1. Open the front hood on the 325i.
2. Locate the nut securing the negative battery cable. Use the 10 mm socket wrench and appropriate extension to loosen the nut until the cable can be removed from the battery. Take note of how the battery cable is placed on the battery and the type of bolt, washer, and spacer that are in use.
3. Remove the negative battery cable from the battery by pulling the clamp off of the battery post. It may take some force to remove the clamp. Set the cable to the side.
4. Remove the nut on the positive battery cable and disconnect the cable as you did with the negative battery cable. Set the positive battery cable to the side so it does not touch any metal surfaces or the negative battery cable.
5. Remove the battery hold down clamp if it is bolted to the battery tray and is not a release handle type clamp.
6. Lift the battery out of the battery compartment.
7. Replace the battery if necessary, if not reinstall the old battery.
8. Reverse steps one through six to reinstall the battery and reconnect the battery cables.
9. Make sure the battery cables are connected properly and that they are not touching any metal surfaces.
Battery Replacement Tips
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from battery acid.
- Clean any battery acid that may have spilled with a baking soda and water solution.
- Make sure the battery is securely fastened in place.
- Reinstall the battery cables correctly, positive to positive and negative to negative.
