Disconnecting E90 battery (negative terminal)

[Kg810]

Hey guys,

I'm in the process of swapping in my M-Tech Steering Wheel and the first step is to disconnect the battery. As easy as it sounds (just disconnect the negative terminal by removing the 10mm bolt) I have run into a minor set back.

I've unscrewed the 10mm bolt that holds the negative terminal in place and I -should- be able to just simply, take it off. But my problem is that it doesn't. I have posted on another forum and one member has told me to slightly loosen the piece that is attached to the pole. Before I get off work and go home to attempt disconnecting the battery again, I just want to see if you guys know whatsup with my negative terminal. It certainly does look different from other people's battery as I've read over many DIY guides.

Anyways, here are the pics, I have cirlced in green the negative terminal - which you will see has been unscrewed. If you guys have run into the same problem with your E90/E92, please inform me on what I am doing wrong. Do i really need to pry/loosen the piece that is attached to the pole to release the negative terminal or is there some sort of screw that I am not aware of. Thanks in advance.

http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx34/Kg810/IMG_6723.jpg

http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx34/Kg810/IMG_6722.jpg

http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx34/Kg810/IMG_6721.jpg

[j0nblayz]

design looks same as previous years. You dont need to unscrew the nut all the way, just loosen the nut, and wiggle the terminal off. Looks like you have a black cover you will need to remove first though.

[Kg810]

Hmm, yeah I've tried removing the black cover and damn, that thing is on there real good. Not sure if I want to apply too much force and break something important. Any ideas on how I should approach removing the black cover?

[RickDaTuner]

no screw at all, just take a screw driver and spread the tabs, its just very well attached to the battery terminal, and needs to be "broken" loose

[RickDaTuner]

dbl pst

[chkolny541]

Originally posted by RickDaTuner
no screw at all, just take a screw driver and spread the tabs, its just very well attached to the battery terminal, and needs to be "broken" loose
this, first time you remove it, it will be fairly stuck

[Kg810]

Ahh I see. So it's going to be okay for me to apply necessary force to loosen up the clamp/tabs a bit then.

I wish this day would end sooner as I've been dying to put on the new steering wheel. I'll make some updates later just to confirm that all I needed was to apply some force to spread the tabs. Thanks guys, I really appreciate it.

[luxor]

First off I don't want to sound like I'm trying to put you down or anything but if you can't get a battery terminal off then you really shouldn't be swapping your steering wheel. Especially doing any work to the airbag component as that is a major safety factor to be risking. I realize the steering is a straight forward swap but taking off the battery terminal is even easier. Just take your screw driver and pry open the clamp on the terminal so it unclamps from the post and wiggle and/or gently pry it off.

GL

[zieg]

http://www.steritool.com/images/product/10294.jpg?

[BillyJoelR]

Doesn't look any different than older generations of BMWs or any other car.

Just yank it out.

[Kg810]

Got around to doing the swap today. After loosening the tabs/clamp a little more with a flatheaded screwdriver the total time it took was approx 30 mins, totally worth it.

http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx34/Kg810/IMG_6718.jpg

http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx34/Kg810/IMG_6719.jpg

http://i739.photobucket.com/albums/xx34/Kg810/IMG_6737.jpg