Jump starting a BMW 320i

[mkbush]

Hi follow bimmers

I've just bought a second hand 92 BMW 320i a few weeks ago, today it failed to start. I figured it'd need a jump start, I looked around in the engine compartment but failed to find the battery, then i found it in the boot under the first aid kit. Since I don't have the owner's manual I'm not sure where designated jump start terminals are, can anyone please enlighten me? If there are designated jump start terminals, do I still follow the standard jump starting procedures by attaching the negative cable to the engine block of the dead car? Thanks.

http://img115.imageshack.us/img115/8461/61893841fullbz2.jpg

[YokelDriver]

Top left of your picture is a small black box with a red + sign. Under the cover is the positive terminal. I use the lower tensioner bolt below the washer reservoir as the negative.

[Fox2112]

Either way your battery is in the trunk on the right side under a medical kit.... If your car came wih one.... I have the exact same car...

[E36 Phantom]

Don't jump it by the battery, use the terminal in the engine bay. Like Yokel said, its the black box with the red +. Attach the neg to any grounded piece of metal.

[jasonf860]

be careful jumping it... i've heard of people frying their DME's doing that!

[Fox2112]

yep

[NYe36er]

Hi follow bimmers

If there are designated jump start terminals, do I still follow the standard jump starting procedures by attaching the negative cable to the engine block of the dead car? Thanks.


....I think you're jump starting procedure is incorrect.

IIRC, the procedure is to (1) attach the positive cable to the dead car, then (2) attach the positive cable to live battery, then (3) attach the negative cable to the live battery, then (4) attach negative cable to a grounding point (or engine block) on the dead car (it should spark upon contact, signaling a good connection). When finished, remove cables in the reverse order.

This is the order in which I always jump start cars, never had any problems.

[davipt]

...and if possible turn off everything electronic (satnav/idrive/etc.), the xenon or non lights headlights, and everything else that could be sensitive, on both cars.

Then turn on something that consumes some energy and isn't (yet) too much electronic. For example, turn the heating fan into medium speed. Having the fan running, being a electromagnetic motor consumes some energy and helps reducing any voltage peak on any of the cars.

[mkbush]

Thanks a lot guys, I appreciate all your help, the car is up and running now.