has anyone changed a battery in a 2015 f56 mini cooper s? i was going to put my braille liteweight battery in my car today and o couldnt get my battery out. there was a 1/2" bolt under the master cylinder i couldnt get loose but im not sure there isnt some trick to getting it out any help would be appreciated. thanks.

 

Be careful switching batteries. You most likely will throw a code and the dealer will have to reset for $$$. Even if you replace with the EXACT same battery, dealer will have to do a re-set. This is more BMW control of the car and forces $$$ out of you...even for a battery. Best to call dealer and ask about it....not sure of they can deny a reset based on non-conforming parts.

 

So, this thread raises a question for the F56 model. I've followed similar threads for the GEN II models as we currently have a '10 R56 with an F56 on order.
If I recall correctly, there were quite a bit of knowledgable replies pertaining to whether or not the car in question had the IBS (Intelligent Battery Sensor) component installed on the existing battery lead cable and, if present, drove the need to have the ECM reprogrammed for a replacement battery.
I am not sure where the F56 falls on this issue.
Wound up in an Autozone parking lot for our '10 and $138 later were up and running...no issues and probably $300 savings. Also guessing ours didn't have the IBS but never checked PRIOR to replacing.

 

I think if you are using the same type and size (AH rating) then it should be ok, at least is was on my old R56.

 

The question is, why replace a perfectly functional new battery in a new car? Is the weight savings worth it?

As to the original question, I don't think many people have experience changing out batteries on a 2015.

Good luck!

 

From what I know, all the F5x MINIs have the intelligent sensor plugged into the battery so the car can monitor battery level and control all the electrical systems appropriately (guessing that the auto start/stop system uses this as well to monitor battery level before shutting off/starting back up)

If you replace a battery, you have to get it coded into the car. Check to see if a local MINI mechanic might be able to do this, if you're trying to avoid the dealer.

 

i had the cables off for over a half hour and put them back on with no issues. ive ran liteweight batterys in most of my car and truck projects because i like to drag race at my local track and every 100lbs. equals 2 to 3 tenths in the quaerter.

 

Oh...OK...If you drag race the MINI, your warranty is out the window anyway. No problem then, do what you want to the car. Good luck!

 

I've pulled my battery and ran a new power cable for the aftermarket stereo. It is straight foreword. I wrote a "how to" but it never made it for some reason. There are lots of spare fused spots. I am pretty loaded so not sure what hey are for but I used one without issue.

 

i dont need luck.

 

i got it figured out there was a hidden bolt in the front plastic cover. pulled it out and had access to the hold down bracket in front.

 

My question exactly.
And beside, if there was an issue with the battery, wouldn't it be under warranty for a very brand new car ??.... If it ain't broke, don't touch it !!

 

lets just say im not your average mini cooper owner and i dont care to be.

 

btw the stock battery weighs 50lbs. mine is 17lbs!

 

Does the new 17lb battery have the same stats as the original. Not sure if you use the auto shutdown function but you need a really big battery to start that polluting engine every time you start again. It will also be the law soon to use that function in the US.

 

dont use the auto shutdown and we dont have no stinking regulations in kansas!

 

What is the auto shutdown function?

 

Improve fuel consumption. Less pollution. Trying in a small way to try to stop the human from being the shortest living species to ever....on earth....:-)

 

Well aren't you just a little ray of sunshine?

 

+1, and he doesn't need no stink'n "Good Luck". How about an attitude adjustment?

 

Oh yeh! :-)

 

I,m just now changing out the battery on my 2011mini, I t took a while to figure out I had to take off the right side of the windshield tray (?") Even then I had to twist the plastic piece to get it out. And the small "L"shaped piece plastic that resides under the large piece just fell out. It took a while to find it proper location. I still don't know what held it in place. (duk tape does it now) It appears to be a water shield to keep water from getting into the battery compartment. I haven't yet been able to get the large tray back in; looks like I may have to take off the right side wiper arm. Has anybody had any experience with this stubborn piece. Any hints?

 

for those looking for the hidden bolt.....it is on the right side facing the engine, by the fender. remove that bolt, and the bolt at the bottom left of the cover and it will pull out and up, allowing you to access the hold down bolt and finally remove the battery. bmw.......arrrrggghh. i'd like to have a few minutes alone with the people who designs difficulty into these machines.

 

Just changed battery.
Arrrrrgggghhhh.

 

when you get batt. all exposed BEFORE you disconnect any leads, make sure you have12v power going to Both Leads so you never break continuity. install new batt. with hooked-up leads, THEN break continuity. that's what Mini Store does, don't let them jive you about reprogramming.