When replacing your battery, be sure to use a high quality unit.
Replacing the battery can be done in a short amount of time. Read the battery connection notes before disconnecting the battery. Before disconnecting your battery, remove the key from the vehicle and store in a safe place after noting your radio's presets. When the battery is reconnected or loses its charge, the following items may need attention (depending on vehicle equipment). You may have to reset your clock, enter radio presets, initialize power windows, initialize the sunroof and normalize the steering angle sensor.
Hot tip
Wear eye and hand protection.
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Figure 1 The battery in BMW E53 X5 models is located in the center of the luggage compartment, below the spare tire (green arrow).
Figure 2Charging battery: You can connect a battery charger directly to the battery or under the hood at the positive (+) and negative (-) grounding point junctions. The battery junctions are located at the left front strut tower. The green arrow points to positive and yellow points to negative. However, I suggest removing the battery from the vehicle when charging. This will avoid filling your trunk with gas that the battery emits during charging. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on setting and using the battery charger.
Figure 3Jump Starting vehicle: A vehicle with a discharged battery can be jump started using a good battery or a good battery in another vehicle. When jump starting: Be sure to work in a well ventilated area, batteries can produce an explosive gas. Wear gloves and eye protection and if battery acid comes in contact with your skin, immediately flush with water and seek medical assistance. Move both vehicles close together but do not allow them to touch. Turn the ignition OFF in both vehicles. Connect one end of the positive jumper cable to the positive (+) battery terminal of the vehicle with the good battery. Connect the other end of the positive jumper cable to the positive (+) junction terminal (green arrow) vehicle with the discharged battery. You will have to flip open the lid on the positive (+) junction connection. Connect one end of the negative (-) cable to the negative (-) battery terminal of the vehicle with the good battery. Connect the other end of the negative (-) jumper cable to the negative (-) junction terminal (yellow arrow) of the vehicle with the discharged battery. Start the engine on the vehicle with a good battery. Allow it to idle, then raise the engine speed to 2000 RPM by depressing the throttle. Next, have a friend start the engine of the vehicle with a discharged battery. Once the vehicle with the discharged vehicle starts, shut OFF any electrical accessories, radio, HVAC blower, etc. Carefully disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order you connected them in. Allow the vehicle with the dead battery to idle to recharge the battery.
Figure 4Replacing battery: Working in the trunk, lift the lower carpet panel and suspend it using the supplied tether and hook (green arrow).
Figure 5Replacing battery: Remove the spare tire center mounting stud. Unscrew the wing nut, remove the metal retainer, then unscrew and remove the entire stud (green arrow). This makes getting the spare tire out easier as the tire doesn't hang up on the stud. Remove the spare tire from the vehicle.
Figure 6Replacing battery: Remove the three 13mm metal support bracket fasteners (green arrows).
Figure 7Replacing battery: Then lift the support bracket (green arrow) up and lay it aside, as shown. You now have access to the vehicle battery (yellow arrow).
Figure 8Replacing battery: Working at the left side of the battery, pull the battery vent hose straight out to remove it.
Figure 9Replacing battery: Using a ratchet and a 10mm socket, disconnect the negative (-) battery cable (green arrow). Move the negative (-) cable aside and cover so it does not accidentally come in contact with the battery terminal. Using a 10mm socket, loosen and remove the battery hold down (yellow arrow).
Figure 10Replacing battery: Release the locking clip and open the battery safety terminal cover. The photo shows the lid open. There is one plastic lock you have to release by pulling up. Then using a ratchet and a 10mm socket, loosen the positive (+) battery cable (green arrow). Lift the positive (+) battery cable off the battery and lay it aside.
Figure 11Replacing battery: Lift the battery up and remove it from the spare tire wheel well. Be careful and make sure you have a good grip, the battery is quite heavy. You will have to move cables around and keep them out of the way as you remove the battery from the vehicle. Clean the battery compartment thoroughly. Clean any corrosion from the battery cable ends if present.
Figure 12Replacing battery: Before installing a new battery, check that the battery vent line (green arrow) is not pinched, is in good condition and properly routed. Replace it if needed. Install the battery in the well, attach the vent line. Connect the positive (+) cable. Next connect the negative (-) cable. Install the battery hold down bracket. Then reassemble the metal support bracket and trunk carpet.
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