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Home >> BMW >> 2003 >> M3 2D Convertible >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Electrical >> Charging Systems >> Engine Electrical System - Repair >> Starter Lead >> 12 42 540 Replacing Safety Battery Terminal (SBK) >> Battery In Luggage Compartment Under Spare Wheel

Battery In Luggage Compartment Under Spare Wheel

Remove spare wheel.

Release screws.

CAUTION: Do not kink air pipes.

Set air supply system (1) to one side.

Follow instructions for disconnecting and connecting battery. Refer to 12 00 ... INSTRUCTIONS FOR DISCONNECTING AND CONNECTING BATTERY .

Disconnect battery negative lead.

Fig 1: Identifying Air Supply System
G03118179Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Disconnect supply cable (1) for vehicle electrical system.

Installation: 

  1. Remove faulty fuses and carry out troubleshooting.
Fig 2: View Of Supply Cable Of Vehicle Electrical System
G03118180Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
CAUTION: Pay attention to interface. The repair cable is always a standard length. The heavy-current connector of the repair cable has a larger diameter than the battery positive lead. In some Series (e.g. E46 touring), the heavy-current connector of the repair cable can lead to installation problems. This is the case when the interface is in the area of the close-fitting trim panels. Find matching interface (e.g. approx. 10 cm behind rear seat backrest in E46 touring).

Lay repair cable parallel to battery positive lead.

Mark interface of battery positive lead at end of repair cable.

Fig 3: Marking Interface Of Battery Positive Lead
G03118181Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Release cable ties (1).

Disconnect plug connection (2).

Fig 4: Disconnecting Plug Connection
G03118182Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
CAUTION: Do not use bolt cutters or similar tools to cut through the cable. A cable end that has been squashed flat will no longer fit into the clamping sleeve.

Saw through battery positive cable at marked point with an iron saw.

Fig 5: Identifying Cable End
G03118183Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Strip insulation - length (A) - from cable end.

Distance (A) = 15 mm.

Fig 6: Identifying Stripped Cable End
G03118184Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Push heavy-current connector (1) over stripped cable end and screw into position.

Fig 7: Attaching Heavy-Current Connector
G03118185Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Push shrink-fit hose (3) over repair cable.

Screw threaded sleeve (1) of repair cable (2) to heavy-current connector.

Fig 8: Screwing Threaded Sleeve Of Repair Cable To Heavy-Current Connector
G03118186Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Push shrink-fit hose (1) over connecting point and shrink on with a hot-air blower (2).

Fig 9: Covering Connecting Point With Shrink-Fit Hose
G03118187Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
NOTE: Heat up shrink-fit hose until it has settled completely around the connection point.
Fig 10: Heating Shrink-Fit Hose
G03118188Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

When laying the repaired battery positive cable, observe the following:

NOTE: Offsetting cutting line by approx. 10 cm produces excess length of battery positive lead (1). Lay battery positive lead (1) without kinks or abrasions. (Shown on E46 touring.)
Fig 11: Identifying Battery Positive Lead
G03118189Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.