Schedule Service Today

How to Jumpstart a BMW

Red 2021 BMW X4 M


Are you trying to find out how to jumpstart a BMW 328i, or another BMW model? It can be a little tricky, since BMW batteries sit towards the rear of the vehicle. But in this guide from the BMW of Bloomington Service Center you’ll find that the procedure for how to jumpstart a car is virtually the same for how to jumpstart a BMW. 

How to Jumpstart a Car the Right Way

The first thing you need to do is gather up your jumper cables, then find another driver who can help out. Then, follow the steps we’ve laid out below.

How to Jumpstart a BMW: Connecting Your Cables

Have the driver of the assisting vehicle pull up to face the BMW with a dead battery. The two vehicles shouldn’t touch, but they should be close enough that the jumper cables can easily reach the batteries in both vehicles. Make sure to turn off or unplug all electrical components in your BMW. Then, pop each vehicle’s hood and attach the cables in the following order:

  1. Attach one of the red clamps to your own BMW vehicle’s positive (red) terminal.
  2. Attach the other red clamp to the positive (red) terminal on the assisting vehicle
  3. Attach the black clamp to the assisting vehicle’s negative (black) terminal.
  4. Attach the other black clip to any unpainted metal surface on your vehicle.

During this process, take every precaution to ensure the clamps don’t touch one another. This could generate high-voltage sparks, which can be extremely dangerous.

How to Jumpstart a BMW: Charging the Battery

Start the assisting vehicle and wait a few minutes while your battery receives the charge. Then

get into your vehicle and start the engine. If it doesn’t turn on right away, give it a few more moments. Once it starts, you can remove the jumper cables, again making sure that the clamps never touch. You should then drive your jumpstarted vehicle for about 30 minutes to ensure that the battery is fully recharged.

Get Professional BMW Service at BMW of Bloomington!

Whether you’re wondering how to jumpstart a BMW 328i, a BMW X3 xDrive30i, or another BMW model, the steps listed above will be all you need. If it turns out that you need a new battery, our Parts Center near Normal has an excellent selection of BMW batteries in stock and our certified technicians will be happy to install your new battery for you. We can handle all of your scheduled BMW maintenance, and with our service specials you’ll enjoy some of the best deals in the Urbana and Normal area. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Learn More with BMW of Bloomington

  • 2026 BMW X5 Performance

      The 2026 BMW X5 provides our Normal neighbors with the practicalities of a crossover and the thrilling performance of a sports vehicle. If you’re considering an X5, you’ll have four different BMW X5 engine options to consider, each with its own BMW X5 hp rating. Because the X5 can be equipped with so many…

  • 2026 BMW X7 Trim Levels

      Are you shopping around Normal for a luxurious full-size SUV? Consider the 2026 BMW X7, which features a refined three-row cabin outfitted with top-shelf amenities, premium materials, and revolutionary driver-assistance technologies. Equipped with TwinPower engine options and aerodynamic exterior styling, the X7 delivers dynamic handling and supreme versatility. If you are considering an X7,…

  • The 2026 BMW 4 Series: Bodystyles & Trims

      Luxury-minded drivers searching for a sophisticated, elegant, and athletic vehicle that elevates the Normal driving experience will fall head over heels for the 2026 BMW 4 Series lineup. Available in three distinct bodystyles—the streamlined BMW 4 Series Convertible, the dynamic two-door BMW 4 Series Coupe, and the versatile four-door BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe—this…

Get Directions

1604 Commerce Pkwy, Bloomington, IL, 61704
BMW of Bloomington 40.4573646, -88.9743698.