Towing and tow-starting the vehicle – BMW 325Ci Coupe 2004 User Manual

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150

With a tow bar

The towing vehicle must not be
lighter than the vehicle being

towed; otherwise, vehicle handling can
no longer be controlled.

The towing eyelets of both vehicles
should be on the same side.

If the tow bar can only be used in a
diagonal position, please note the fol-
lowing:
> Clearance is restricted while you are

driving around corners

> The inclination of the tow bar pro-

duces lateral force.

Only attach the tow bar to the
towing eyelets. Other parts of the

vehicles could otherwise be dam-
aged.

With a tow rope

When the towing vehicle is driving off,
make sure that the tow rope is taut.

Use nylon ropes or straps for tow-
ing because they prevent sudden

jerking movements. Attach the tow rope
only to the towing eyelets. Other parts
of the vehicles could otherwise be
damaged.

With a tow truck

Have the BMW transported by a tow
truck with a lift sling, or on a flatbed.

Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.

Do not lift the vehicle by the tow-
ing eyelet, nor by parts of the

body or chassis. Otherwise damage
could result.

Tow-starting

Do not tow-start vehicles with
automatic transmissions. Jump-

starting, refer to page

147

Only tow-start vehicles with catalytic
converters if the engine is cold. It is
better to have the engine jump-started,
refer to page

147

1. Turn on hazard warning flashers;

comply with national regulations

2. Turn the ignition key to position 2
3. Engage the 3rd gear
4. Have the vehicle towed with the

clutch pedal completely depressed
and then slowly release the clutch
pedal. After the engine has started,
immediately depress the clutch pedal
again completely

5. Pull over at a suitable location,

remove the tow bar or tow rope, and
turn on the hazard warning flashers

6. Have the vehicle checked.

Vehicles with sequential manual gear-
box SMG:
> Have the vehicle towed with the

selector lever in position N

> Select sequential mode. The correct

gear will automatically be selected
and engaged.

Towing and tow-starting the vehicle