Replacement procedures
88 Please consult your BMW center
whenever you have any questions
concerning the battery. Since the battery is
absolutely maintenance-free, the following
statements are for your information only.<
Do not disconnect the battery cables
when the engine is running. Discon-
necting the battery cables when the engine
is running will cause a voltage surge which
will damage the vehicle's onboard elec-
tronics.<
Indicator lamp
The indicator lamp for the battery
charge current lights up:
The battery is no longer being
charged. The alternator drive belt is defec-
tive or there is a malfunction in the charging
circuit of the alternator. Please contact the
nearest BMW center.
If the drive belt is defective, pull over
and switch off the engine immediately
to prevent overheating and serious engine
damage.
If the onboard supply voltage drops to a
very low level, increased steering effort
may also be necessary.<
Charging the battery
Charge the battery in the vehicle only when
the engine is not running. Use the terminals
provided in the engine compartment. For
information on connections, refer to Jump-
Starting on page 89.
Battery disposal
Return used batteries to a recycling
point or to your BMW center. Maintain
the battery in an upright position for trans-
port and storage. Secure the battery
against tilting when transporting.<
Fuses
You will find the fuses and information on
their respective allocation behind the glove
compartment.
1.Press the lock on the left; see arrow 1
2.Press the lock on the right; see arrow 2
3.Swing the glove compartment down.
Spare fuses and plastic tweezers for grasp-
ing the fuses are found in the onboard tool
kit; refer to page 84.
Do not attempt to repair a burned fuse
or replace it with a fuse having a dif-
ferent color or amperage rating. To do this
could cause a fire in the vehicle as a result
of circuit overload.<
Giving and receiving assistance
90 4.Start the engine on the support vehicle
and allow it to run
5.Open the cover of the BMW jump-start
support terminal by pulling on the tab;
see arrow.
Connect jumper cable
Always adhere to this sequence when
connecting jumper cables, even when
jump-starting other vehicles. Failure to
observe this procedure can lead to sparks
and pose a danger of personal injury.<
1.With the + jumper cable, connect the
positive terminal of the drained battery
and the positive terminal of the support
battery
2.With the – jumper cable, connect the
negative terminals of both vehicles.
Your BMW is equipped with a special
nut for this purpose, refer to Engine
compartment on page 78.
To do so:
>Attach one cable clamp to the nega-
tive battery terminal or to a suitable
ground on the engine or body work of
the support vehicle
>Attach the second cable clamp to
the negative battery terminal or to a
suitable ground on the engine or body
work of the vehicle to be jump-started.
Jump-starting the vehicle
1.Let the engine of the support vehicle
run for several minutes at a slightly ele-
vated engine idle speed
2.Start the engine of the other vehicle as
usual
>If the first start attempt is not suc-
cessful, wait a few minutes before
another attempt in order to allow the
discharged battery to recharge.
3.Let the engines run for several minutes
4.Then disconnect the jumper cables in
reverse sequence.
Depending on the cause of the fault,
have the battery checked and
recharged at a BMW center.<
Towing and tow-starting the
vehicle
Towing eyelet
The screw-in towing eyelet is stored in the
onboard tool kit; be sure that it remains in
the vehicle at all times. This eyelet 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.
Access to towing socket
Front:
Press out the cover panel with a screw-
driver inserted in the recess at the top.
