X5 won't start after frontend crash

[InThePeg]

I'm hoping that someone may be able to help. I purchased a X5 after it was in an accident with front end damage. The car is now repaired but will not start. Originally I thought that I had an issue with the battery so I went out and purchased a new one and the starter still wouldn't turn over. What I found was that next to the positive terminal is a little black box and the power cable was loose. So I moved the two tabs and pushed the cable in. The starter now turns over however the engine won't start. I imagine that the fuel pump may be off. I have also heard that BMW sells a positive safety clamp repair kit and that this may need to be replaced after a collision occurs. As always the dealer will not tell me this rather say "bring the car in and we will look at it". Sure after I tow the truck at their mercy and end up selling my kidney to pay the final bill "No thanks!" Anyone know anything about this power cable and what type of circuit is inside that wire that would not turn on the fuel pump? Do I need to get this repair kit?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Wagner]

Safety feature, the engine will not start until the ECU is reset I believe or reset by BMW. The fuel pump is shut off automatically to avoid a fire. Take the car to BMW and inform the techs of the issue.

[2002Silver4.6is]

Better yet... find an independant, reputable BMW / Foreign service center. Anyone else from Winnipeg have a good shop???

[Blademan007]

After a front end crash, or airbag deployment, the explosive charge near the battery will activate to disconnect the battery cable. That may have happended in your situation, which will require some repair/service work.

http://www.firehouse.com/extrication...00/july00.html

At the instant, the frontal airbags deploy on these late-model BMWs, the explosive charge of the Safety Terminal separates the hot cable inside the thick black sleeve. This action shuts down power from the battery to the starter in the engine compartment. The vehicle however, remains energized with 12 volts of electrical power. Upon airbag deployment, the BMW automatically turns on its four-way flashers, pops electric door locks to the unlock position and turns on the dome light.

[vinuneuro]

Both battery is disconnected and pump is cut like others said.

[InThePeg]

Thanks everone for the replies. I'm going to take the truck into the dealer... wish me luck. I looked into the positive power cable repair kit and it's about $550 and whatever else they find.

Slightly used kidney for sale....

Another strange thing is that the air suspension woked once the battery was hooked up when the truck was still damaged. Since I changed the battery it no longer works.... is their a reset? Or is the truck in some sort of safe mode?

[willy_manily]

How did it go? Does the x start now?