Starting the engine from an external power source (BMW X3 E83)

If the battery is dead, the engine can be started using another car's battery using two jumper cables. In the same way, you can help start the engine of another car. For this purpose, use only auxiliary cables with fully insulated terminal clamps.

Caution: Do not touch live parts while the engine is running: this could be life-threatening. To avoid injury or damage to both vehicles, please follow the following procedure carefully.

Preparation

1. Make sure the other car's battery has a voltage of 12 V and approximately the same capacity (Ah) as your battery. This can be checked on the label on the battery.

2. Turn off the engine of the assisting vehicle.

3. Turn off the working consumers in both cars.

Caution: Vehicle bodies must not touch each other to avoid short circuits.

Connecting auxiliary cables

Caution: To avoid sparking and injury, strictly follow the correct sequence when connecting auxiliary cables.

Under the hood of your BMW there is a so-called terminal for connecting an external power source, which duplicates the positive terminal of the battery, see also the view of the engine compartment.

Its cover is marked with a "+" sign.

• 1. Open the cover of the external power supply connection terminal, see arrow 1.
• 2. Connect one clamp of the "+" auxiliary cable to the positive battery terminal or to the external power supply terminal on the assisting vehicle.
• 3. Attach the second cable clamp to the positive terminal of the battery or to the terminal for connecting an external power source on the vehicle being started.
• 4. Connect one clamp of the jumper cable to the negative battery terminal or to the engine or body ground on the power vehicle. The vehicle ground or negative terminal on your BMW is a special nut, see arrow 2.
• 5. Secure the second cable clamp to the negative terminal of the battery or to the engine or body ground of the vehicle being started.

Starting the engine

1. Start the engine of the power vehicle and let it run for a few minutes at high speed.



2. Start the engine of the vehicle you are trying to start as usual.

If unsuccessful, try again only after a few minutes to allow the battery to recharge.

3. Let the engines of both cars run for a few minutes.

4. Disconnect the auxiliary cables in reverse order.

If necessary, contact a BMW service center to have the battery checked and recharged.

Caution: Do not use aerosol starting aids to start the engine.

[This article is based on information from the website: BMWMAN.ru]