If your BMW e46 refuses to start, there is a good chance the battery is dead. Luckily, most of the time you can just jump start the battery and be on your way. Due to the unique positioning of the battery under the hood, many people struggle when trying to connect the cables. In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about how to jump start a BMW e46.
How to Jump Start a BMW e46?
The key to jump starting a BMW e46 is locating the positive battery terminal. It is located in the top left corner under the hood on the passenger side.
The positive terminal should have a cap on top of it, which you can easily pop open. The positive terminal should also have a red piece of tape on the end.
Next, you have to find a place to hook up the negative cable. While there are multiple posts that you can use, the best and safest way is to hook it up to the post located in the top left corner of the hood. It is only about a foot to the left of the positive terminal. This will also make it easier connecting the cables since the positive and negative terminals are right next to each other.
This will also make it easier connecting the cables since the positive and negative terminals are right next to each other.
After you have located where to attach the positive and negative terminals, it is time to jump start the car. You can either do this from another car, or you can use a portable jump starter.
Jump starting a BMW e46 with another car
If you are using another car, make sure you initially park the front of the car close to the dead car so that the cables can reach. Ideally, you should park along the passenger side since that is where cables need to be connected.
Next, you should make sure that both cars are completely shut off. Then, find the positive cable (it should be red and have a “+” on it). Attach the positive cable to the positive terminal on the dead car. Once that is done, attach the other end of the red cable to the positive terminal of the working car.
After the positive cables are connected, attach the black negative cable on the negative terminal on the working car’s battery. The last step is to connect the other end of the negative cable into the negative post on the dead car.
It is very important that you make sure that all of the clamps are firmly attached in place. If they aren’t completely connected, it can cause sparks to fly and cause damage to your car. You should also make sure the positive and negative clamps don’t touch each other throughout the entire process.
After all of the cables are firmly connected, go to the working car and turn on the ignition. While it is still running, go to the dead car and turn on the ignition. Most of the time, the dead car should be able to start. If it doesn’t, you might need to wait a couple minutes with the working car running, and then try starting the dead car again.
Jump starting a BMW e46 with a jump starter
While you can certainly use another car to jump start your BMW e46, I personally recommend you use a portable jump starter. You can keep it in your car at all times, and it can easily power up your dead battery.
First, make sure the dead car is completely powered off. Then, all you have to do is connect the positive and negative cables to the dead car. I suggest you attach the positive cable first, and then the negative.
The next step will depend on the type of jump starter you have. Most will have a green LED light that will indicate when it is powered up. Once the cables are connected and the green light appears, you should go start your vehicle. If the green light never appears, it most likely means that the cables aren’t properly connected, or the jump starter is out of battery.
Aside from making the jump-starting process quicker and safer, there are other advantages to having a portable jump starter. Many of them come with power stations for usb cords, so it can charge up your electronics if you are in a bind.
Also, many of them come with built in flashlights, which is extremely helpful if you are jump starting your car at night with limited visibility. Additionally, there are some jump starters with air compressors which come in handy if you have a flat tire.
Other tips for jump starting your BMW e46
Now that you know how to jump start your BMW e46, there are some other safety cautions you should keep in mind.
You should not try to jump start a dead battery if there is heavy rain. Not only does this put you in danger of electrical currents, but it can also cause damage to your car.
Secondly, if you are jump starting your car on the side of the road, make sure you are a safe distance away from the road. While you are walking around your car, always keep your eye on cars passing by.
Finally, I suggest that you keep a pair of rubber gloves in your car to use when you jump start your car. This will help protect you from sparks, and also helps protect you from any battery acid or harmful chemicals that might be present.
