Persian_535i

Took my vehicle in for service today because of the battery discharging and not holding a proper charge. The service people told me they could not replace it under warranty because it is "unfavorable conditions" which basically means I don't drive it enough which is total crap. I was gonna attempt to charge the battery myself to see if it will hold a charge before forking over $400 for a new battery. I plan on just getting a battery charger from auto zone and seeing if it'll hold charge only I don't know where the battery is located. I've heard it's in the trunk and also does anyone know if I should not charge the battery? I don't want it exploding on me

Anzafin

Yes the battery locates in a trunk. On the right side under the covering panel. However, you can charge the battery through the + pole that locates under the hood near the strut bar. You can hook the - cable on a ground pole which is located on top of the front left shock absorber cover.

- Antti -

Georgieb

I dug up a pic I took during my LCI taillight mod. You can see the exact location of the battery in the trunk behind the right-side panel.

Good luck.

TheRacerBoss

I have the 75/12/2 amp charger from AdvanceAuto, really really nice .

Leave the setting on DEEP CYCLE -- 2 AMPS and forget about the battery over night. The charger has an auto power off when the battery is completely charged. It also has a meter that indicates what the charge on the battery is and how many amps it needs more.

The setting on Deep Cycle -- 12 amps is a fast charge -- Takes about 2 hours to charge a completely dead battery.

The seeting for 75 amps is for a JUMP start -- So you have the best of all worlds

Charge it over night on Deep Cycle -- 2 amps n if it doesnt hold after that then dude, you need a new battery

I would strongly recomend charging the battery from the trunk disconnecting the POSITIVE terminal from the battery, its really easy to get that cover off.

xcntrk

I too use one of those intelligent charger, maintainer, and starting systems (aka premium battery tender). This unit is simple and fully automatic with microprocessor controller. You simply select the battery type, size, and it does the rest. It will automatically monitor the battery condition and dynamically adjust charging amperage between 2A (trickle), 12A, and 30A in order to maintain the target voltage. It also includes a digital voltage meter and a bunch of other features.


PDF Manual

Persian_535i

Yeah that was exactly what I was gonna do when I went to Autozone to pick up the charger. I asked the employee that worked there his opinion on me hooking up the charger directly to the connectors under the hood and he warned me not to do so. He said connecting the charger under the hood can fry the electronic components in the vehicle and that I should remove the battery from the trunk and charge it from there as opposed to under the hood.

luigi524td

I'm certain the AutoZone technician was fully trained by BMW ... I get my financial advice from the deli clerk at my local supermarket too

I'd suggest you place your trust in your owner's manual ...there actually is a reason to use this procedure but I don't have the time to fully document it tonight.

NoQuarter

Well said - good advice. RTFM not the autozone certified technician.

Persian_535i

Ok well glad thats straightened out then, guess he didn't know what he was talking about

inktoxicated

i left my marker lights on the other night and the car was dead in the morning. once i got it jumped to get to work and then home i set it up on a 6 amp charge for about 4 hours. battery seemed strong and everything was gravy. imma get into the routine to give the car a slow charge once a month.. I also dont drive very far.