[mecheng77]

Why does the owners manual recommend towing
A rwd with the rear tires on the road? Shouldn't it
Be the front tires which are free wheeling and therefore
There is no risk of damage to the drive components due to lack of lubrication?
I know flatbed is preferable but not always available
I had my car towed 1km with the front tires on the ground
And it's perfectly fine, a flat bed wasn't available at the time

Very confused .....

[RocketSurgeon]

The manual specifies flat bed only. Towing an automatic car with the rear wheels on the ground will tear up the transmission because the transmission oil pump isn't spinning. If you absolutely need to tow an automatic with the rear wheels on the ground, you need to remove the driveshaft first.

Towing with the front tires on the ground is discouraged. It shouldn't damage anything (as long as the bumper doesn't drag), but things will get really ugly if the steering turns.

[jeddo45]

Originally Posted by RocketSurgeon

The manual specifies flat bed only. Towing an automatic car with the rear wheels on the ground will tear up the transmission because the transmission oil pump isn't spinning. If you absolutely need to tow an automatic with the rear wheels on the ground, you need to remove the driveshaft first.

Towing with the front tires on the ground is discouraged. It shouldn't damage anything (as long as the bumper doesn't drag), but things will get really ugly if the steering turns.

Even if the tranny is in neutral?

[RocketSurgeon]

Originally Posted by jeddo45

Even if the tranny is in neutral?

If wheels are touching the ground while towing, you need to be in neutral, unless the driveshaft is out. In neutral, the transmission is disengaged from the engine, but still connected to the wheels. Without the engine spinning, the transmission oil pump isn't lubricating things. You don't want that transmission spinning without proper lubrication. If you absolutely have no choice, you can tow short distances at low speed, but it's best to avoid this. With a manual, you can tow in neutral no problem.

I think BMW specs something like 45 miles max at 35mph max for towing a rwd automatic. AWD is flat-bed only

[mecheng77]

It's 45 mph and 90 miles max when having the rear wheels touch the ground. The engineers must have determined that doesn't cause harm

Makes sense about steering wheel moving, that's why the guy wrapped the seat belt through the steering wheel locking it when he towed my car. If they can lock your wheel it's much easier on the car