[gorban]

Originally Posted by raleedy

AFAIK the 7-series still uses the 6-speed transmission.

The 760i and 760Li uses the 8-speed transmission.

[grimlock]

Originally Posted by Jon D

So, without lifting the rear wheels clear of the ground, how do you tow it when it's stuck in park?

Doesn't bmw have a button or idrive setting that unlocks the transmission? The only time I got towed by I didn't even have to press the tow button even though it was right there, the little tow truck had a rack which lifted all the wheels clear of the ground -they really do expect to be dealing with car-idiots.

I'm sure there is an easy solution, why do they have the tow bar if u can't unlock the transmission?

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by grimlock

I'm sure there is an easy solution, why do they have the tow bar if u can't unlock the transmission?

If you're referring to the screw-in towing eye, I imagine it's purely for towing other cars.

[ghueser]

I heard from BMW NA as a response to my question about setting up the Transmission and Electronic Brakes for Towing.

The basic answer is that if the car needs towing, the dealer should be called first. Then if arrangements are made for towing, a flatbed is needed (as they illustrate in the manual) and the back wheels will need to be put on Wheel Dollies so the car can be brought up the ramp. (which would mean 4 Wheel Dollies for X-Drive vehicles)

Keep in mind, this applies to September on production vehicles that no longer have the transmission unlock tool. I noted to the Rep that there evidently is some form of physical movement of the shifter that can unlock it for 15 minutes. He said that the dealers may know of this feature, but that he was unaware of anything specific.

Once again, I really can't fathom any condition that would cause a need to get get towed...outside of an accident. However for ALL F10's, and for a condition of complete electrical failure after having parked the car, I would think we would all need this "Dolly" procedure since there is no way to unlock the rear parking brakes...no matter if you have the transmission tool or not.

I forgot to ask about putting the car in Neutral which was my original question on the thread. It would seem however from other respondants that there is no way to do this without strating the car. Oh well.

[raleedy]

Originally Posted by Jon D

If you're referring to the screw-in towing eye, I imagine it's purely for towing other cars.

So the fitting in front would be for towing other cars in reverse?

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by raleedy

So the fitting in front would be for towing other cars in reverse?

Or for pulling someone out of trouble in a situation where you're head onto them and don't have sufficient room in which to turn your car around .

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by raleedy

So the fitting in front would be for towing other cars in reverse?

Or for being towed if you have a manual gearbox .

[LuvMyE92]

Originally Posted by Jon D

If you're referring to the screw-in towing eye, I imagine it's purely for towing other cars.

I do believe that a) BMW would tell you not to do this and b) you will cause some damage to your car and c) it is not designed for this.

The tow hook is for situations like when you're stuck on the side of the road in some mud or maybe snow... you've got little to no traction and you just need some help. I really, really don't think you should be towing anything heavier than a sled filled with laughing children. And you shouldn't do that anyway, as that is very dangerous. I was just trying to make a point. Tow nothing!

[grimlock]

Originally Posted by Jon D

Or for pulling someone out of trouble in a situation where you're head onto them and don't have sufficient room in which to turn your car around .

Or maybe BMWs like to get together when we're asleep and play tug-o'-war..