Emergency Roadside question for Winter

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by stockguru

So after hearing about a long wait for BMW service this holiday in the northeast, I decided to make sure I help myself out as much as possible by being prepared. Questions for help if anyone knows

1) What amp certified jumper cables do we need for an '08 X5?
2) Is there a way to open the trunk if the battery is dead (would need to get the jumper cables in the storage area) - I have automatic liftgate which won't be working.


Thanks

What dealership has a long wait for service? there are plenty of dealers with no wait including in NJ.

[Penguin]

> What amp certified jumper cables do we need for an '08 X5?


When it comes to jumper cables, bigger conductors are always better, as long as the clamps on the ends are still small enough to work on the jumper terminals.

Personally, I use 4 gauge 12 ft cables in my vehicles. In some cases I wished I had 16 ft cables, but typically 12 ft is enough for most situations.

Here's a sample of what's out ther:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/Compare?s...0P&prodCount=4

[stockguru]

Not dealership service. Road side service calling the BMW hotline

Originally Posted by gresch

What dealership has a long wait for service? there are plenty of dealers with no wait including in NJ.

[stockguru]

Not a lock for the storage area. I was wondering if it's possible to get a lock installed to open the trunk from the outside. where the button underneath is for people who don't use automatic liftgate.

How people used to get into their cargo bay before electronics took over.

Originally Posted by mwares212

Doesn't the rear floor storage area already have a lock?

[mwares212]

Originally Posted by stockguru

Not a lock for the storage area. I was wondering if it's possible to get a lock installed to open the trunk from the outside. where the button underneath is for people who don't use automatic liftgate.

How people used to get into their cargo bay before electronics took over.

I believe this would not be possible. If you didn't have the automatic tailgate, you would still have the electric trunk lock button. I believe all BMWs for a long time have add the electric trunk lock. The days of a mechanical truck lock are long gone.

I guess the best advice for you would be to make sure you always have a battery charge.

[emcman]

Having had a discharged battery I can say first the glove box is not locked.

The rear hatch can be open by removing the little plastic panel and then pulling on it. It looks like the skinny line will not hold that is attached to it but it is strong stuff.

Jump start or recharge the battey using the from post points. They are not really close together either.

All this was the result of comfort acess which never went to sleep when I went into the house. Best to always lock the doors and not just close the doors. I was told there is sometimes switch bounce when you turn the SAV off and it really thinks you are in accessory mode.