Hopefully someone with more knowledge than I regarding towing can answer the questions below.

Why must a Mini Cooper (56) be transported on a flatbed and not towed if it stops running for some reason? What technically requires a flatbed be used? Just curious.

Same question for an BMW X3. I realize the X3 has xdrive all wheel drive. Why is a flatbed required? If its because it is 4 wheel drive, can't it be in neutral and towed? Why not?

Thanks

 

With cause of breakdown unknown, might add insult to injury if car is towed. Not an expert but IMHO, flatbed = better safe than sorry.

 

Thanks Krom.

Yes I agree better safe than sorry. Was just trying to understand why from someone that knows. As an example a situation where engine just stops and won't restart. Just keeping it simple for an example. And just trying to understand what mechanical problems would happen if towed instead of flatbed. For both a Mini and a BMW X3.

 

Have you noticed how low MINIs are? Do you want to hit a bump while being towed? Sign up for Better World. It's better than AAA and there's no limit to the distance or number of times per year. Either is less than $100/year and there is no extra charge with either for flat-bedding the MINI because it's required.

 

We tow our 2007 mcs behind our Sprinter motorhome. We have towed it many thousands of miles and never experienced any issues, mechanical or hitting anything due to low clearance. It's no lower when you tow it than when you drive it so the comment on the car being low really escapes me.

 

Just had mine towed yesterday by MINI Roadside. They promised a flatbed, but a regular tow truck came. He tried to put the arm under my front bumper, but it wouldn't clear without damaging my aero kit. I'm not even lowered! So they called a flatbed over and even then the tow truck driver had to use 2x4's to get it up on the bed.

 

I had this discussion before with a tow driver. Without getting into make/model specifics, if you leave the drive wheels on the ground it can cause the transmission and other drive line components to rotate. Certain transmissions are only lubricated under power so there is a chance even in neutral that it could over heat or cause damage.

 

Thanks GreenMini and RScheder

I realize flatbed is best. And I have no plans to tow. Just was trying to get a understanding "in case" something happens with either vehicle.

 

Do you lift the front wheels or tow it flat in neutral ?

 

We tow 4 wheels down with a tow plate on the car and a Blue Ox tow bar, Obviously, the car is a 6 speed manual.