How to tow a BMW safely: tow eye, automatic gearbox and xDrive

Knowing how to tow a BMW safely can prevent expensive damage after a breakdown. Modern BMWs with automatic gearboxes, xDrive all-wheel drive and electric parking brakes have specific rules for towing.

In many cases, the safest option is transport on a flatbed truck. In this guide we explain where to find the tow eye, the rules for towing automatic and xDrive models, how to handle the electric parking brake and what to tell the recovery service.

Where to find the tow eye

Most BMWs carry a screw-in tow eye in the tool kit, usually under the boot floor or in a side compartment of the boot. The front and rear bumpers have a small cover that hides the threaded mounting point.

To fit the tow eye:

1. Remove the cover on the bumper by pressing or levering it carefully.
2. Screw in the tow eye by hand and tighten it firmly, following the direction shown in the owner's manual.
3. Check that it is fully seated before attaching a tow rope or bar.

Use only the original tow eye designed for your car.

Towing an automatic BMW

Automatic gearboxes need lubrication from the gearbox oil pump, which only works when the engine is running. If the car is towed with the driven wheels on the ground for long distances, the gearbox can overheat and be damaged.

Many BMW owner's manuals allow towing an automatic car only:

• For a short distance,
• At low speed,
• With the gearbox in neutral.

Check the exact limits in your owner's manual. If the limits cannot be respected, use a flatbed truck or lift the driven axle. Our article on BMW transmission fluid explains how automatic gearboxes are lubricated.

Towing an xDrive BMW

BMWs with xDrive all-wheel drive should usually be transported on a flatbed. Towing with one axle lifted can damage the transfer case and drivetrain, because the front and rear axles would turn at different speeds.

Tell the recovery service that the car has xDrive, so they bring the right equipment. Our article on M xDrive explains how all-wheel drive systems connect the axles.

Neutral and the electric parking brake

Many modern BMWs have an electronic gear selector and an electric parking brake. To move the car:

• Neutral: follow the owner's manual to keep the gearbox in neutral with the engine off. On some models, this requires a specific sequence, such as selecting N with the engine running and then switching off.
• Electric parking brake: it must be released before towing. If the battery is flat, the brake may not release. Some models have an emergency release procedure.

If you cannot select neutral or release the parking brake, the car must be lifted or loaded with special equipment.

How to tow a BMW with a rope or tow bar

If towing on the road is allowed and necessary:

• Use a tow bar where possible, because it keeps a constant distance and is safer than a rope.
• Switch on the hazard lights of both cars.
• Switch the ignition on in the towed car, so lights and some functions work.
• Be aware that steering and brakes are heavier without the engine running, because power assistance does not work.
• Drive slowly and smoothly, and follow local laws about towing.

Many countries have strict rules about towing on public roads and motorways. Professional recovery is often the safer choice.

Flatbed transport

Flatbed transport is the safest option for most modern BMWs, especially:

• xDrive models.
• Automatic cars that cannot be towed within the allowed limits.
• Low M cars, whose bumpers can be damaged by tow trucks.
• Cars with gearbox or drivetrain faults.

Ask the operator to use the correct lifting and tie-down points and soft straps around the wheels, not around suspension parts.

Towing a trailer with a BMW

This article is about towing a broken-down BMW. If you want to tow a trailer with your BMW, check that your car is approved for towing, the maximum trailer weight and nose weight in the vehicle documents, and fit an approved towbar. Many M cars are not approved for towing trailers at all.

Towing changes the stability and braking of the car, so drive carefully and follow the law.

Breakdown checklist

• Stop safely with hazard lights on.
• Wear a high-visibility vest and use a warning triangle where required.
• Stand in a safe place away from traffic.
• Call roadside assistance and tell them the model, drive type and gearbox.
• Do not try to tow on busy roads with improvised equipment.

The pinned community topic on what to do when a warning light comes on can help you prepare before calling for help.

How to tow a BMW at a glance

Item	Details
Tow eye	Screw-in eye in the boot tool kit
Mounting points	Behind covers in the front and rear bumpers
Automatic cars	Short distance, low speed, neutral, per manual
xDrive cars	Usually flatbed transport
Electric parking brake	Must be released, may need emergency procedure
Safest option	Flatbed truck
Trailer towing	Check approval in vehicle documents

Frequently asked questions

Where is the tow eye on a BMW?

In the tool kit, usually under the boot floor. It screws into a mounting point behind a cover in the bumper.

Can I tow an automatic BMW?

Only for a short distance at low speed in neutral, as described in the owner's manual. Otherwise use a flatbed.

Can I tow an xDrive BMW?

It should usually be transported on a flatbed to avoid damage to the transfer case and drivetrain.

How do I put a BMW in neutral for towing?

Follow the procedure in your owner's manual. On many models, the engine must be running to select neutral before switching off.

Sources

• BMW owner's manuals – towing and tow-starting
• BMW Group – roadside assistance information