Quote:
Originally Posted by Weasel
I still like when I saw a tow truck *try* to hook a 2000-2003 X5 by the front wheels only and drive off, he didn't make it far and the truck hit the ground! Thanks to his lack of knowledge and my being too far away to stop him in time I got to change a transfer case and front driveshaft due to stripped splines. (and on the tow truck companies dollar)
|
Being a former tow truck driver, I always check every new vehicle I own as to towing restrictions so that I know in advance if I ever break down. My 2003 was rated for 30 mph/50 kph maximum speed, 95 miles/150 km maximum distance, with one axle raised. No slings permitted (related only to body damage, and they aren't common anymore anyways), so you needed to use a wheel lift, but BMW did expect owners to be towed with only one axle in the air, up until the X-drive models came out in 2004. Even with the 2004 models, using dollies under the non-lifted axle allows safe towing without a flat deck.
Your customer's vehicle may have been in park, or the transfer case or splines may have been already damaged, not sure, but he should have been able to tow it according to the manual. As a tow truck operator, I used to check every owner's manual if the vehicle wasn't in my AAA towing guide book, as it transferred liability to the vehicle owner from me. Saved my employer from writing cheques.
__________________
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
|