Tow-starting and towing
Transporting your vehicle
Note
Your vehicle is not permitted to be towed. Therefore, contact a service center in the event of a breakdown.
Do not have the vehicle towed
Have your vehicle transported on a loading platform only; otherwise, damage may occur.
Tow truck

Do not lift the vehicle
Do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting or body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage may result.
Tow-starting
Do not tow-start the vehicle.
Due to the automatic transmission, the engine cannot be started by tow-starting.
Have the cause of the starting difficulties remedied.
Towing other vehicles
General information
Light towing vehicle
Your vehicle must not be lighter than the vehicle being towed; otherwise, it will not be possible to control vehicle response.
Attaching the tow bar/tow rope correctly
Attach the tow bar or tow rope to the tow fitting; connecting it to other vehicle parts may cause damage.
- Switch on the hazard warning system, depending on local regulations.
- If the electrical system has failed, clearly identify the vehicle being towed by placing a sign or a warning triangle in the rear window.
Towing methods when towing other vehicles
Tow bar
The tow fittings used should be on the same side on both vehicles.
Should it prove impossible to avoid mounting the tow bar at an offset angle, please observe the following:
- Maneuvering capability is limited during cornering.
- The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is secured with an offset.
Tow rope
When starting to tow the vehicle, make sure that the tow rope is taut.
To avoid jerking and the associated stresses on the vehicle components when towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps.
Attaching the tow rope correctly
Only secure the tow rope on the tow fitting; otherwise, damage can occur when it is secured on other parts of the vehicle.
Tow fitting

The screw-in tow fitting should always be carried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front or rear of the BMW. It is located in the container on the inside of the trunk lid.
Tow fitting, information on use
- Use only the tow fitting provided with the vehicle and screw it all the way in.
- Use the tow fitting for towing on paved roads only.
- Use the tow fitting screwed in at the front for maneuvering the vehicle only.
- Avoid lateral loading of the tow fitting, e.g., do not lift the vehicle by the tow fitting.
Otherwise, damage to the tow fitting and the vehicle can occur.
Screw thread

Push out the cover by pressing on the arrow symbol.
See also:
Stowing cargo
▷ Heavy cargo: stow as far forward and as low
as possible, ideally directly behind the cargo
area separating wall.
▷ Very heavy cargo: when the rear seat is not
occupied, secure e ...
Wheels and tires
Vehicle equipment
All standard, country-specific and optional
equipment that is offered in the model series is
described in this chapter. Therefore, equipment
is also described that is not avai ...
Under the Hood
The 528i has a 240-horsepower, 3.0-liter six-cylinder, while the 535i gets a
300-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder. The 550i has a twin-turbo,
4.4-liter V-8 that makes 400 hp. All three use ...
