2001 X5 4.4i got rear ended. Engine die won't start

[reg]

Hello, got any ideas what can be causing why I cannot start my engine after being rear ended? The passenger cabin filled up with white smoke, the emergency system activated on the NAV, and the hazzards came on. Body damage is minor (bumper and tail gate) but most of the impact was at the tow hitch. I saw a few drops of fluid is dripping from the trans bell.

[sethro]

Check the leads on the battery.


In case of accident the car is designed to cut off any live power running from the battery to the cars systems. Its a safety feature designed to prevent electrical fires.

[J.Belknap]

What color/smell is the fluid?

[reg]

The color of hte fluid was back and it looked like it was dripping from the top of the tranmission. I just got a oil change a week ago and hte tranny was rebuilt in April. I still have power to roll down windows, hazzard lights, and radio/nav so there is power.

[Weasel]

The positive battery terminal is called the "battery safety terminal" and has one part that blows apart in case of wrecks. It leaves power to the normal electronics for things in the body, but cuts power from the starter and fuel system etc. The positive terminal will need to be replaced, but can temporarily be knocked back together just to get it started/running if you get the red plastic coverings off of the terminal.

Also any seatbelts that were buckled may have blown the pre-tensioners, which would need to be replaced as well. Honestly your best bet is to bring it to the dealer, explain what happened and have them write up an estimate accordingly. At that point you can decide whether to pay out of pocket or to go through insurance.

[reg]

Many thanks to Weasel and Sethro! That was it. I guess the safety battery switch has a pyro charge because it blew apart. That was where all the smoke came from. Going to the body shop tomorrow.

[BGM]

Yep part of BMW safety features.