Where is the battery located in the BMW 1 Series?
4 Answers
The battery of the BMW 1 Series is generally installed in the trunk of the car, next to the spare tire. Interior: The new 1 Series basically continues the interior design of the old model, while the upgrades in this new model mainly come from the configuration aspects. The new car is equipped with the latest iDrive system, active cruise control system, engine start-stop, BMW remote services, and other features. Powertrain: The new car is equipped with three engines: 1.6T, 2.0T, and 3.0T. Among them, the 1.6T engine offers two versions with high and low power, with maximum power outputs of 136 horsepower and 177 horsepower respectively. The 2.0T engine has a maximum power output of 218 horsepower, while the 3.0T engine in the BMW M135i xDrive can reach a maximum power output of 320 horsepower. The 8-speed automatic transmission has become the standard configuration across the entire lineup of the new car.
Having run an auto repair shop for ten years and disassembled over a hundred BMWs, I can confirm that placing the battery in the trunk is a classic German design feature for the 1 Series. Open the luggage compartment, and on the right side floor, you'll find a small cover with a handle. Lift that panel to access the battery compartment. This location applies to the newer F40 and F52 models, while the older E87 might have it under the spare tire. Note that the terminal connections may be covered by a foam panel, requiring some finesse during removal and installation. Although this layout takes up some storage space, it helps balance the front-to-rear axle weight ratio and keeps the battery safer from water exposure during rainy-day driving.
Last time I helped my best friend jump-start her BMW 1 Series, it took me forever to locate the battery. This car hides its battery in a rather special place – not in the engine compartment but under the trunk floor panel. Just lift up the trunk mat and pry open the square cover at the right rear corner to reveal the black battery. Many BMW models use this design, which they say is for weight distribution balance. You'll need a T40 Torx screwdriver to remove the trim panel screws – if you don't have the proper tool handy and try using a flathead screwdriver instead, you might scratch the plastic parts. Remember to turn off all electronics before disconnecting the battery, and when connecting jumper cables, attach positive first then negative. Reverse this order when disconnecting.
Finding its car battery is like a treasure hunt! Lift the floor panel on the right side of the trunk, and you'll find it under a plastic cover smaller than an A4 sheet. This design is quite clever – keeping the battery in the trunk during cold winter starts is warmer than the engine bay, which can extend battery life. Last time I measured it with a tape measure, the battery in the 2020 125i fits snugly into the wheel arch recess, so make sure to choose the right size when replacing it. For emergency jump-starting, there's actually a spare positive terminal in the engine bay – it's under the red cap marked with a '+' symbol.
