Seems to be some over-reaction here. Lots of emotion. I know you guys hate tow truck drivers, but as an ex tow truck driver, give us a break. We aren't all animals. I used slings, and wheel lifts, as appropriate. I used dollies when necessary. I used a trailer for special vehicles that required it (we didn't have a flatdeck). The company paid for any damage to a vehicle that I did. I don't recall them paying on my behalf, but it might have happened, not sure, it was years ago.

The shop I worked at didn't have an impound lot, and we tried to avoid any situation that involved impounding the vehicle. I recall locking at least one inside the shop after it was involved in an accident, at the request of the RCMP.

I said above that it was self-inflicted. I also said that I felt bad for the poster. The fact is, as FSETH said, none of this would have happened if the tickets hadn't been delinquent. (Was it ticket, or tickets?) No, he doesn't deserve this. But he might have expected that there was a chance it could have happened, given all the stories relayed above. Seems to be common knowledge in NYC.

First step is to find out what the damage is. All the discussion about driveline damage is premature. We don't know what year the X is because it isn't in the OP's profile. If it isn't a 2004 or later (x drive) then flat towing or wheel lift on one end was endorsed by BMW. The manual states "Transmission selector in N, maximum 45 mph for a maximum of 95 miles" with the wheels turning. There is no need to use a flatdeck, although it is a nice idea if you are paying and want to front the extra premium for a specialty tow. All that said, without a key it is difficult to put it in N (unless you disconnect the shifter). So, it is more likely that the tow truck driver used a dolly because that is faster, and what the tow truck driver really wants to do is leave before the owner comes back and creates a confrontation. (I can imagine how this one would have gone, lol)

If they used a sling to lift it, that could have pulled the bumper off. However, it sounds more like the rad is damaged (fluid leaks) so that sounds more like a frontal impact to me. Perhaps they picked it up at the rear with a wheel lift, and backed it into a wall or another vehicle due to carelessness. If so, the damage is exactly the same as if a car reversed into it while it was parked, and it just as easily could have happened while it was parked.

Yes, it is unfortunate, but let's keep it in perspective. My nickel's up, as MD would say.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue