143
You will find corresponding 
instructions for using the 
M Mobility system on the device.
Replace the defective tire as soon as 
possible and have the new wheel bal-
anced. Reinitialize the Flat Tire Monitor, 
and refer to page 89 for further informa-
tion. Have the M Mobility system 
refilled. Contact your BMW center for 
this.<
Protect valve stems against dirt using 
screw-on dust caps. Dirty valve stems 
frequently lead to slow pressure loss.
Battery
Battery posts, terminals, and 
related accessories contain lead 
and lead compounds. Wash hands after 
handling.<
MaintenanceThe battery is completely maintenance-
free. That means that the original bat-
tery acid will normally last for the ser-
vice life of the battery under moderate 
climate conditions.
Please consult your BMW center 
whenever you have any questions 
concerning the battery. Since the bat-
tery is absolutely maintenance-free, the 
following statements are for your infor-
mation only.<
Never disconnect the battery 
when the engine is running; the 
ensuing voltage surge would seriously 
damage the vehicle's onboard elec-
tronic systems.
when the engine is not running. Use the 
connections provided in the engine 
compartment. For information on the 
connections, see Jump-starting, 
page 145.
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 in transit.<
Repairing a flat tire
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
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145 Giving and receiving assistance 
Jump-startingWhen your battery is discharged, you 
can use two jumper cables to start your 
vehicle with power from the battery in a 
second vehicle. You can also use the 
same method to help start another 
vehicle. Use only 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.
Carefully observe the following instruc-
tions to avoid personal injury and/or 
damage to one or both vehicles.<
1. The battery in the support vehicle 
must be rated at 12 volts. This infor-
mation is provided on the battery 
label
2. Stop the engine of the support vehi-
cle and switch off all electrical com-
ponents in both vehicles – except for 
the hazard warning flashers of the 
support vehicle
3. Make absolutely certain that there is 
no contact between the bodywork of 
the two vehicles – short circuit haz-
ard
4. The auxiliary jump-starting terminal 
located in your BMW's engine com-
partment acts as the positive battery 
terminal. The cover of this auxiliary 
terminal is marked with a + sign. 
Remove by pulling the tab, see 
arrow 1. Start by connecting the 
jumper cable from the positive termi-
nal of the discharged battery to the 
positive terminal of the support bat-
tery
5. Then connect the negative terminals 
with the other jumper cable. Attach 
the cable to either the support vehi-
cle's negative battery terminal or to a  
suitable ground on its engine or 
bodywork. Then connect the other 
end to the negative battery terminal 
or a suitable ground on the vehicle 
being started. Your BMW is 
equipped with a special nut for this 
purpose – see arrow 2
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.<
6. Start the engine of the support vehi-
cle and let it run for several minutes 
at a slightly elevated engine idle 
speed
7. Start the engine of the other vehicle 
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. Allow the engines to run for several 
minutes before disconnecting the 
jumper cables
9. Then disconnect the jumper cables 
in the opposite order.
Have the battery recharged at your 
BMW center as required.
Do not use spray starter fluids to 
start the engine.<
OverviewControlsMaintenanceRepairsDataIndex
handbook.book  Page 145  Tuesday, July 30, 2002  9:28 AM