How to Change the Battery on a BMW 3 Series
by Colin RoweOne of the most common problems in any car is a dead battery, which is vital in almost every aspect of the vehicle. Over time, it weakens until it is no longer efficient at its job and needs to be changed. Changing a battery is a very simple task, as manufacturers put the battery in a very accessible place just for this reason.
Step 1
Park your BMW, turn it off completely, and engage the parking brake.
Step 2
Open the hood of the car using the release switch by the steering wheel, or with the latch on the hood itself.
Step 3
Remove the brackets holding the battery in place using the screwdriver.
Step 4
Remove the terminals from the old battery. You may need to use the wrench to get them off. Remove the negative ("-") terminal first, then the positive ("+") terminal.
Step 5
Take out the old battery, and dispose of it safely.
Step 6
Install the new battery, and replace the terminals, first the positive, then the negative.
Step 7
Turn the car on to check the battery works.
Step 8
Replace the brackets, and close the hood.
References
Tips
- BMW batteries are quite expensive to purchase. Cheaper ones will work just as well, but will not fit into the battery holder as well.
- Auto shops and recycling centers have systems in place for disposing of car batteries. As they are lead-iron batteries, you cannot just throw them in the trash.
Things You'll Need
- Wrench
- Screwdriver
Writer Bio
Colin Rowe started writing professionally in 2009. He has written for the print publication "Hounslow Chronicle" and for websites such as News Associates, Global Newswire, FiX e-zine and NRI Digital. He holds a postgraduate degree in journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in media arts and management studies from St. Mary's University in London.
