Our 530xiT (while in my partner's hands) was improperly towed--not on a flatbed truck. It was pulled by its front axle with the car (an automatic) in neutral. It was pulled at highway speeds for more than 20 miles to the dealer. I have no idea if the ignition key was turned to the first setting.
Any idea clues as to what damage we should have the dealer look for? Transfer case? Suspension? Has anyone had a AWD BMW towed this way and gotten out of it WITHOUT damage?
Needless to say we were livid. My partner tried to get him to look at the manual and follow instructions, but he ignored her. This was a BMW Roadside Assistance subcontractor.
Any advice is much appreciated. We're just hoping the car isn't damaged beyond reasonable repair.
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| Reply » car improperly towed--pls help! |
I would call BMW Roadside Assistance and request to know what their process is in regards to towing a 530XiT. Indicate your concerns, and be prepared to "go up the chain" to BMW if there has been damage... If it had been Joe Blow tow truck, I'd say your out of luck... but a BMW Roadside Assistance tow truck operator should know better.
As for damage, I'd be concerned about control arm damage, as well as transmission issues. If your dealer can't handle it, ask them to open a PUMA request on it... that will get BMW HQ involved... they should be able to tell the dealer what to look for. Good luck! 
And tell your partner, nothing except a rollback for ANY car... no exceptions! 
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| Reply » car improperly towed--pls help! |
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh no DC..... you must be ripping. Sorry to hear it.
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| Reply » car improperly towed--pls help! |
Suspension should be fine. I'd worry about the transfer case and transmission, as no lubrication is provided without the engine running (automatic I assume). You might be ok due to the relatively short distance of the tow, but insist on a flat bed in the future.
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| Reply » car improperly towed--pls help! |
Cool. Thanks for the reassuring words. We're having the shop check out both the suspension and the drive train.
Now it looks like the wagon's electronic failure was caused by corrosion of the rear fuse panel. Another problem to deal with! What's the source of the leak....
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| Reply » car improperly towed--pls help! |
Quote: I would call BMW Roadside Assistance and request to know what their process is in regards to towing a 530XiT. Indicate your concerns, and be prepared to "go up the chain" to BMW if there has been damage... If it had been Joe Blow tow truck, I'd say your out of luck... but a BMW Roadside Assistance tow truck operator should know better.
As for damage, I'd be concerned about control arm damage, as well as transmission issues. If your dealer can't handle it, ask them to open a PUMA request on it... that will get BMW HQ involved... they should be able to tell the dealer what to look for. Good luck!
And tell your partner, nothing except a rollback for ANY car... no exceptions! | Thanks, Salvator. What does PUMA stand for?
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car improperly towed--pls help!