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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Do not use spray starter fluids. 
If the battery is discharged, the engine 
can be started with the use of two 
jumper cables and the battery of 
another vehicle. Use only jumper cables 
with fully insulated grips on the terminal 
clamps.
Do not touch the parts conducting 
electrical current while the engine 
is running. Failure to comply with this 
creates a risk of fatal injury.<
Carefully comply with the following 
instructions to avoid personal injury or 
damage to one or both vehicles:
1 Be sure that the battery on the 
support vehicle is also rated at 
12 volts, and that the capacities of 
the two batteries (Ah) are roughly 
comparable (printed on casing).
2 Leave the drained battery connected 
to the vehicle's electrical system. 
3 Make sure that there is no contact 
between the bodywork of the two 
vehicles Ð this creates a risk of short 
circuits.
4 Start by connecting the jumper cable 
from the positive terminal of the 
support vehicle to the positive 
terminal connector located in your 
BMW's engine compartment. The 
cover of the positive terminal 
connector is marked with a "+" sign. 
Refer to the illustration. Remove by 
pulling the tab (arrow 1).
5 Then connect the negative terminals. 
Attach the cable to either the support 
vehicle's negative battery terminal, or 
to a suitable ground on its engine or 
bodywork. Then connect the other 
end of the cable to a ground on the 
engine or on the bodywork of the 
vehicle that is to be started. There is 
a special nut provided for this on the 
BMW (arrow 2).
Follow the same sequence for 
connecting the jumper cables 
when helping other vehicles. If you do 
not, there is the risk of injury if sparks 
are generated at the battery.<462us053
6 Start the support vehicle's engine 
and let it run.
7 Start the engine on the vehicle 
needing the jump-start, and allow it 
to run as usual. If the first start 
attempt is not successful, wait a few 
minutes before another attempt in 
order to allow the discharged battery 
to recharge.
8 Before disconnecting the jumper 
cables from your BMW, turn on the 
lighting, the rear window defroster 
and set the blower to the highest 
speed; allow the engine to run 
approx. 10 seconds. This will prevent 
a voltage surge from the voltage 
regulator to the electrical accesso-
ries.
9 Then disconnect the jumper cables in 
reverse sequence.
Depending on the cause of the fault, 
recharge the battery.
Jump-starting