How to Change a BMW Car Battery

Unlike other vehicle batteries, many BMW batteries are located in the trunk rather than underneath the front hood. Many BMWs come with a kit that includes the tools required to change the battery. Changing the battery can be done without the manufacturer's kit using common household tools. After installing the new battery, the clock inside the BMW must be reset. When purchasing a battery for a BMW vehicle, make sure to consult a reference guide or ask a sales representative in the auto parts store for assistance. Each BMW model may require a slightly different battery.

• 1

  Park the vehicle and turn off the ignition. Open the BMW's trunk.

• 2

  Pull back the luggage lid in the trunk and pull away the carpet covering the battery bay. This battery bay may be located on the right side of the trunk or in the center, depending on the vehicle's model.

• 3

  Remove the two screws, turning counterclockwise, holding the battery cover with your hands. Pull the battery cover off, which will reveal the battery.

• 4

  Remove the nut on the bolt holding down the negative (black) cable first with the expandable wrench. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Loosen the nut holding down the red (positive) cable and remove the cable.

• 5

  Unscrew the battery brace with the small Phillips-head screwdriver. The battery brace keeps the battery from shifting in the bay. Pull the battery brace out of the way.

• 6

  Flip up the handles on the battery and pull the battery out.

• 7

  Place the new battery into the bay.

• 8

  Screw the battery brace into its hole at the bottom of the battery bay, clockwise, until it is tight.

• 9

  Replace the positive (red) battery cable and tighten the cable clamp's nut with the wrench, turning clockwise. Replace the negative (black) battery cable and tighten the cable clamp's nut, turning clockwise. Replace the red post cover.