Towing an Automatic BMW out of a Ditch

[Pitre]

Can an automatic car be towed out of a ditch (i.e. a couple of yards) without knackering the trans?

[paradigital]

Can’t you put it in neutral?

[Pitre]

paradigital said:

Can’t you put it in neutral?

Not my car, but yes, the engine runs fine it's just spinning wheels down a muddy track. So if the engine is running then the trans won't be damaged if left in neutral?

[stevemcs]

If it starts, put it in neutral, if it doesn't start depending on model you can manually put it in neutral

[Pitre]

So, if it's in neutral with the engine running the transmission won't be damaged??

[stevemcs]

It shouldn't be.

[mac96]

Could it not be driven v slowly in D or R as appropriate while being dragged?

[friederich]

Pitre said:

Not my car, but yes, the engine runs fine it's just spinning wheels down a muddy track. So if the engine is running then the trans won't be damaged if left in neutral?

No problem if engine running. Also wouldn't be a problem with engine off - as long as you can get it out of P.

The need for caution when towing autos is because the transmission oil pump is engine driven - towing at speed and/or for any distance with the engine off could cause damage due to lack of oil flow.

[Triumph Man]

Should be fine - most owners handbooks state that if you tow an auto you can do something like a max of 50 mph and a max distance of 30 miles or something.

[Pitre]

Thanks all

[GeniusOfLove]

Maybe a bit late, but be VERY careful how much force you put on a towing eye on a modern car, plenty of them have aluminium crash bars now and, well...



I have since heard from a friend who works in the trade that this is very common, and much more serious when the car has a bumper full of sensors and lights.

[SAS Tom]

If it runs then just put it in D while it’s being towed out

[Pitre]

GeniusOfLove said:

Maybe a bit late, but be VERY careful how much force you put on a towing eye on a modern car, plenty of them have aluminium crash bars now and, well...



I have since heard from a friend who works in the trade that this is very common, and much more serious when the car has a bumper full of sensors and lights.

[jeremyh1]

If you need to get it out the hedge and the engine wont start then you will have to drag it and workshop any transmission that needs workshopping afterwards .
You don't always have a choice