Having an automobile is useful, only a vehicle means a breakdown… And regrettably, we know perfectly, also the luckiest among us rarely fall through the cracks. On the other hand, between a car that doesn’t start in the morning and breaking down on the highway, the consequences are going to be quite different. No matter the reason, a BMW 5 Series that doesn’t drive is tricky to move and the only answer is often to tow it to the nearest garage. In this guideline we will explain how to tow a BMW 5 Series, respecting the legislation and guaranteeing maximum safety. To achieve this, first we will have a look at the rules to stick to when towing a BMW 5 Series, then how to tow a BMW 5 Series yourself, and at last, the most sensible solution is to hire a professional to tow your car.

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The rules to stick to if you want to tow an BMW 5 Series

It is obviously possible to tow your car. On the other hand, if you want to go into towing a BMW 5 Series you will have to stick to some measures. We present them to you below:

  • Do not drive on motorways or expressways, because the speed at which you will tow your BMW 5 Series may endanger yourself and other motorists if you do it on an expressway.
  • Do not exceed 25 km/h, you must always stay in control of both vehicles, a high speed will not let you to anticipate possible challenges and the towed car may enter the first one

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  • Limit yourself to short distance journeys. If you have to travel several dozen kilometres, it is better to call a breakdown service.
  • When towing, try to ensure that that the BMW 5 Series and the car towing it are correctly lined up, to hold a great behaviour.
  • Switch on the warnings lights on both vehicles.
  • If the BMW 5 Series being towed has no battery, you will need to use a removable plate linked to the first car so that you can notify the drivers behind you.

How to tow a BMW 5 Series by yourself

Now that you have discovered the basic specifications for securely towing a BMW 5 Series, we will present you the different methods to do it:

  • Use only a tow bar to tow your BMW 5 Series, as ropes, straps or other products are not suitable and will only risk you having an accident. If the towing device is flexible, you risk hitting the towing car. It will be better to buy a towing bar.

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  • You can use one of the three types of existing tow bars to tow your BMW 5 Series, telescopic bars (40 to 50 euros), folding bars (30 to 100 euros) and standard bars (30 to 40 euros).
  • Examine that you have two towing rings on the vehicles, which will let you to connect them together with the tow bar.
  • Examine that the towing car is heavier than the car to be towed.
  • Have efficient signalling on the BMW 5 Series to be towed.

These are the restrictions to stick to if you want to tow your BMW 5 Series. On the other hand keep in mind that this remedy should only be used for short distances to avoid a more expensive towing, if you have a long distance to cover we advise you to browse the following section.

Have your BMW 5 Series towed by a professional

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Finally, last part of our article, if you are not able to tow your BMW 5 Series in good conditions, it remains the most logical resolution, to call a tow truck to tow your car. This may seem like an expensive option, but in most insurance contracts, there is a clause that allows you to use their services free of charge. Here are the details to check on your insurance contract before calling a tow truck:

  • That the distance between your home and the place of breakdown is in accordance with the mileage shown in your contract (generally covered more than 50 km from your home).
  • Examine that the complications you are struggling with are well taken care of by your insurer.
  • Finally, check the deductible amount on your account.

Now you have all the info you need to tow your BMW 5 Series in good conditions.

If you wish more tutorials on the BMW 5 Series, go to our BMW 5 Series category.