How to replace a car battery (2020+ BMW 228i), by Jason Bimmer Repairs on YouTube. 10 min 15 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 15 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Park on a level surface, switch off the ignition and let the car sit for a few minutes before you start.
Open the hood and locate the battery. On the 228i it sits in the engine bay under a plastic cover.
Use the flathead screwdriver to release the clips and lift off the battery cover and any trim around it.
Loosen the 10mm nut on the negative terminal clamp and lift the cable off the battery post. Tuck it aside so it cannot touch metal.
Loosen the 10mm nut on the positive terminal clamp and lift that cable off too.
Undo the 13mm bolt on the battery hold-down bracket and remove the bracket so the battery can slide out.
Lift the old battery straight up and out. It is heavy, so use both hands and keep your back straight.
Lower the new battery into the tray with the terminals in the same position, then refit the hold-down bracket and tighten the 13mm bolt.
Reconnect the positive cable first and tighten the 10mm nut, then the negative cable and its 10mm nut. Refit the covers.
Start the car, then use a scan tool such as BimmerLink or BMW ISTA to register the new battery so the charging system treats it as new.
Tips and common mistakes
Always disconnect the negative terminal first and reconnect it last to avoid shorting the battery against the body.
Wear safety glasses and gloves, and keep metal tools away from both battery posts at once.
A battery that is not registered may not last as long because the car keeps charging it like the old one.
If the car is completely dead, you can still fit the battery to get it started, but register it as soon as you can.
Questions
Do I have to register a new battery on a BMW 228i?
It is strongly recommended. The car charges the battery based on its age and type, so registering it helps the new one last longer. You can drive without registering, but the battery may wear out sooner.
Can I use the same steps on a BMW X1 or X2?
Yes, the procedure is very similar on the X1 and X2. The battery location and trim may differ slightly, but the terminal and hold-down steps are the same.
What tools do I need for this job?
An 8mm, 10mm and 13mm socket, a ratchet with extensions and a flathead screwdriver cover most of it. A scan tool is needed if you want to register the battery.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
