2009 BMW 5 Series Owner's Manual - Page 258

Giving and receiving assistance Sedan: It is located in the toolkit in the luggage compartment lid, refer to page 243. Sports Wagon: It is located in the toolkit behind the left side panel in the cargo bay, refer to page 243. Use only the tow fitting provided with the vehicle and screw it all the way in. Use the tow fitting for towing only on roads. 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.< This then requires increased effort for braking and steering. Active steering is deactivated and larger steering wheel movements are required.< Switch on the hazard warning flashers depending on the local regulations. If the electrical system fails, mark the vehicle to be towed, e.g. with a sign or warning triangle in the rear window. Manual transmission Gearshift lever in neutral position. Access to screw thread Press the arrow symbol on the cover in the bumper. Automatic and sport automatic transmission Before towing, manually release the transmission lock, even if there is no malfunction in the transmission. Otherwise there is a risk that the transmission lock will engage during towing.< Manually unlocking and locking transmission lock, refer to page 66. Do not exceed a towing speed of 45 mph/ 70 km/h and a towing distance of 90 miles/150 km; otherwise the automatic transmission may be damaged. Front Towing methods Rear Do not lift vehicle by tow fitting or body and chassis parts, otherwise damage may result.< In some countries, towing with tow bars or ropes in public traffic is not permitted. Familiarize yourself with the regulations on towing in the respective country. With tow bar The towing vehicle may not be lighter than the vehicle to be towed, otherwise it will not be possible to reliably control vehicle response.< 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: > Clearance and maneuvering capability will be sharply limited during cornering. Being towed Make sure that the ignition is switched on, refer to page 62, otherwise the low beams, tail lamps, turn signals and windshield wipers would not be available. Do not tow the vehicle with the rear axle raised, as otherwise the steering can turn to the left or right. When the engine is stopped, there is no power assist. 256 Online Edition for Part no. 01 41 2 600 721 - © 08/08 BMW AG