Jump Starting

If the battery is discharged, the engine can be started using the battery of another vehicle and two jumper cables. In the same way, you can help start the engine of another vehicle. Use only jumper cables with fully insulated terminal clamps.

Do not touch live parts while the engine is running: this is life-threatening. To avoid injury or damage to both vehicles, follow the sequence below exactly.◄

Preparation

1. Make sure that the battery of the other vehicle has a voltage of 12 V and approximately the same capacity (Ah) as your battery. This can be checked on the battery label.

2. Switch off the engine of the assisting vehicle.

3. Switch off all active electrical consumers in both vehicles.

The vehicle bodies must not touch each other to avoid a short circuit.◄

Connecting the Jumper Cables

To avoid sparks and injury, strictly follow the sequence when connecting the jumper cables.◄

Under the hood of your BMW there is a so-called jump-start terminal, which duplicates the positive battery terminal; see also the engine compartment illustration. Its cover is marked with a + sign.

1. Open the cover of the jump-start terminal. To do so, pull the tab.

2. Connect one clamp of the jumper cable marked + to the positive battery terminal or to the jump-start terminal on the assisting vehicle.

3. Attach the second clamp of the cable to the positive battery terminal or to the jump-start terminal on the vehicle being started.

4. Connect one clamp of the jumper cable marked – to the negative battery terminal or to an engine or body ground on the assisting vehicle.

A special nut serves as the vehicle ground or negative terminal on your BMW.

5. Attach the second clamp of the cable to the negative battery terminal or to an engine or body ground on the vehicle being started.

Starting the engine

1. Start the engine of the assisting vehicle and let it run at increased speed for several minutes.

2. Start the engine of the vehicle being started as usual.

If the attempt fails, wait several minutes before trying again so that the battery can recharge.

3. Let the engines of both vehicles run for a few minutes.

4. Disconnect the jumper cables in reverse order.

If necessary, have the battery checked and charged at a BMW service center.

Do not use starting aid sprays to start the engine.◄