mark247 39 Report post Posted December 7, 2008 (edited) Hey Looking for a quick reply here. My mate is driving a 328i auto and the waterpump has shat itself and he thinks the headgasket is blown. It is stuck on the side of the road right now. Before he tows it home he wants to know is it safe to tow an e36 with an automatic transmission? I have been told it can harm autos. Just need to double check. Thanks. Edited December 7, 2008 by Mark247 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
3series 0 Report post Posted December 7, 2008 Hey Looking for a quick reply here. My mate is driving a 328i auto and the waterpump and shat itself and he thinks the headgasket is blown. It is stuck on the side of the road right now. Before he tows it home he wants to know is it safe to tow an e36 with an automatic transmission? I have been told it can harm autos. Just need to double check. Thanks. I'm no mechanic but have asked hte same thing before and was told it was no recommended and if a definite must, then do it with disconnecting the driveshaft first. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cale 36 Report post Posted December 7, 2008 I don't think its very good on the trans. Might be okay for short distances though? You either disconnect the d/s as said or use a lube pump. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark 178 Report post Posted December 7, 2008 Call a tow truck, they can tow it with rear wheels in the air. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mark247 39 Report post Posted December 7, 2008 Call a tow truck, they can tow it with rear wheels in the air. BMW mechanic said it is fine if it is only a short distance. Which it is. Problem solved. Thanks fellas. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pjay 8 Report post Posted December 7, 2008 Neutral???? wtf Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greenday-rulz21 6 Report post Posted December 7, 2008 Neutral???? wtfyep Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
320guy 0 Report post Posted December 7, 2008 Neutral???? wtf Yeah, what else you gonna tow it in? Park? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mark247 39 Report post Posted December 7, 2008 Neutral???? wtf This guy knows what he is talking about! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bravo 35 Report post Posted December 7, 2008 An auto is cooled by the trans fluid being pumped around the gearbox. Additionally, many of the parts in the box that require lubrication only get it when the fluid is pumped to them. No matter what gear the box is in, many of the moving parts turn if the vehicle is towed. Short distances is ok, but long distances will mean the box will heat up and parts will wear from lack of lubrication. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
320guy 0 Report post Posted December 7, 2008 (edited) Yeah, it dosent really matter what gear it is in, as parts in the gearbox are still moving, as long as its not in park, or it wont move We towed it for less than 1km, and only doing about 30kph. BMW manual says it is safe to tow at 100kph for 100km. Edited December 7, 2008 by 320guy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
320guy 0 Report post Posted December 8, 2008 Yeah, it dosent really matter what gear it is in, as parts in the gearbox are still moving, as long as its not in park, or it wont move We towed it for less than 1km, and only doing about 30kph. BMW manual says it is safe to tow at 100kph for 100km. New waterpump and thermostat and its sweet, which is mean as. I was expecting it to be f**ked. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Docile 64 Report post Posted December 8, 2008 BMW manual says it is safe to tow at 100kph for 100km. what??? that can't be right Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pjay 8 Report post Posted December 8, 2008 Lol... No the BMW manual cant be right about cars they designed, built and service.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted December 8, 2008 New waterpump and thermostat and its sweet, which is mean as. I was expecting it to be f**ked. I would still monitor the cooling system over the next couple of weeks though. Other components can be weakened due to the overheating and cause another problem within a short time...ie: headgaskets. Just check the cooling system occasionally for any water loss Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
greenday-rulz21 6 Report post Posted December 8, 2008 Lol... No the BMW manual cant be right about cars they designed, built and service.. Snap! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
