved roads only. Avoid subjecting
the towing eyelet to lateral loads, e.g.
do not lift the vehicle using the towing
eyelet.
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Access to the threaded socket
Press out the cover in the front or rear
bumper with a screwdriver at the top of
the recess.
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is
in position 1, because the steering
lock could otherwise engage and the
vehicle could no longer be steered.
There is no power assist while the
engine is off. Therefore, you will need to
exert more force to brake and steer the
vehicle.
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Turn on the hazard warning flashers, if
required by national regulations. If the
electrical system has failed, clearly
identify the vehicle being towed, e.g. by
placing a sign or a warning triangle in
the rear window.
Vehicles with manual transmission:
gearshift lever in idling position.
Vehicles with sequential M gearbox
with Drivelogic: selector lever in posi-
tion N.
Towing methods
In some countries, it is not permitted to
tow the vehicle with a tow bar or tow
rope on public roads.
Familiarize yourself with the applicable
towing regulations for the country in
which you are driving.
With a tow bar
The towing vehicle must not be
lighter than the vehicle being
towed; otherwise, vehicle handling can
no longer be controlled.
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The towing eyelets of both vehicles
should be on the same side.
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