Original BMW Towing Eye for BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X3, X5, X6, and Z4 (2002–2014)

The Original BMW towing eye is the factory tow attachment that gives a recovery strap or tow rope a solid pull point on 2002–2014 BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X3, X5, X6, and Z4 models. BMW calls this part a towing hinge. It weighs 312 g (0.7 lb), and production of this number started in March 2002. It is made in Germany. A tow eye exists so a car can be winched onto a flatbed or pulled clear without anyone hooking a suspension arm, subframe, or bumper skin. Because one part number covers so many chassis from this era, the same eye serves sedans, wagons, coupes, convertibles, and SUVs alike.

Original BMW Parts carry a 24-month parts warranty.

This number superseded the earlier 72 15 4 336 605. BMW marks that change as not exchangeable retrospectively, which means the newer eye is not cleared to replace the older number on every car that left the factory with it. BMW's parts data assigns 72-15-7-070-643 to the E82 coupe and E88 convertible 1 Series, the E90, E91, E92, and E93 3 Series, the E60 and E61 5 Series, the E63 and E64 6 Series, the E65 and E66 7 Series, the E83 X3, the E53 and E70 X5, the E71 X6, and the E85 Z4.

Technical Details

• Manufacturer: BMW (Original BMW part)
• Part number: 72-15-7-070-643
• BMW part name: towing hinge (tow eye)
• Weight: 312 g (0.7 lb)
• Production start: March 2002
• Supersedes 72 15 4 336 605, not exchangeable retrospectively
• Country of manufacture: Germany
• Sold individually as one piece
• Warranty: 24 months on Original BMW Parts

Common Questions

Will this replace the older tow eye number on my car?
BMW marks the change from 72 15 4 336 605 as not exchangeable retrospectively, so it is not approved for every car that used the older eye. A VIN check settles it for your car.

Where is this tow eye made?
It is made in Germany.

Fitment & Compatibility

Confirm your model year and submodel against the table below before ordering. PMB Performance can confirm this against your VIN, backed by more than 20 years of parts and fitment work.