Owner service procedures -> Towing the vehicle for your BMW 5 Series 1995-2003

172nJump-starting  
Towing the vehicle  
6 Start the engine of the support vehicle  
and let it run.  
7 Start the engine on the vehicle  
needing the jump-start, and allow it  
to run as usual. If the first start  
attempt is not successful, wait a few  
minutes before another attempt in  
order to allow the discharged battery  
to recharge.  
8 Before disconnecting the jumper  
cables from your BMW, turn on the  
headlamps, the rear window  
defroster, and set the blower to the  
highest speed; allow the engine to run  
approx. 10 seconds. This will prevent  
a voltage surge from the voltage  
regulator to the electrical accessories.  
9 Then disconnect the jumper cables in  
reverse sequence.  
Tow fitting  
Rear:  
Apply pressure to the arrow symbol on  
the cover; remove the cover.  
The screw-in tow fitting is stored in the  
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains  
in the vehicle at all times. This fitting is  
designed for installation in the tow  
sockets located at the front and rear of  
the vehicle, and is intended for towing  
on paved road surfaces only.  
Tightly screw in the towing fittings  
all the way. If you do not, the  
threads could be damaged.  
Depending on the cause of the fault,  
recharge the battery.  
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains,  
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control  
arms, or any other part of the vehicle  
suspension, as severe damage to these  
components will occur, leading to  
possible accidents.<  
It should not be used to pull a vehicle  
out of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.  
Always observe all applicable towing  
laws and regulations.  
Access to tow sockets  
Use only a nylon towing strap to tow the  
vehicle, since the inherent resilience of  
this material helps protect both vehicles  
from sudden jerking movements.  
Front:  
Apply pressure to the arrow symbol on  
the cover and remove the cover.  
 
Towing the vehicle  
173n  
The towed vehicle should always  
be the lighter of the two vehicles.  
If this is not the case, it is no longer  
possible to control vehicle response.<  
Towing a vehicle  
1 Place selector lever in position N.  
2 Towing speed:  
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h).  
3 Towing distance:  
Max. 95 miles (150 km).  
Tow-starting  
It is better to start the vehicle's engine  
by jump starting. For instructions on  
jump starting, refer to page 171.  
4 Leave the ignition key at position 1 to  
ensure that the brake lamps, turn  
signals, horn and windshield wipers  
remain operative, and to prevent the  
steering lock detent from engaging.  
5 Switch on the hazard-warning system  
(comply with country-specific regula-  
tions).  
Never attempt to use your vehicle to  
push another vehicle, as damage to  
the energy-absorbing bumpers could  
result.  
Towing with a commercial tow  
truck  
> Do not tow with sling-type equipment.  
> Use a wheel lift or flat bed carrier.  
> Please comply with applicable towing  
laws.  
Find some means of identifying the  
vehicle in tow, for instance, place a sign  
or warning triangle in the rear window.  
Make sure that the ignition key  
remains in position 1 even when  
the electrical system has failed. This will  
prevent the steering lock from  
Never allow passengers to ride in  
a towed vehicle for any reason.<  
engaging. The steering and brakes are  
without power assist when the engine is  
not running. This means that increased  
effort is required for steering and  
braking.<  
 
174n