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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
BatteryCharge condition You can read the charge condition of
the battery with the "Magic Eye"
(a hydrometer):
>Green: adequate charge.
>Black: not charged adequately.
The battery must be recharged.
Please contact your BMW center.
>Yellow: replace the battery.
The projected service life of the
battery can only be reached if the
battery is fully-charged at all times.
Check the charge condition of the
battery frequently if the vehicle is used
primarily for driving short distances. < 36mde780
Charging the batteryCharge the battery in the vehicle only
when the engine is off. Charge the
battery by using the connectors in the
engine compartment (Connectors, refer
to jump-starting on page 144).
Before performing any work on
the electrical system, disconnect
the cable from the negative terminal. If
you do not, short circuits can create the
risk of fire or personal injury.<
If you plan to park the vehicle for longer
than 4 weeks, disconnect the battery
from the vehicle electrical system by
disconnecting the cable at the negative
terminal. Then recharge the battery with
an appropriate battery charger.
If you intend to store your vehicle for
longer than twelve weeks: remove the
battery, charge it and store it in a cool
(but frost- and dust-free) room. Every
three months and before reinstalling the
battery, have it recharged. If it is not
recharged, it will not be serviceable.
Every time the battery is discharged,
especially over extended periods, its
service life is reduced. Refer also to
page 123.
Return used batteries to a recy-
cling point or your BMW center.
Maintain the battery in an upright posi-
tion for transport and storage. Secure
the battery against tilting when trans-
porting.<
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Jump-startingNever use spray starter fluids to start
the engine.
If the battery is discharged, the engine
can be started with the use of two
jumper cables and the battery of
another vehicle. Always use jumper
cables with fully insulated handles on
the terminal clamps.
Do not touch voltage-carrying
components when the engine is
running. To do so creates a risk of fatal
injury.<
Carefully comply with the following
instructions to avoid personal injury and
damage to one or both vehicles:
1 Ensure 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 discharged battery
connected to the vehicle electrical
system.
3 Make sure that there is no contact
between the bodywork of the two
vehicles. This creates the risk of
short-circuiting.
4 Start by connecting the jumper cable
from the positive terminal of the
support vehicle to the auxiliary
terminal for jump-starting located in
your BMW's engine compartment.
The cover of the auxiliary terminal for
jump-starting is indicated by a "+"
sign. Refer to the illustration. Flip the
cap forward to open.36mde793
5 Then connect the negative terminals.
First attach the cable to either the
support vehicle's negative battery
terminal "–", or to a suitable ground
on its engine or body. Then connect
the other terminal of the cable to a
ground on the engine or on the body
of the vehicle which is to be started.
This is a special nut which is provided
on the suspension strut dome of the
BMW. Refer to the arrow in the illus-
tration.
Follow the same sequence when
connecting jumper cables if you
are assisting another vehicle. If you do
not, there is a risk of personal injury
from spark generation at the battery.< 36mde794
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IndexDataTechnologyRepairsCar careControlsOverview
Jump-starting Towing the vehicle6 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
lamps, set the blower at the highest
speed and run the engine for at least
10 seconds. This will prevent a
voltage surge at the voltage regulator
to the electrical accessories.
9 Then disconnect the jumper cables in
reverse sequence.
If necessary recharge the battery.
Tow fittingThe screw-in tow fitting is stored in the
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains
in the vehicle at all times. This fitting
is designed for installation in the tow
sockets located at the front and rear of
the vehicle, and is intended for towing
on paved road surfaces only.
It should not be used to pull a vehicle
out of deep snow, mud, sand, etc.
Comply with all applicable towing laws
and regulations at all times.Access to tow socketsFront:
Use a screwdriver to press the cover
out.36mde782
Rear:
Use a screwdriver to press the cover
out.
Screw the tow fitting in until it is
tight against the stop. If you do
not, the threads can be damaged.
Do not tow the vehicle by any compo-
nents of the running gear, or lash them
down in any way. If you do so, the
components could be damaged,
leading to possible accidents.<
Use only a nylon towing strap to tow
the vehicle, since the inherent resil-
ience of this material helps protect both
vehicles from sudden jerking move-
ments.36mde799
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Towing the vehicle
The towed vehicle should always
be the lighter of the two vehicles.
If this is not the case, it will not be
possible to control vehicle handling.<
Tow-startingFor instructions on jump-starting, refer
to page 144.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to
push another vehicle, since damage to
the energy-absorbing bumpers could
result.
Towing a vehicle 1 Put the manual-shift gear lever in
neutral.
2 Towing speed:
45 mph (70 km/h) maximum.
3 Towing distance:
95 miles (150 km) maximum.
4 Leave the ignition key at position 1 to
ensure that brake lamps, turn signal
indicators, horn and windshield
wipers remain operative, and to
prevent the steering lock from
engaging.
5 Switch on the hazard warning
flashers (observe applicable legal
regulations).
Find some means of identifying the
vehicle in tow, for instance, place a sign
or warning triangle in the rear window.
Make sure that the ignition key
remains in position 1 even when
the electrical system has failed to
prevent the steering lock from
engaging.
The steering and brakes are without
power assist when the engine is off.
This means that increased effort is
required for steering and braking.<
Towing with a commercial tow
truck>Do not tow with sling-type equip-
ment.
>Use a wheel-lift or flat bed equip-
ment.
>Please comply with applicable towing
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in
a towed vehicle for any reason.< 367us124
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