BMW 645Ci Coupe 2005 - Manual (Page 189)

Giving and
receiv
ing
as
sistance
188
Towing and tow-starting
Always observe all applicable towing laws
and regulations.
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Never allow passengers to ride in a towed
vehicle for any reason.
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Use tow fitting
The threaded tow fitting is stored in the tool kit
mounted on the inside of the luggage compart-
ment under the floor mat, refer to page
180 , and
should always remain in the vehicle. It can be
screwed in at the front or rear of the BMW.
To avoid damage to the tow fitting and the
vehicle, observe the following: only use
the tow fitting that comes with the vehicle and
screw it in as far as possible. Use the tow fitting
for towing only on roads. Avoid lateral strains on
the tow fitting, e.g. do not the lift vehicle by the
tow fitting.
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Access to screw thread
Rectangular cover in bumper:
Press the arrow symbol of the cover.
Front
Rear
Being towed
Make sure that the ignition key is in posi-
tion 1, as otherwise the steering wheel
could lock and it would be impossible to steer
the vehicle. There is no power assist with the
engine stopped. This then requires increased
effort for braking and steering. Active steering is
deactivated and larger steering wheel move-
ments are required.
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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 idle position
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.
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Vehicles with SMG Sequential manual
transmission
With the ignition switched on, engage selector-
lever position N, then switch off the ignition.
Towing methods
In some countries, towing with tow bars or
ropes in public traffic is not permitted.
Familiarize yourself with the regulations on tow-
ing 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.
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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 strictly limited during cornering.
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