Towing an E30 with an E30

[Zayyan]

I need to pick up another E30 316i and all I have to do it is my E30...

Will I be able to safely join them together with a tow pole using the hook under the rear bumper on my car, and the hook at the front of the other car (i.e. the one that's screwed in when you clip that square of plastic out of the front bumper)?

And what will I need to do re lighting etc? Will it be legal for the driver (or "steerer") of the car behind to just copy what I do, i.e. brake slightly when I do so the brakelights come on, copy where I indicate etc? Or will I need an extra light unit?

The reason I'm planning on towing the other car is as it doesn't have tax or MOT. Would I need insurance for the other car?

Sorry to ask a load of stupid questions, but I have 200 miles of mostly motorway towing to do and my car seems to be a bit of a police magnet so I want to make sure I'm doing everything right

Oh, plus will my car be able to handle it? It's only a little 316i after all, wouldn't want to break it

[bullitt]

A towing bar will work ok for short to medium journeys but 200miles!!!


For lights wire up a trailer board & cable tie it to the rear bumper..

It is illegal to tow on the motorway unless you use an A frame like the AA use, this is chained to the bottom arms and steers the towed car.. Similar to this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 15738&rd=1

[Zayyan]

Cheers for that bullitt, but Ԛ£175!

I guess I'll have to insure it for the day (anyone know any good leads for daily insurance?) and drive it back....I think I'm right in saying you don't need an MOT or tax if you're driving to get the car MOT'd

Although maybe there's a mileage restriction for this plan

Time to do some homework on this I think

[alpinachris2]

you are allowed to drive your car to the m.o.t test center ,but you have to pre book the test

[daytona]

[quote="Zayyan"]I need to pick up another E30 316i and all I have to do it is my E30...

1. Will I be able to safely join them together with a tow pole using the hook under the rear bumper on my car, and the hook at the front of the other car (i.e. the one that's screwed in when you clip that square of plastic out of the front bumper)?

2. And what will I need to do re lighting etc? 3. Will it be legal for the driver (or "steerer") of the car behind to just copy what I do, i.e. brake slightly when I do so the brakelights come on, copy where I indicate etc? 4. Or will I need an extra light unit?

The reason I'm planning on towing the other car is as it doesn't have tax or MOT. 5. Would I need insurance for the other car?

:quote]

Responses:
1. There is no reason that you should not be able to safely join the cars together with a rigid tow pole.
2 & 4. You are required by law to provide lighting to the rear of the towed vehicle, including indicators, lights, brake lights and reflectors. The towed vehicle in effect becomes a trailer.
3. Get the driver to brake very gently in response to your brake lights. Ensure that the towed vehicle is steered as directly in line with the towing car as possible and not to try to see in front of the towing car! Otherwise, if the towing vehicle brakes whilst the towed vehicle is offset to one side, there is a likelihood that the rigid bar will cause damage to both vehicles.
5. I don't know for sure whether insurance would be needed for the towed car or not. As I see it, it becomes a "trailer" when being towed. But for public liabilty, it may be best to get insured.

Good luck.

[bullitt]

There is no reason that you should not be able to safely join the cars together with a rigid tow pole.The towed vehicle in effect becomes a trailer.

Yes but not on the Motorway!! Unless you use an A frame.. You have PM..

[Quaser]

It's illegal to tow on the motorway as stated without an aframe.

where is the car comming from and going to?

Q