Battery removal help

[Andyh1]

I'm finally getting to replacing my battery on my Z4M after it died on me. I took all the panels off but cant figure out to remove the top plastic cover that sits right on top of the battery.


[IMG][/IMG]

[schobyb]

[Andyh1]

Thank you for sharing the video I looked on YouTube but couldn't find anything on there under what I was searching for

[RossBMWZseries]

As you can see the in the video above, that piece comes off as ONE piece. In your picture, looks like you removed the carpeted part and left the plastic trim on top. You’ll need to remove that tire mobility kit (black box you see in the far back at the top). Simply remove it and right under on the plastic tray, you’ll see or feel 3 nuts. Remove them with a 10mm socket, then that trim will come right off.

Now to the battery..
Remove the negative cable using a socket, don’t recall the size. Once you get to the positive in the back, there’s 2 nuts pretty close to each other. You wanna remove the smaller one because the bigger nut will only remove the BST, which is NOT what you want to do here.

You can have more access if you flip up the convertible top tray.

[Andyh1]

Originally Posted by RossBMWZseries

As you can see the in the video above, that piece comes off as ONE piece. In your picture, looks like you removed the carpeted part and left the plastic trim on top. You’ll need to remove that tire mobility kit (black box you see in the far back at the top). Simply remove it and right under on the plastic tray, you’ll see or feel 3 nuts. Remove them with a 10mm socket, then that trim will come right off.

Now to the battery..
Remove the negative cable using a socket, don’t recall the size. Once you get to the positive in the back, there’s 2 nuts pretty close to each other. You wanna remove the smaller one because the bigger nut will only remove the BST, which is NOT what you want to do here.

You can have more access if you flip up the convertible top tray.

Thank you for the detailed description....

[Fungshui]

Just wondering is it common for the battery hold down (axial securing clip) to rust? I just changed the battery for the first time was surprised to find it in that condition.

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by Andyh1

I'm finally getting to replacing my battery on my Z4M after it died on me. I took all the panels off but cant figure out to remove the top plastic cover that sits right on top of the battery.

[IMG][/IMG]

The label on that battery says it's only about 2.5 years old and already needed a new battery?

Originally Posted by Fungshui

Just wondering is it common for the battery hold down (axial securing clip) to rust? I just changed the battery for the first time was surprised to find it in that condition.

If the battery hold down is rusting, it's either one of the following:
1. Leaking battery
2. Unvented battery to the outside (acid fumes in the area)
3. The area was submerged in water at one time

FYI - The battery hold down on both of my 10yr old Z4 and 15yr old X5 are rust free and looks brand new.

[Andyh1]

Originally Posted by XMetal

The label on that battery says it's only about 2.5 years old and already needed a new battery?
.

The alternator was slowly draining the battery and not recharging it properly. I'll bought a new battery, waiting to replace alternator next month. Car is sleeping this winter.