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Just want to confirm whether using the factory tow eyes is legal if they don’t protrude beyond the bumper and are accessible for a corner worker. Assuming they must be painted red so are easy to spot. Thanks in advance.
-AJ
8.2.1. Tow eyes or straps, front and rear, are required. Recommend using straps or folding rings rather than the OEM tow eyes to eliminate protrusions that might cause injury in the pits/paddock.
I’ll give a vote for the straps. I installed mine in about 5 min. each - just remove the bumper shock bolts, slip the loop over it, tighten bolts and done.
AND - they work. Needed a flatbed tow this past weekend and they worked perfectly.
Anything that works is legal. It’s "recommended" to use the straps and since they are easier to mount vs. fabricating something that doesn’t protrude, I think you are better off getting a set of straps.
I’ll offer another opinion. I had the strap and it worked - once - I believe it was installed correctly however it was frayed and also pulled part of the bumper cover apart / out after the first use.
Now the tow truck guy was pulling letting a lot of slack get in the strap and then tugging again vs. constant pressure so I think that had something to do with it.
But after seeing that I’d say if you plan on constant use / abuse you either need to rig something like Kelly’s (search tow strap) mounting or do what I did and get the Bimmerworld folding hook. It is pricey but it screws into the stock location and foldable so no one gets hurt. It will also last multiple tows (I’ve already had to use it!).
So if you plan to be towed a lot, not sure the strap is up to it. This matches conversations with several others, your mileage may vary.
IndyJim wrote:
[quote]Now the tow truck guy was pulling letting a lot of slack get in the strap and then tugging again vs. constant pressure so I think that had something to do with it.
[/quote]
Ever drive the tow truck? I drive it when NJ BMW CCA is down at Summit Point Raceway (like last weekend for a D/S & Race) and I can tell you that if you don’t have a driver in the car riding the brakes, you CANNOT keep constant tension on the tow strap.
I agree with your opinion of tow straps on later, ‘international bumper’ cars - easily damage the bumper. And I’ve also seen the tow strap fail.
I will be going to a folding type on my E30 track car. We towed a bunch of cars last weekend with this style and it works like the factory towing eye and without damaging the rest of the car.
Mark
I have the strap and have had a flat tow once so far (at Road Atlanta, which is anything but flat). Strap appears fine and I plan to stick with that for now.
1989 - so the later bumper.
Tow strap in front (I cut a hole next to the shock in the bumper and let the strap hang out (just the black nub)). I painted the hook under the car in the rear red. That’s it. Used the strap once at Nelson Ledges - it was pretty frayed, but not ready to break. I replaced it anyway - they seem to be one time use, depending on how far and deep you go 
I use to run the factory screw in Tow hook but a couple of weeks ago at CMP the entire bung that the tow hook screwed into was sheared off in in some slight contact. because of thie the strap is now the option I am going with. After seeing that happen the folding hook probably would have survived.
I have seen several tow straps that have only survived for one use, mine included. I currently have the stock tow eye in just until I get a folding one from TC Design.
There are folding tow hooks offered on Ebay for less than I’ve seen on the race sites. Has anyone tried them? I’m a little concerned if they are ‘real’ or just ‘bling’ for the ricer crowd.