BMW 61217586960 Battery, Manuf.: Exide (Warranty Only)

The original equipment battery in E83 vehicles is maintenance free, with the electrolyte typically lasting the entire service life of the battery under moderate climate conditions. However, caution must be exercised prior to disconnecting the battery, with the battery disconnection cautions needing to be read. The battery is located under the cargo floor. The original equipment BMW battery comes with a built-in hydrometer "magic eye", which determines the battery condition by eye color: green for adequate charge, black for inadequate charge requiring recharge, and yellow for a defective battery that needs replacement. Regular maintenance of the battery and its terminal connections ensures maximum starting performance, especially in winter when colder temperatures reduce battery power. It is important to ensure that the terminals, cable clamps and battery case are free of white deposits that indicate corrosion and acid salts, as even a thin layer of dust containing conductive acid salts can cause battery discharge. If the battery needs to be replaced, it should be replaced with one of equal or higher rating. The process involves working in the cargo compartment, opening the cargo load floor, disconnecting the negative cable first, then the positive cable, disconnecting the battery vent hose at the side of the battery, removing the hold down bolt at the front of the battery and lifting the battery out of the cargo compartment. Any corrosion in and around the battery tray and on cables ends should be cleaned away. When reinstalling the battery, the negative cable should be reconnected last.

A battery load test can be performed using a load tester. The load tester should be connected to the battery terminals and the load should be maintained for 15 seconds, ensuring the battery voltage does not drop below 9.6 volts. The load tester will indicate if the battery is weak or defective.

Remove the key from the ignition and keep it with you to avoid it getting locked inside.

The battery is located beneath the cover on the right-hand side of the trunk.

The battery charging notes can be found in this repair group.

Battery testing determines the battery's condition and state of charge.

The battery produces flammable and explosive hydrogen gas, so it's essential to avoid creating sparks or lighting matches near it.

To calibrate the compass in the interior mirror, press a push button until the letter C appears in the compass display. Then, drive the vehicle in a circle at a specific speed. The calibration is complete when the direction display appears.

If the voltage is too low, the battery should be replaced.

Remove the negative cable and install a battery isolation switch (OTC tool 7645 or equivalent).

Yes, if a power supply is not used, it is recommended to remove the battery from the trunk or cargo compartment during charging.

You should loosen the fastener and disconnect the negative cable first, followed by unlocking the battery safety terminal plastic cover and loosening the positive cable fastener.

The power cables are routed in a protected area underneath the body of the vehicle.

The built-in hydrometer, known as a "magic eye," indicates the battery condition based on color.

It is imperative to replace the battery with one of equal or higher specifications.