Correct way to tow a 3.0 CS

J

JC Myers

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Anybody aware of official literature detailing the correct way to tow a 3.0 CS? I am having a liability disagreement with a towing company who hooked up only to the left tow eye to pull up my coupe on to a flatbed. The eye snapped during the process. I can't find anything from BMW on the correct technique. Appreciate your help.
 
Have to hook to the front or rear subframe for loading on the flatbed . DO NOT use the rear loop on the spare tire well as a tie down. Have to use tire nets or subframes as tie down points.
 
Prior owner of my car removed the rear loop (not sure whether this was intentional or by accident), but I am glad to have it gone.

I have actually thought about getting a small nylon tow strap with the loops on each end to have in the car in case it needs to be towed.
 
I really think wheel lift will be the best way of towing our cars because it picks the rear wheels off the ground and pulls the front wheels considering the steering wheel is locked so the car does not go all over the road, emergency brakes pulled to keep the car from rolling when unloaded.
The problem with flatbed is that the tow chain has to be hooked to something to pull the car on the flatbed and that can create problems specially when the tow driver is not experienced!
 
autowerks said:
<snip>
The problem with flatbed is that the tow chain has to be hooked to something to pull the car on the flatbed and that can create problems specially when the tow driver is not experienced!
Click to expand...

Your front spoiler will drag on the flatbed until the front wheels start up the bed too. DAMHIK
 
Thanks for everyone's comments. Speaking from an unfortunate experience, what I can say is don't let the tow truck driver just hook up to the left or the right tow hook!

Here's what BMW NA had to say (couldn't find any official Certified Classic Centers in California - just links to regional dealerships):

Dear Mr. Myers:

Thank you for writing to BMW of North America, LLC regarding how to properly tow your 1974 BMW 3.0CS. We appreciate your inquiry.

For newer BMW's, we suggest using both tow hooks in the front bumper to properly tow a BMW on a flatbed. Additional information should be available in the Owner's Manual.

For specific tow instructions for your vehicle, we suggest reaching out to a BMW Certified Classic Center for additional information. Unfortunately, I am unable to locate an owner's manual for your model to provide you with the proper instructions.

To locate a BMW Certified Classic Center, please visit http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Owner/classiccars.aspx.

For your convenience, the BMW Customer Relations and Services Department is available Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. You can reach us at 1-800-831-1117.

Thank you again for taking the time to write to us.
 
When the back wheels are on the wheel lift the strap will tie the wheel to the wheels that are lifted to prevent the car from coming loose when the tow truck hits bumps or pot wholes!
When I owned the tow truck company we only used flat bed for very low cars and all wheel drive cars.
To prevent the spoiler from dragging we used a 2x6 between the bed and the front wheels to great a lift and for spoiler to clear the bed!
 
I loaded my coupe 6 times to flatbeds and used the gas tank hoop and the front links never a problem
works just fine
no signs of any stress.
 
I don't see how you're going to put the liability on the tow company for that. Of course we all know the tow hooks are weak and should not be used, but they fact is that they ARE tow hooks.
 
I think it all comes down to the tow truck driver, the knowledge and experience is priceless and can make all the difference.
 
i would put a coupe on a flatbed. in order to get a lowered coupe with an air dam on a flat bed, the tech needs to use the tapered foam ramps to blend the slope ... that is what they do when they load my 911 on a flatbed. i would not use a wheel lift tow if you have a front air dam as it will get damaged. with my 911, the last tech used the wheel nets on the rears and it kept the car very stable ... and it was a long tow (i broke the idler pulley on the serpentine belt - while out in the country on a TSD rally).
 
Steve -- my thought is exactly the same as Andrew's. Have the strap on hand and learn how it should go around the front and rear subframe, with the hook from the flatbed going through the two eyelets on the strap.
 
Ohmess said:
Steve -- my thought is exactly the same as Andrew's. Have the strap on hand and learn how it should go around the front and rear subframe, with the hook from the flatbed going through the two eyelets on the strap.
Click to expand...
Make a couple dozen straps with nicely printed instructions for use, put them up for sale
 
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