2006 BMW 5 Series Owner's Manual - Page 223

Preparation 1. Check whether the battery of the other vehicle has a voltage of 12 Volts and approximately the same capacitance in Ah. This information can be found on the battery. 2. Switch off the engine of the assisting vehicle. 3. Switch off any electrical systems and components in both vehicles. There must not be any contact between the bodies of the two vehicles, otherwise there is a danger of shorting.< Your BMW has a special nut as body ground or negative terminal. Connecting jumper cables To avoid personal injury from sparks, follow this sequence when connecting jumper cables.< In your BMW, the so-called auxiliary terminal for jump starting in the engine compartment serves as a positive terminal for the battery, also refer to engine compartment overview on page 205. The cover cap is marked with a +. 1. Fold open the cover of the BMW startingaid terminal. To do so, pull the tab. Starting engine 1. Start the engine on the assisting vehicle and allow it to run at idle for several minutes at slightly increased speed. 2. Start the engine on the other vehicle in the usual way. If the first starting attempt is not successful, wait a few minutes before another attempt in order to allow the discharged battery to recharge. 3. Let the engines run for a few minutes. 4. Disconnect the jumper cables by reversing the connection sequence. Check the battery and recharge if necessary. Never use spray fluids to start the engine.< 2. Attach one end of the jumper cable plus/+ to the positive terminal of the battery or a starting-aid terminal of the vehicle providing assistance. 3. Attach the second end of the cable to the positive terminal of the battery or to a starting-aid terminal of the vehicle to be started. 4. Attach one end of the jumper cable minus/- to the negative terminal of the battery or to an engine or body ground of the assisting vehicle. Tow-starting and towing Observe applicable laws and regulations for tow-starting and towing.< Using tow fitting The screw-on tow-fitting must always be carried in the vehicle. It can be screwed in at the front or rear of the BMW. 221 Online Edition for Part No. 01 41 0 012 211 - © 02/06 BMW AG Reference Mobility Do not transport any passengers other than the driver in a vehicle that is being towed.< Communications Entertainment Navigation Driving tips 5. Attach the second end of the cable to the negative terminal of the battery or to the engine or body ground of the vehicle to be started. Controls At a glance