330e towing eye

willougs · 06-09-2021, 06:55 AM

Can I please trouble a few 330e owners to see if they were supplied a towing eye with their new car?

Mine wasnt, and reading the owners manual etc, I've no idea what I am supposed to do if the car breaks down and needs to be moved. Manual says it should be placed on a truck bed (fair enough), but how is that supposed to happen with no towing eye to drag it onto the truck with? Or am I missing something obvious?

My dealer has said the towing eye is not supplied as its a hybrid and BMW suggest they shouldnt be towed. BMW Genius didnt know immediately but contacted a dealer in Sheffield who said it should be supplied.

Before I chase my dealer once again to supply a towing eye, it would be good to see if I am a one-off.

Thanks in advance.

Axeman15 · 06-09-2021, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willougs

Can I please trouble a few 330e owners to see if they were supplied a towing eye with their new car?

Mine wasnt, and reading the owners manual etc, I've no idea what I am supposed to do if the car breaks down and needs to be moved. Manual says it should be placed on a truck bed (fair enough), but how is that supposed to happen with no towing eye to drag it onto the truck with? Or am I missing something obvious?

My dealer has said the towing eye is not supplied as its a hybrid and BMW suggest they shouldnt be towed. BMW Genius didnt know immediately but contacted a dealer in Sheffield who said it should be supplied.

Before I chase my dealer once again to supply a towing eye, it would be good to see if I am a one-off.

Thanks in advance.

Does it mention it in your manual - this is for a 330i

willougs · 06-09-2021, 07:18 AM

The manual (hardcopy and app) does have a load of information on the towing eye, and towing in general, but nothing seems hybrid specific. All the information I see appears pretty generic (regardless of model).

In my opinion, the documentation/owners manual is generally pretty poor. Very generic and vague.
For example, in the towing other vehicles section it says "With Safe Share function: to remove a broken down vehicle from a dangerous area, it can be towed over a short distance..."

Whats Safe Share function? No other mention of it in the manual that I can see.

Axeman15 · 06-09-2021, 07:48 AM

There's no mention of Safe Share function in my manual.

willougs · 06-09-2021, 07:57 AM

In the "Towing other vehicles" section.

Not sure why it has to mention max distances to tow when "towing other vehicles". Surely that depends on the vehicle being towed.

Anyway, I'm sure owners manual issues would be a thread in itself...

Axeman15 · 06-09-2021, 08:13 AM

No mention in my book. You may have more options or it is something 330e specific

johnboysafc · 06-09-2021, 08:42 AM

I got one with mine

Axeman15 · 06-09-2021, 08:47 AM

Have you got the safe share function as well

johnboysafc · 06-09-2021, 10:13 AM

Wouldnt have a clue? Not sure what it is even after i read above?!?!
Surely if youre broken down you could be towed? Is it different with a hybrid?

johno · 06-09-2021, 10:26 AM

I think the safe share function is something to do with the digital key. But I'm not clear how that relates to towing, unless it means you need to leave the key card in the car while it's being towed.

willougs · 06-09-2021, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnboysafc

Surely if youre broken down you could be towed? Is it different with a hybrid?

I cant find anything to suggest otherwise, other than the fact my car was not supplied with a towing eye and the dealer says thats normal for a 330e.

They've not responded to my requests for the process I need to follow if I break down and the car needs to be moved somewhere.

xenon · 06-09-2021, 11:10 AM

It needs to be on a spectacle lift AFAIK.

SonD · 06-09-2021, 12:51 PM

Safe share is the key you give to the likes of your young sibling / service personel so that they cannot go looning around under huge acceleration. Does not stop them crashing it though..

paulockenden · 06-09-2021, 12:57 PM

G21 330e xDrive here. Wasn’t supplied with a towing eye. Jan/Feb 21 build, in case that makes a difference.

willougs · 06-09-2021, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulockenden

G21 330e xDrive here. Wasn't supplied with a towing eye. Jan/Feb 21 build, in case that makes a difference.

So do you have a plan if you break down and need to be towed?

Guessing for first 3 years it's BMW Breakdown Service suppliers problem, but after that? Can't see your local Green Flag having a towing eye to fit.

xenon · 06-10-2021, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willougs

So do you have a plan if you break down and need to be towed?

Guessing for first 3 years it's BMW Breakdown Service suppliers problem, but after that? Can't see your local Green Flag having a towing eye to fit.

They will have to use a spectacle lift which most recovery firm use anyway. Lots of other reasons such as an auto being stuck in Park or whatever. Really uncommon for recovery to straight-tow.

willougs · 06-10-2021, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenon

Quote:

Originally Posted by willougs

So do you have a plan if you break down and need to be towed?

Guessing for first 3 years it's BMW Breakdown Service suppliers problem, but after that? Can't see your local Green Flag having a towing eye to fit.

They will have to use a spectacle lift which most recovery firm use anyway. Lots of other reasons such as an auto being stuck in Park or whatever. Really uncommon for recovery to straight-tow.

My idea of a spectacle truck was one of these with a big cross through it?

My Owners Manual says to only transport on truck bed, but not sure how I get it on the bed without a supplied towing eye.

paulockenden · 06-10-2021, 05:03 AM

My owners manual app (which is suppose to be tailored to the vehicle) definitely says there should be towing eye and a screwdriver supplies, but as with others I only got the wheel nut.

xenon · 06-10-2021, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willougs

My idea of a spectacle truck was one of these with a big cross through it?

My Owners Manual says to only transport on truck bed, but not sure how I get it on the bed without a supplied towing eye.

It is - the second one - but it’s ok to tow by lifting rear wheels. Nevertheless your point is valid, how could you winch into a flatbed with no towing eye.

Axeman15 · 06-10-2021, 08:36 AM

Can you tow xDrive cars by lifting rear wheels, just a thought.

I wouldn't be surprised if you broke down, pressed the emergency button for assistance and when the tow truck driver arrived, they blame you for losing the towing eye when they try and winch you on their truck. I would be back at the dealers to sort one out

willougs · 06-10-2021, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axeman15

I would be back at the dealers to sort one out

I'm trying, but dealer is adament that one is not supplied because the car should not be towed. They however are unable to tell me what I need to do should it be immobilised and need to be moved.

I could buy one, but dont want to do damage to the car if that is indeed the case (as sure BMW would refuse any warrnaty work if they found out), and it's the principal really; if it should be supplied with one, they should supply it.

Axeman15 · 06-10-2021, 09:09 AM

I've got a very helpful adviser at Sytners and have just dropped him a note to follow up on my sport mode HUD issue which is due to be sorted in July, plus I asked if all G20's should come with a towing eye.
I'll let you know what he comes back with

06-09-2021, 06:55 AM	#1
willougs Captain 267 Rep 861 Posts Drives: BMW 330e Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Southampton iTrader: (0)	330e towing eye Can I please trouble a few 330e owners to see if they were supplied a towing eye with their new car? Mine wasnt, and reading the owners manual etc, I've no idea what I am supposed to do if the car breaks down and needs to be moved. Manual says it should be placed on a truck bed (fair enough), but how is that supposed to happen with no towing eye to drag it onto the truck with? Or am I missing something obvious? My dealer has said the towing eye is not supplied as its a hybrid and BMW suggest they shouldnt be towed. BMW Genius didnt know immediately but contacted a dealer in Sheffield who said it should be supplied. Before I chase my dealer once again to supply a towing eye, it would be good to see if I am a one-off. Thanks in advance. __________________ '21 BMW 330e xDrive ///M Sport For cheaper charging, switch to Octopus Energy using this link and get £50 free credit
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06-09-2021, 07:18 AM	#3
willougs Captain 267 Rep 861 Posts Drives: BMW 330e Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Southampton iTrader: (0)	The manual (hardcopy and app) does have a load of information on the towing eye, and towing in general, but nothing seems hybrid specific. All the information I see appears pretty generic (regardless of model). In my opinion, the documentation/owners manual is generally pretty poor. Very generic and vague. For example, in the towing other vehicles section it says "With Safe Share function: to remove a broken down vehicle from a dangerous area, it can be towed over a short distance..." Whats Safe Share function? No other mention of it in the manual that I can see. __________________ '21 BMW 330e xDrive ///M Sport For cheaper charging, switch to Octopus Energy using this link and get £50 free credit Last edited by willougs; 06-09-2021 at 07:55 AM..
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06-09-2021, 07:48 AM	#4
Axeman15 Second Lieutenant 62 Rep 213 Posts Drives: 330i M Sport Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Nottingham iTrader: (0)	There's no mention of Safe Share function in my manual.
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06-09-2021, 07:57 AM	#5
willougs Captain 267 Rep 861 Posts Drives: BMW 330e Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Southampton iTrader: (0)	In the "Towing other vehicles" section. Not sure why it has to mention max distances to tow when "towing other vehicles". Surely that depends on the vehicle being towed. Anyway, I'm sure owners manual issues would be a thread in itself... Attached Images __________________ '21 BMW 330e xDrive ///M Sport For cheaper charging, switch to Octopus Energy using this link and get £50 free credit
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06-09-2021, 08:13 AM	#6
Axeman15 Second Lieutenant 62 Rep 213 Posts Drives: 330i M Sport Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Nottingham iTrader: (0)	No mention in my book. You may have more options or it is something 330e specific Attached Images
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06-09-2021, 08:42 AM	#7
johnboysafc Second Lieutenant 99 Rep 263 Posts Drives: BMW G20 330e MSport Xdrive Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Cumbria, England iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW G20 330e M ... [0.00]	I got one with mine __________________ JohnBoySAFC BMW Msport 330e xdrive 2020
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06-09-2021, 08:47 AM	#8
Axeman15 Second Lieutenant 62 Rep 213 Posts Drives: 330i M Sport Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Nottingham iTrader: (0)	Have you got the safe share function as well
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06-09-2021, 10:13 AM	#9
johnboysafc Second Lieutenant 99 Rep 263 Posts Drives: BMW G20 330e MSport Xdrive Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Cumbria, England iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW G20 330e M ... [0.00]	Wouldnt have a clue? Not sure what it is even after i read above?!?! Surely if youre broken down you could be towed? Is it different with a hybrid? __________________ JohnBoySAFC BMW Msport 330e xdrive 2020
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06-09-2021, 10:26 AM	#10
johno Second Lieutenant 47 Rep 256 Posts Drives: G20 M340ix Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Hampshire iTrader: (0)	I think the safe share function is something to do with the digital key. But I'm not clear how that relates to towing, unless it means you need to leave the key card in the car while it's being towed.
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06-09-2021, 11:10 AM	#12
xenon Major General 1397 Rep 8,083 Posts Drives: 2021 G21 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Coventry iTrader: (0)	It needs to be on a spectacle lift AFAIK.
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06-09-2021, 12:51 PM	#13
SonD Lieutenant 325 Rep 436 Posts Drives: 545e (Finally :-) ) Join Date: May 2021 Location: Midlands UK iTrader: (0)	Safe share is the key you give to the likes of your young sibling / service personel so that they cannot go looning around under huge acceleration. Does not stop them crashing it though..
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06-09-2021, 12:57 PM	#14
paulockenden Major 575 Rep 1,219 Posts Drives: 330e xDrive Touring Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: South Coast iTrader: (0)	G21 330e xDrive here. Wasn’t supplied with a towing eye. Jan/Feb 21 build, in case that makes a difference.
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06-10-2021, 05:03 AM	#18
paulockenden Major 575 Rep 1,219 Posts Drives: 330e xDrive Touring Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: South Coast iTrader: (0)	My owners manual app (which is suppose to be tailored to the vehicle) definitely says there should be towing eye and a screwdriver supplies, but as with others I only got the wheel nut.
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06-10-2021, 08:36 AM	#20
Axeman15 Second Lieutenant 62 Rep 213 Posts Drives: 330i M Sport Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Nottingham iTrader: (0)	Can you tow xDrive cars by lifting rear wheels, just a thought. I wouldn't be surprised if you broke down, pressed the emergency button for assistance and when the tow truck driver arrived, they blame you for losing the towing eye when they try and winch you on their truck. I would be back at the dealers to sort one out
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06-10-2021, 09:09 AM	#22
Axeman15 Second Lieutenant 62 Rep 213 Posts Drives: 330i M Sport Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Nottingham iTrader: (0)	I've got a very helpful adviser at Sytners and have just dropped him a note to follow up on my sport mode HUD issue which is due to be sorted in July, plus I asked if all G20's should come with a towing eye. I'll let you know what he comes back with
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