BMW Dead Battery & How to Jump Start It
Looking to jump-start a BMW with a dead battery? Here you will learn how to jump-start a BMW. First, remove the emergency key from the keyfob and manually unlock the driver’s door.
It is important to follow the proper procedure when jump-starting a BMW. A BMW is jump-started by connecting to the jump terminals in the engine bay. Do not connect the jump box or jumper cables directly to the battery.
What you will need
- 12V Jump Starter
- Jumper Cables – Requires a running car
Procedure
- Remove the metal blade from your BMW key fob. All BMW keys have an emergency key inside.
- Use the metal key to unlock the driver’s door manually. Newer BMWs have the keyhole on the driver’s door covered with a small cap. Use the metal key to pry out the key cover.
- Open the hood by pulling the hood release under the dashboard. Pull the hood release twice. For help with this step, see the guide on how to open a stuck BMW hood.
- Locate the terminals in the engine bay designed to jump-start your BMW. You will notice a RED plastic cover with the + symbol, which is the positive terminal. The battery may be installed in the trunk, but you can use the positive terminal post in the engine bay to jump-start a dead BMW.
- Connect the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal.
- Connect the black (negative) jumper cable to the ground terminal on the vehicle frame.
- Get inside the car, turn on the ignition and start the engine.
If the BMW won’t start, but you hear a click, the jump box is not fully charged, or the clamps are not making good contact. Wait a few minutes and try again. Also, check the clamps and make sure they are making good contact.
Why Won’t a BMW Jump Start
A BMW may not jump start with a jump box or jumper cables because the car battery is completely discharged and taking all the juice the jump box provides. Keep the jumper cables connected for at least 15 minutes, and try to start the engine again.
If all you hear is a click, check the jump starter clamps are not making good contact. Also, ensure the jump box is fully charged.
Symptoms of Dead BMW Battery
Common symptoms that you may experience if your BMW battery is dead.
- BMW won’t start
- Can’t unlock the car
- Lights too dim (Check headlights)
- BMW turns over slowly
- Slow engine crank
- Dashboard Warning Lights on
- You can’t start the car with the Push Start button
- The engine cranks slowly, then stop.
- Click, Click, Click noise.
- Electrical Issues
- BMW Malfunction Warning
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do BMW batteries last?
How long a BMW lasts depends on many factors, including battery type, climate, engine size, and usage. In general, a BMW battery lasts about four years. You drive on borrowed time if your BMW is over seven years old. Sooner or later, you will need to replace the battery. You can replace a BMW battery yourself. Just make sure to perform the battery registration procedure.
How to get into the trunk, if you have a dead battery
Many BMW owners ask how to get into the trunk if the battery is dead.
Use the jump-starting terminal under the hood to power up your BMW, then unlock the trunk.
These instructions work on all BMW models, including 1-series, 2-series, 3-series, 5-series, 6-series, 7-series, X1, X5, and X6.
The BMW battery is dead, and the trunk won’t open.
BMW engineers have made it difficult to access the trunk when the battery dies. You don’t want and shouldn’t jump-start a BMW directly from the battery. This is a common mistake many roadside assistance technicians make.
If you read on BMW forums, you will find hundreds of cases where control modules were damaged by improperly jump-starting a BMW this way. can cost car owners thousands of dollars in repair.
How to charge a dead BMW battery
Replacing the battery on a BMW is expensive because not only do you need a new battery, but it also needs to be registered. The typical cost of a BMW battery replacement range is $400-$500.
Before you spend hundreds on a new battery, we recommend using a trickle battery charger to bring the battery back to life instead of jump-starting the car and letting the alternator charge the battery. By trickle charging a dead BMW battery, you have a better chance of bringing the battery back to life. Otherwise, your BMW may no longer hold a proper charge.
Use the OEM BMW Battery Charger or even the cheaper Black+Decker BBM3B 12V Battery Charger Maintainer, which works just as well. It will take at least 24 hours to bring a completely dead battery back to life.
You are only providing 2 Amperes to the battery, which is a slow charge but ensures no damage is caused to the battery cells. Don’t leave the keys in the ignition as your BMW charges.
Why does my BMW Battery keep dying?
If your BMW keeps on dying or is not holding a proper charge, it could be due to any of the following:
- Battery Age / Old Battery
- Corroded or Loose Battery Connections
- Parasitic Current Drains in the electrical system.
We hope you find the BMW Dead Battery & How to Jump Start It guide helpful. For more help with troubleshooting and maintaining your BMW, check out these Vehicle Repair Guides.
