2009 BMW 3 Series Owner's Manual - Page 242

Giving and receiving assistance the vehicle by the tow fitting. Otherwise, the tow fitting and the vehicle could be damaged.< Access to screw thread Release the cover panel in the bumper: Press on the upper part of the cover panel. Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph or 70 km/h and a towing distance of 90 miles/150 km; otherwise, the automatic transmission may be damaged.< Towing methods Do not lift the vehicle by a tow fitting or body and chassis parts; otherwise, damage may result.< Front With a tow bar The towing vehicle must not be lighter than the towed vehicle; otherwise, it may be impossible to maintain control.< 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 angle, please observe the following: > Clearance and maneuvering capability will be sharply limited during cornering. > The tow bar will generate lateral forces if it is attached offset. Attach the tow bar to the tow fittings only, as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could result in damage.< Rear With a tow rope Being towed Make sure that the ignition is switched on, refer to page 54; otherwise, the low-beam headlamps, tail lamps, turn signal indicators and windshield wipers may be unavailable. Power steering assistance is not available when the engine is not running. Thus, braking and steering will require increased effort. Active steering is not active and it will be necessary to turn the steering wheel further.< When starting off in the towing vehicle, make sure that the tow rope is taut. To avoid jerking and the associated stresses on vehicle components when towing, always use nylon ropes or nylon straps. Attach the tow rope to the tow fittings only, as attaching it to other parts of the vehicle could result in damage.< Manual transmission Gearshift lever in neutral position. Automatic transmission Selector lever in position N. Changing selector lever positions, refer to page 57. 240 Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 603 048 - © 08/09 BMW AG