Page 160 of 186

160n
Battery Fuses
Battery posts, terminals and other 
components contain lead and lead 
compounds. Wash hands after 
handling.< 
Battery careThe battery is maintenance-free, that is, 
the original electrolyte will normally last 
for the service life of the battery under 
moderate climatic conditions.
For all questions that regard the 
battery, please consult your BMW 
center. The battery is completely main-
tenance-free; the following section is 
provided for your information only.<
Do not disconnect the battery 
when the engine is running, as the 
ensuing voltage surge would damage 
the vehicle's onboard electronics.<
Charging the batteryWhen charging the battery in the 
vehicle, leave the engine off at all times. 
Connect the charge cables to the termi-
nals in the engine compartment (for 
terminal locations, refer to "Jump-
starting" on page 162.
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 during trans-
port.<
In the glove compartmentOpen the glove compartment and turn 
the two white quick-release fasteners 
to the left.390de085 
     
        
        Page 162 of 186

162n
Do not use spray starter fluids to start 
the engine.
When your battery is discharged you 
can used two jumper cables to start 
your car with power from the battery in 
a second vehicle. You can also use the 
same method to help start another 
vehicle. Always use jumper cables with 
fully insulated handles on the terminal 
clamps.
Do not touch high-voltage wiring 
and cables on a running engine. 
Contact with components carrying high 
voltage can be harmful or fatal. Care-
fully observe the following instructions 
to avoid personal injury and/or damage 
to one or both vehicles.< 
1. Ensure that the battery in the 
support vehicle is also rated at 
12 volts. This information is 
provided on the top of the battery 
casing
2. Do not disconnect your battery from 
your vehicle's electrical system. 
Switch off all electrical accessories 
in both vehicles
3. Make absolutely certain that there 
is no contact between the body-
work of the two vehicles Ð short 
circuit hazard
4. Start the engine on the support 
vehicle and allow it to run
5. Use one jumper cable (+) to 
connect the positive terminal of the 
battery in the support vehicle with 
the auxiliary positive terminal 
provided in the engine compart-
ment of your BMW specifically for 
jump-starting. The cover on this 
auxiliary terminal is identified by a 
"+" symbol, refer to the illustration. 
Pull up to open the cover390de690
6. Next, connect one end of the other 
jumper cable (Ð) to either the 
support vehicle's negative battery 
terminal or a suitable ground on its 
engine or bodywork. Connect the 
other end to the negative battery 
terminal or a suitable ground on the 
vehicle being started. There is a 
special nut on the strut dome of 
your BMW; refer to the arrow in the 
illustration
Always adhere to this sequence 
when connecting jumper cables; 
failure to observe this procedure can 
lead to sparks at the battery terminals 
and pose an injury hazard.< 390de146
Jump-starting 
     
        
        Page 163 of 186

163n
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
Jump-starting Towing the vehicle7. Start the support vehicle's engine 
and let it run at an increased idling 
speed for a few minutes. 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 let the engines run for a few 
minutes
9. Then disconnect the jumper cables 
in reverse sequence.
Depending on the cause of the fault,  
have the battery recharged by your 
BMW center.
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. 
Always observe all applicable towing 
laws and regulations.Access to tow socketsFront:
Apply pressure to the arrow symbol on 
the cover panel to remove.390de087
Rear:
Apply pressure to the arrow symbol on 
the cover panel to remove.
Screw the tow fitting in until it 
bottoms firmly. Failure to screw 
the fitting all the way in can cause 
thread damage.
Never attach tie-down hooks, chains, 
straps, or tow hooks to tie rods, control 
arms, or any other part of the vehicle 
suspension, as severe damage to these 
components will occur, 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.394de088 
     
        
        Page 164 of 186

164n
Towing the vehicle
The towed vehicle should always 
be the lighter of the two vehicles. 
If this is not the case, it is no longer 
possible to control vehicle response.< 
Tow-startingIt is not possible to start the engine of 
vehicles equipped with an automatic 
transmission by towing or pushing.
For instructions on jump-starting: refer 
to page 162.
Never attempt to use your vehicle to 
push another vehicle, since damage to 
the energy-absorbing bumpers could 
result.
Towing a vehicle with automatic 
transmission1. Place the selector lever in position N
2. Towing speed:
Max. 45 mph (70 km/h)
3. Towing distance:
Max. 95 miles (150 km)
4. Leave the ignition key in position 1 to 
ensure that the brake lamps, turn 
signals, horn and windshield wipers 
remain operative, and to prevent the 
steering lock detent from engaging
5. Switch on the hazard warning 
flashers (observe official 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 equipment
>Use a wheel-lift or flatbed carrier
>Please comply with applicable towing 
laws.
Never allow passengers to ride in 
a towed vehicle for any reason.< 380us124