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      10-23-2011, 12:57 PM   #1
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Tow Eyelet... just one?

I've had a couple BMW's before the x3 and each of them has only come with 1 tow eyelet... and the same for the x3. The pouch looks like it is supposed to hold two, but only one in the bag... Anyone else get just one, or better yet, anyone actually get two?
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      10-23-2011, 02:24 PM   #2
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Only one for me as well.
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      10-23-2011, 02:31 PM   #3
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Why would more than one be needed?
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      10-23-2011, 02:52 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bustofa View Post
Why would more than one be needed?
Asymmetry?
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      10-23-2011, 05:17 PM   #5
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They are actually not intended for towing, once the vehicle is sold to you. Those are there for towing them during manufacturing and delivery, particularly if shipped over the ocean. Most flatbed operators will hook on elsewhere.
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      10-23-2011, 10:25 PM   #6
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BMW recommends that only the tow fitting is used to tow the vehicle on to a flat bed, or if the X3 is used to tow another vehicle. They do not recommend connecting to any other part of the car.

In fact, there are no other parts of the car visible (to connect to) because of the full bottom cover except the lower suspension control arms. Towing the car with a strap attached to a control arm will almost certainly cause serious damage., and should be avoided unless it is a dire emergency. If an X3 must be towed, it should be on a flat bed ONLY. Towing with only two wheels elevated and two on the road will cause serious damage.

All X3's come with (1) tow eye-bolt. It is of a different size (longer and larger-diameter - coarser thread) than has been used on previous BMW's. The "new" X3 tow eye-bolt uses a tapered seat as opposed to the flat seat of the older version. It should be fully seated (fairly tight) before any use.

The widely available BMW, "race-type" hinged tow rings will not fit.
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Last edited by Lotus7; 10-23-2011 at 10:36 PM..
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      10-24-2011, 07:16 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lotus7 View Post
BMW recommends that only the tow fitting is used to tow the vehicle on to a flat bed, or if the X3 is used to tow another vehicle. They do not recommend connecting to any other part of the car.
Now that I've been under the car, I would agree.
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      10-24-2011, 07:45 PM   #8
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Thanks

Yeah, that's kind of what I figured... but there's a part of me that likes things symmetrical even if pulling it onto a flatbed. But I can also see where it wouldn't matter given such a small distance.

The other symmetrical part of me says, "why create a pouch that clearly is made for two eye-bolts"?

Meh...
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      10-24-2011, 11:51 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GenX3 View Post
The other symmetrical part of me says, "why create a pouch that clearly is made for two eye-bolts"?

Meh...
So you can purchase a second one from BMW to use in the (2) rear sockets.
(BMW p/n 72157184971 "Towing Hinge" US$ 23.87 each)

I'll answer your question with another: Why does the English translation (published) become "Towing Hinge"?
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Last edited by Lotus7; 10-25-2011 at 12:49 AM..
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