Community Forums

Augies Daddy · 04-04-2015, 01:02 PM

Sorry if I missed it but using search I found nothing on BMW or Mercedes suvs or cars that can be flat towed. hoping a Class A motorhome is in our future and wanting to replace our Volvo suv that can't be towed without too much mechanical changes. Looked at some other vehicles but wife likes the volvo and trying to come up with something she likes that can be flat towed. Seems like Acura, Lexus and Infinity are out. Just wondering if anyone has some info.. thanks again for all the shared knowledge on this site...

pagosajoe · 04-04-2015, 01:23 PM

Download the 2014 list of flat towables here:

Downloadable Dinghy Guides | MotorHome Magazine

Unfortunately, no BMW or MBs are listed. You may wish to call your local dealer - they should be able to answer your question and provide options. Others may chime in with how they managed to convert a BMW or MB to allow flat towing.

vsheetz · 04-04-2015, 01:34 PM

BMW mini with manual transmission.

gsnyder4224 · 04-04-2015, 01:48 PM

Our owners manual on both our Infiniti and Mercedes suvs state no flat towing at all. Subaru cross trek with manual transmission is going to be our choice.

Gary and Susan
2015 Discovery 40E
Bradenton, Florida

Augies Daddy · 04-04-2015, 02:35 PM

Really would like to find something that doesn't require trans pumps or drive disconnects. Just got back from Mini dealer. They said you could tow a manual trans but the official stance is minis can only be towed on a trailer. Hence according to them any coincidental damage that might occur would not be covered by their warranty. I know people tow them but that was the official word from dealer.

DAN L · 04-05-2015, 02:00 AM

Smart for 2, by MB, is towable per the owners manual. the battery must be disconnected, not an easy task. I am in the process of installing a disconnect device inside the car. The battery is under the floor on the passengers side.

MRUSA14 · 04-05-2015, 12:19 PM

Not possible, at least not with an automatic transmission. I sold my beloved BMW with tears in my eyes when I started towing. Wife will not drive a stick shift so I am pretty much limited to US makes: Ford & GM as all the European or Asian cars are not towable with auto trans.

rream · 04-05-2015, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRUSA14

Not possible, at least not with an automatic transmission. I sold my beloved BMW with tears in my eyes when I started towing. Wife will not drive a stick shift so I am pretty much limited to US makes: Ford & GM as all the European or Asian cars are not towable with auto trans.

Not sure how they do it but I have seen several BMW's in the past few years including a 3 series this winter

MRUSA14 · 04-05-2015, 01:38 PM

Must be stick shift. I have read that they can be towed although BMW does not approve it.

DAN L · 04-05-2015, 05:56 PM

My ''Smarty'' by MB has a 5 speed sequential transmission, shifted by an electric servo. the clutch is also operated by an electric servo. it has only 2 pedals, brake and gas. the gears change automatically unless the shifter is put in manual mode.
My smarty has 2k miles and operates just fine so far.
I am setting it up for towing.

HicksRA · 04-05-2015, 07:03 PM

My MB GL450 has all wheel drive and is not towable 4 down.

mjeffrey · 10-09-2018, 11:28 PM

Blue Ox makes a tow bar for 2008 GL550

https://www.blueoxtowbars.com/produc...7,82&group_id=

RVThere · 10-10-2018, 06:09 AM

You can try a MB 'hybrid'. From 2006-2008, you could get a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a MB diesel in it. I had a 2008 GC like this that I towed for 10's of thousands of miles 4 down with no problems. I lost that car to the storm surge of Hurricane Irma and went out and bought a used 2007 diesel GC (with less miles and in better condition) to replace it!