BMW ices EV jump starts

EV jump starts

BMW owner’s manuals leave no room for EV jump starts. Jump start instructions are as follows: “Have only an authorized service center or another qualified service center or repair shop perform the jump-start.”

We’ve assembled videos with instructions for jump starting electric vehicles (EVs) from eight manufacturers thus far. We’re doing this because EV drivers are surprised to discover that the vehicle has a 12-volt battery that serves to start the vehicle and operate all of the same things that run off a 12-volt battery in an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

And EV start batteries die at the same rate as those in ICE vehicles. And they can be jump started!

A visit to a local dealer and a request for additional information from the its general manager went no where. The only advice I was given is that their customers have full 4-year warranty coverage that includes roadside assistance, but this can still leave a customer out in the cold in a pinch.

From our perspective this is unacceptable and a customer safety issue. This kind of basic information should be readily available, period.

Drivers of i4, i5, i7 and iX EVs are at the mercy of BMW and we doubt that AAA or any other service organization has the procedure. And we know from experience that they are hesitant to do anything with any EV.

We did find the illustration below in the manual for an i4. Text below the image says that number 2 is pointing to the positive terminal and lists a number pointing to a negative jump point. Number 4 is supposed to be the negative jump point but no #4 is shown. However, this point can be any bolt head attached to the vehicle body.

To complete the “picture”, #1 is the washer fluid filler neck and #3 — also missing — would point to the vehicle identification number.

We’ll keep at BMW and report back as we find additional information.

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The material on these pages is provided for information sharing purposes only and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business, nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Remember — only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

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