Owner service procedures -> Towing the vehicle for Your BMW Z3 SUV First Generation (1995-2002)

Jump-starting  
Towing the vehicle  
159n  
7. Start the support vehicle's engine  
and let it run at an increased idling  
speed for a few minutes. 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 let the engines run for a few  
minutes  
Tow fitting  
Rear:  
Use a screwdriver to press the cover  
out.  
9. Then disconnect the jumper cables  
in reverse sequence.  
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.  
Depending on the cause of the fault,  
have the battery recharged by your  
BMW center.  
Screw the tow fitting in until it is  
tight against the stop. If you do  
not, the threads can be damaged.  
Do not tow the vehicle by any compo-  
nents of the running gear, or lash them  
down in any way. If you do so, the  
components could be damaged,  
leading to possible accidents.<  
It should not be used to pull a vehicle  
out of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.  
Comply with all applicable towing laws  
and regulations at all times.  
Use only a nylon towing strap to tow  
the vehicle, since the inherent resil-  
ience of this material helps protect both  
vehicles from sudden jerking move-  
ments.  
Access to tow sockets  
Front:  
Use a screwdriver to press the cover  
out.  
 
160nTowing the vehicle  
The towed vehicle should always  
Towing a vehicle with automatic  
transmission  
be the lighter of the two vehicles.  
If this is not the case, it will not be  
possible to control vehicle handling.<  
1. Place the selector lever in  
position "N"  
2. Towing speed:  
Tow-starting  
max. 45 mph (70 km/h)  
It is not possible to start the engine of a 3. Towing distance:  
vehicle with an automatic transmission  
by towing or pushing the vehicle.  
max. 95 miles (150 km)  
4. Leave the ignition key in position 1 to  
ensure that brake lamps, turn signal  
indicators, horn and windshield  
wipers remain operative, and to  
prevent the steering lock from  
engaging  
For instructions on jump-starting, refer  
to page 158.  
Never attempt to use your vehicle to  
push another vehicle. This could result  
in damage to the energy-absorbing  
bumpers.  
Towing with a commercial tow  
truck  
5. Switch on the hazard-warning  
flashers (observe applicable legal  
regulations).  
> Do not tow with sling-type equipment  
> Use a wheel-lift or flatbed equipment  
> Comply with applicable towing laws.  
Find some means of identifying the  
vehicle in tow. Place a sign or warning  
triangle in the rear window, for  
instance.  
Never allow passengers to ride in  
a towed vehicle for any reason.  
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.<  
Even when the electrical system  
has failed, make sure that the igni-  
tion key remains in position 1 to prevent  
the steering lock from engaging.  
The steering and brakes are without  
power assist when the engine is off.  
This means that increased effort is  
required for steering and braking.<