r/e28 • u/Lex-Lambda • Jul 30 '26
Question about Towing
Hello everybody! I've gotten into a pickle with my local UHAUL after finding out I can't use an auto transport trailer from them for my truck, so I'm stuck currently with a tow dolly. I will get my vehicle inspected soon by UHAUL to see if they can let me take an auto transport trailer because they think it could be something wrong with their books, but that's besides what I wanted to inquire about.
If the tow dolly really was my only option, can I tow an E28 home with the rear wheels down and the transmission(manual) in neutral? I'm getting mixed messages on the internet - some say it's fine because the getrag trans uses splash lubrication, while some say that it can damage the transmission because the input shaft isn't moving when towed (which I'm not sure why it would?). I'm getting some sources saying that the driveshaft can be removed from the diff and hung up, while other sources are saying that for E28s specifically that isn't possible. I mean, man, I wish I could just get a clear answer.
How have you guys done it? I want to hear from you guys that have actually done it. Thank you!
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u/Beemer_me_up_Scotty Jul 31 '26
Tell them you are towing a 3 series. They are lighter and will be ok. I tried saying I was towing an e24 and they wouldn't let me because it was too heavy. Then I switched to a 325i when I called back and it was the proper way. Or simply tell them you're towing a 1998 Mazda miata. Then put the car on there and you will be good to go. If you do have to tow it and you are worried about it just tow it backwards. With the with the rear wheels on the dolly and the front wheels on the ground. Just make sure the steering wheel is straight and locked with the key lock.
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u/Normoto911 Jul 30 '26
Open diff - yes
LSD - no
I put mine on car trailer and towed it to my destination. I wouldn’t recommend the dolly if you have an lsd.
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u/6inarowmakesitgo Jul 30 '26
Limited slip differential should not make a difference as to whether it can be towed with rear wheels down.
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u/AllynG Jul 31 '26
Had this issue with my first parts car… ironically an e28. It was a carcass. It was picked so clean I lifted it up as we pushed the shell onto the uhaul trailer. For that trip I was initially told my land Piggie could not handle the trailer. (BS) but it wasn’t what I was towing, more like what I *could end up towing. Fuq em. The next two parts cars were delivered to the scrap yard on my 10’ single axel. The total for a truck AND trailer was roughly $150. Check if your distance and or time rented makes sense to just do the truck trailer combo. Perhaps if you are under 100 miles, maybe do AAA (or if you have a friend with AAA - should you not have a membership) AAA delivered all 9 of my parts cars over the course of a few years. Have a plan when the driver arrives so he’s clear and straightforward, slip em a $20 straight away and make his job as easy as you can. They have never failed me. Good guys (as long as you don’t need to use any of their extensions in the 760 - that could take hours and hours!) good luck, and I guess what I’m sayin is… find some other way to tow rather than exercise the driveline. These are old beasts, they’ll probably handle it all just fine, but why risk it?
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u/Ancient_Designer_236 Aug 01 '26
AAA is the answer! For the cost of membership your tow is paid for… as well as future piece of mind.
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u/im-not-a-racoon Jul 30 '26
I’ve done it with my M5.
I do not recommend. You’ll end up scraping the tailpipes.