Car battery replacement for BMW 1 Series (F20, F21)
Model years: 2011 - present
Car battery is a crucial component within automotive electrical system. In sum, it accumulates electrical energy, which is distributed among electric appliances within the vehicle. Hence, it's essential, that the battery stays in a perfectly operating condition. Unfortunately, car battery is not a permanent unit, which will run out in time irreversibly. More specifically, chemical reactions within the battery will lack the ability to produce electrical energy. The lifespan of the battery has a limit of roughly 3 - 5 years, after which it becomes incapable of being charged. This is the reason why installation of a new battery is advised. There might be, that battery will run out of energy, because of the dirt, concentrated on connection points. After some period, corrosion (in a form of white substance) can affect battery terminals, which is a reason of bad connection contacts. When this happens, the battery will lose its ability of being re-charged by alternator. Progressively, it will go dead and no longer be able to provide electricity. Eliminating soil from cable and battery connections, might get the battery back and make it valid again. The battery might also lose its power, if the vehicle was not used for some time. When this happens, battery recharge will likely restore its operating condition. In order to perform a recharge, you will need a battery charger.
Important! Some BMW 1 Series (F20, F21) vehicles might be equipped with an IBS (Intelligent Battery Sensor) system. That means, newly replaced battery must be registered by your Service center. Avoiding battery registration might cause power management system failure, as well as incorrect readings on the display of the on-board computer.
BMW 1 Series battery location: luggage compartment (trunk) under floor carpet.
Recommended batteries for BMW 1 Series:
* Note: if case more than one battery type is applicable for your model, compare parameters of the battery, currently installed on your vehicle, with parameters in the table below, before choosing the right one.
| Body type | Model | Battery specs | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five-door hatchback | 114d 114i 116d 116i 118d 118dX 118i 120d 120dX 125d 125i M135i M135iX | Capacity: 80Ah (AGM) Cold Cranking Amp: 800cca Dimensions: 315x175x190 mm | £150.99 (Amazon.co.uk) |
Capacity: 90Ah (AGM) Cold Cranking Amp: 900cca Dimensions: 353x175x190 mm | £167.94 (Amazon.co.uk) | ||
| Three-door hatchback | 114d 114i 116d 116i 118d 118dX 118i 120d 120dX 125d 125i M135i M135iX | Capacity: 80Ah (AGM) Cold Cranking Amp: 800cca Dimensions: 315x175x190 mm | £150.99 (Amazon.co.uk) |
Capacity: 90Ah (AGM) Cold Cranking Amp: 900cca Dimensions: 353x175x190 mm | £167.94 (Amazon.co.uk) |
How to replace car battery:
1.
Before battery replacement, make sure:
- you wear sturdy gloves and safety goggles
- vehicle keys are out of ignition switch
2.
The following tools are usually enough for battery replacement procedure:
- 10 and 13 mm wrenches or sockets
- Flat-head and Phillips type screw drivers
3. BMW 1 Series battery is located in luggage compartment (trunk) under floor carpet.
4.
To start replacing battery, remove the old one by disconnecting the negative connection first. This will prevent accidental short-circuits between positive battery terminal and the body of the vehicle. Make sure the cable does not come into contact with battery terminals during battery replacement procedure. Negative battery terminal can be identified by minus (-) sign next to it (1):
5.
Remove brackets that hold the battery attached to the vehicle frame.
6.
Open positive terminal cover (1):
7.
Disconnect positive connector:
8.
If present, disconnect ventilation hose from the battery (1). Some vehicles utilize battery ventilation system to vent formed gasses (hydrogen) to the outside.
9.
Vacate battery compartment by lifting the old battery off (note, that the battery is heavy, incorrect lifting can result in back injuries):
10.
Do not remove plastic terminal caps from new battery, until it's placed in the battery compartment inside the vehicle.
11.
Place the new battery in.
12.
Connect ventilation hose.
13.
If necessary, clean battery cables from dirt or rust before connecting, to ensure excellent contact.
14.
Contrary to disconnecting the battery, connect cables, starting with positive terminal first.
15.
Re-attach brackets and make sure battery does not make any movements.
16.
Dispose the old battery only at authorized collecting point.
Car battery replacement instructions for:
1 Series (2004 - 2011)