does the battery have a plastic cover on it ?

[bimmerguy]

ok do the cabrio e36's have a plastic cover on the battery? i just took a look under there and i have this non BMW battery thats sticks up like1 inch and its not even tied down or bolted down, what am i missing here guys? am i missing a bolt or something also? i know i need a battery soon and im getting a factory one put in i think but how do u bolt it down and is there a cover, please let me know what i need to buy from the dealer exactly to make it stock again....thanks.

[Norwich fan]

My entire boot (trunk) has non-vert floor panels in, so bits do not quite fit exactly as they should. Will be replacing with proper bits some day (probably from wreckers) but would be interested to know myself how much new parts cost too.
I think that the correct battery fills the battery tray and so I am unsure whether it needs bolting on or not....mine isn't.

[Norwich fan]

Is this the cover you are referring to? (please note mine is a right hand drive)

[ChipB]

1. The factory battery is held down by a metal clamp at the base. This clamp has a long screw handle on it that sticks up above the top of the battery so you can get your fingers on it.

2. Yes, there's a plastic cover that goes overthe battery compatrment and supports the carpet on the floor of the trunk.

3. The battery should be vented to the outside - there should be a plastic hose that runs from a small hole in the side of the battery through a grommet hole to the outside.

[MParallel]

Even better yet, that clamp is a vibration absorber. The entire battery is in a special holder. I read verts need to have to battery "suspended" because of the more flex in the body of the car.

And indeed, the batter has a cover on it.

[bimmerguy]

thank you guys, i just ordered the battery cover and the clamp, but after i get them i have to buy a new battery cause the one i have is an aftermarket and its too big.

[bimmerguy]

ok i just got the battery from the BMW dealer, it fit perfect in the tray, it turned out that i have 2 long screws that you have to screw down on the same side to hold it(do you guys have one long screw or 2 ???? ) the only thing is i dont have the cover yet , its on special order, but the battery sticks up a little bit above the flat trunk surface !!! is this how its suppose to be, how is the cover suppose to go on top ?.....does the cover allow room for the battery, the guy told me that thats the original BMW battery.... any input !!! thanks guys.

[Steph 320iConv]

The bat. sticking out a little bit should be alright. It all comes clear when you got the cover. Dont be afraid my friend.

PS, I, and all the E36 vert owners have 2 long screws to clamp the bat.

[ChipB]

Yes, there are definitely 2 screws, not one. When I posted earlier that there is "a long screw" I was doing it from memory, which I'm afraid is not as good as it once was. The main point is that the battery is definitely secured in place. And yes, the battery does sit slightly above the floor of the trunk, and so with the cover in place there is a definite "bump."

[bimmerguy]

you guys are great, thank you very much.

[mdubinski]

Just to let you know some Volkswagon cars use the same battery as the 3 series. If you live in the states or have a "Batterys Plus" near you, you can buy the correct battery size that fits the 3 series for about half the price.

[bimmerguy]

thanks but i already got the battery from the dealer last week and i just received the cover and got the 2 holders, everything is back to factory in my car now, looks great in there.