Where's the Battery Located in a BMW 3 Series?

tony71 · June 12, 2018, 5:31pm

I’m trying to figure out where the battery is located in my BMW 3 Series. I’ve heard that it can vary by model year, and I’ve done a bit of searching but still can’t find a clear answer.

Can someone clarify the battery location?

Are there specific years where it’s located in different places?
Is it easy to access for replacement?
Any tips for safely removing it without damaging anything?

I’ve seen some videos but they didn’t go into enough detail. Any diagrams or personal experiences you can share would be super helpful!

Thanks in advance!

petersenkyle · June 13, 2018, 5:19pm

The battery location in BMW 3 Series varies significantly by model year. For example, in E30 models, the battery is located in the trunk, while in the G20, it’s under the hood on the driver’s side. Always good to check the owner’s manual for specifics!

shelby93 · June 17, 2018, 5:18pm

That’s true! In the E46 models, it’s also in the trunk but on the left side. I had trouble finding mine when I first got the car.

christopherrobinson · June 22, 2018, 5:48pm

Good to know! My G20 had a weird setup with the battery. It took me ages to figure out it was beneath some panels in the engine bay. Your advice on checking the manual is spot on.

robertsonjustin · June 27, 2018, 5:17pm

Yeah, BMW likes to keep us on our toes! In my E90, the battery was literally buried under a plastic cover. I dug around for half an hour before I found it.

bjohnson · June 28, 2018, 5:56pm

For those with E30 models, just remember to check for rust when accessing the battery in the trunk. It’s common in older cars, and you wouldn’t want to deal with that!

kgutierrez · July 1, 2018, 5:22pm

Such a valid point! I’ve actually seen some E36s with battery corrosion issues. Regular checks are key.

oking · July 5, 2018, 5:58pm

Exactly! Makes me laugh how I keep forgetting where it is every time I jumpstart a different series.

michaelharper · July 6, 2018, 5:33pm

Anyone else find the battery location in the F30 just downright confusing? It felt like they were trying to hide it from us!

wsutton · July 8, 2018, 5:48pm

Right? I thought I was losing my mind! You’d think they could make it easier for us to access something so vital.

lisadavies · July 3, 2018, 5:01pm

I’ve always thought it’s interesting how BMW changed the battery location over the years. Makes it feel like a treasure hunt each time!

daniel53 · July 14, 2018, 5:26pm

Cleaning the terminals is crucial! Use a mixture of baking soda and water to neutralize any corrosion before rinsing with clean water.

markbrewer · July 9, 2018, 5:57pm

The battery in a BMW 3 Series is typically located in the trunk, under the floor mat. It’s essential to keep it clean and check the connections periodically.

gewing · July 19, 2018, 5:44pm

Exactly, and while you’re at it, make sure to inspect the battery’s charge regularly. A healthy battery typically sits at about 12.6 volts when fully charged.

chris83 · July 24, 2018, 5:39pm

That’s a good point! What tools do you recommend for measuring the battery voltage?

vickidavis · July 28, 2018, 5:21pm

You can use a simple multimeter for that! Just attach the leads to the positive and negative terminals. It’s easy and pretty affordable.

millerstephanie · July 29, 2018, 5:22pm

That’s fantastic advice! Also, how often should I clean the terminals?

yallison · August 1, 2018, 5:36pm

It’s a good idea to check the terminals every 3-6 months, especially if you live in areas with a lot of road salt or humidity! It helps prevent any starting issues.

james00 · August 4, 2018, 5:58pm

What about the battery management system? Do we need to do anything special for that?

hmullins · August 8, 2018, 5:17pm

Great question! The BMW 3 Series has a complex battery management system that may require a dedicated scanner to reset after replacing the battery. Keep that in mind for maintenance!