Towing a car (BMW 5 Series E39)

The vehicle must be towed only using the towing eyes intended for this purpose. The towing eyes are included in the on-board tool kit. Before towing, they must be screwed into the threaded holes in the front and rear bumpers.



Front bumper: Open the threaded hole by pressing the arrow symbol on the cover. The cover is located on the right side of the bumper.



Rear bumper: open the threaded hole by pressing the arrow symbol on the cover. The cover is located on the right side of the bumper.

Towing rules

Turn on the ignition to unlock the steering wheel and enable the direction indicators, alarm and, if necessary, windscreen wipers to function.

Place the gearshift lever in neutral. For a vehicle with an automatic transmission, move the mode selector lever to position N.



Turn on the hazard warning lights on the towed and towing vehicles.

Since the brake booster and power steering only operate when the engine is running, on vehicles with the engine not running, more force must be applied to the brake pedal and steering wheel

It is recommended to use a towing rod for towing. When using a towing cable, there is a high risk of hitting the towing vehicle. The towing cable must be elastic to provide a gentle effect on both the towed and towing vehicles. Use only a cable made of synthetic material or with elastic intermediate links.

Features of towing a car with an automatic transmission

The operating mode selection lever must be in position N.

• Maximum towing speed: 70 km/h!
• Maximum towing distance: 150 km!

If the gearbox is faulty, the towing speed is high, or if the vehicle is towed over long distances, the drive wheels of the towed vehicle must be raised. Reason: When the engine is not running, the gearbox oil pump does not work, so the gearbox will not be lubricated sufficiently for a long time at high speeds.

When using a tow truck: the vehicle should only be towed with the drive wheels raised.

Starting the engine by towing

Starting the engine of a vehicle with an automatic transmission by towing is not possible.

Caution: Only start a cold engine by towing, otherwise there is a risk of damage to the catalytic converter.

Turn on the ignition.

Press the accelerator pedal.

Disengage the clutch and keep the clutch pedal depressed, engage 3rd gear.

The car is towed or pushed.



Slowly release the clutch pedal.

(This article is based on data from the website: bmwman.ru)