Towing

Towing and transporting the BMW 5 G30 requires special care. This chapter clearly distinguishes between manual and Steptronic transmissions. While vehicles with a manual transmission may be towed with the engine switched off, vehicles with an automatic transmission may only be transported on a loading platform. The notes cover towing speed, towing distance, lighting functions and power steering assistance. The correct attachment of the towing eye, avoiding lateral loads and handling the transmission lock are also covered. Safety notes and technical illustrations make this section indispensable for emergencies and breakdown assistance.

Safety information

WARNING Due to system limitations, individual functions may malfunction when towing with Intelligent Safety systems activated, e.g. forward collision warning with braking function.

There is a risk of accident. Before towing or being towed, switch off all Intelligent Safety systems.

Manual transmission

Safety notes

NOTICE Lifting the vehicle by the towing eye, body or chassis components can damage vehicle parts. There is a risk of property damage.

Lift the vehicle using suitable equipment.

NOTICE When transporting the vehicle on a loading platform, do not secure it to the body.

Before towing your vehicle, observe the following

Selector lever in neutral position.

Being towed

Observe the following notes:

• Make sure that ready-to-drive mode is switched on, otherwise low beams, tail lights, turn signals and wipers may no longer be available.
• Do not tow the vehicle with the rear axle raised, otherwise the steering may turn.
• When the engine is stopped, there is no power steering assistance.

This requires greater effort when braking and steering.

Larger steering wheel movements are required.

The towing vehicle must not be lighter than the vehicle being towed, otherwise handling can no longer be controlled.

Do not exceed a towing speed of 50 km/h.

Do not exceed a towing distance of 50 km.

Tow truck

Have your vehicle transported by a tow truck with a so-called wheel-lift or on a loading platform.

Steptronic transmission: transporting the vehicle

General

The vehicle must not be towed.

Safety notes

NOTICE Towing the vehicle with an individually lifted axle can damage the vehicle. There is a risk of property damage. Have the vehicle transported only on a loading platform.

NOTICE Lifting the vehicle by the towing eye, body or chassis components can damage vehicle parts. There is a risk of property damage.

Lift the vehicle using suitable equipment.

NOTICE When transporting the vehicle on a loading platform, do not secure it to the body.

Tow truck

Have the vehicle transported only on a loading platform.

Pushing the vehicle

To move a broken-down vehicle out of a hazardous area, it can be pushed a short distance. The vehicle can only be pushed in selector lever position N.

To allow the vehicle to roll, proceed as follows:

1. 1
   Switch on ready mode.
2. 2
   Depress the brake pedal.
3. 3
   Shift the selector lever to position N.

In the event of a fault, it may not be possible to change the selector lever position.

If necessary, electronically release the transmission lock.

Towing other vehicles

General

Depending on national regulations, switch on the hazard warning lights.

If the electrical system has failed, mark the vehicle being towed, e.g. with a notice sign or a warning triangle in the rear window.

Safety notes

WARNING If the permissible gross weight of the towing vehicle is lower than that of the vehicle being towed, the towing eye may tear off or the vehicle may become impossible to control. Risk of accident! Make sure the gross weight of the towing vehicle is higher than the weight of the vehicle being towed.

NOTICE Incorrect attachment of the towing bar or towing cable may damage other vehicle components. Risk of property damage.

Attach the towing bar or towing cable correctly to the towing eye.

Towing bar

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

If the bar cannot be kept straight, observe the following:

• Clearance is restricted when cornering.
• An angled towing bar generates lateral force.

Towing cable

When pulling away with the towing vehicle, make sure the towing cable is taut.

For towing, use nylon ropes or nylon straps and avoid jerky tensile loads.

Towing eye

General

Always carry the screw-in towing eye.

The towing eye can be screwed into the front or rear of the vehicle.

The towing eye is located in the vehicle tool kit.

• Use only the towing eye supplied with the vehicle and screw it in firmly until it stops.
• Use the towing eye only for towing on paved roads.
• Avoid lateral loads on the towing eye, e.g. do not lift the vehicle by the towing eye.

Safety information

NOTICE If the towing eye is not used as intended, the vehicle or the towing eye may be damaged. Risk of property damage. Observe the instructions for using the towing eye.

Thread for towing eye

Press on the marking at the edge of the cover to push it out.

Push-starting

Do not push-start the vehicle.

If necessary, start the engine using jump-start cables.

Have the cause of the starting problems rectified by a manufacturer service partner, another qualified service partner or a specialist workshop.

When towing or transporting the BMW 5 Sedan (model years 2017–2024), safety is the top priority. The detailed notes on the towing eye, towing bar and technical requirements prevent damage to the vehicle and help minimize risks for everyone involved.

Particularly valuable is the clear distinction between models with manual transmission and Steptronic transmission, as well as the notes on when a vehicle may only be transported on a loading platform. This precision shows how well thought-out the technology is.

The BMW 5 Series G30 thus sets standards for practical support in exceptional situations.