Jump-Starting from an External Power Source

If the battery is discharged, the engine can be started using the battery of another vehicle with two jumper cables. You can also help start the engine of another vehicle in the same way. 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 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 is connected to the positive battery terminal. See also the engine compartment view.

Its cover is marked with a "+" sign.

1. Open the jump start terminal cover.

To do so, pull the tab.

2. Connect one "+" clamp of the jumper cable 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 to the negative battery terminal or to a ground point on the engine or body of the assisting vehicle.

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

5. Connect the second cable clamp to the negative battery terminal or to a ground point on the engine or body of 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 engine does not start, wait several minutes before making another attempt so that the discharged 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 the jump start to start the eng