How to Shift a BMW Towing Vehicle into Neutral?
2 Answers
When the vehicle is being towed by a rescue vehicle to gain momentum, the gear should be shifted into neutral. Only when in the N (Neutral) position will the transmission cut off all power transfer. Lift the drive wheels before towing; otherwise, the transmission may be damaged. The towing speed should not exceed 5 km/h, and the towing distance should not be too long. Both starting and stopping should follow the principle of "slow and steady." Starting too abruptly may cause secondary accidents, easily damaging the tow rope and the towed rear vehicle.
Having driven BMWs for many years, I've learned there's a proper way to engage neutral when towing. Most BMWs are automatic transmissions - first confirm vehicle status: turn the key to the start position without firing up the engine, depress the brake pedal, then gently push the gear selector to N position to shift into neutral. During towing if the battery's dead, some older models may require special tools to manually unlock the transmission, but it's better not to tamper yourself to prevent internal damage. I recall a friend once towed without engaging neutral, resulting in a locked transmission costing thousands in repairs. Keep towing speed below 30 km/h, avoid prolonged towing distances, and lift both axles to prevent wear. Always check the owner's manual for model-specific instructions - variations exist between series like the 3 Series or X5. Safety first - when in doubt, visit the dealership for professional assistance.
