hello. i'm still fairly new here but, need a hand as i cannot find what i need via the search or google.

just got an 03 cooper with 36k on it on 12/3/07 very nice, runs good etc. had an issue though. went cruising it up through the burbank mountains (great ride) and as i was making the descent the road became pretty bumpy. all of the sudden everything shut off- stereo, instrument lights everything. hazards would not work. seeing red i pulled over and immediately went to the battery. of course the positive cable hadn't been tightened down and had popped off. i was relieved.

however i never thought to check the battery box assembly when i test drove and bough the mini. it starts and runs great. but, after i tightened down the cable and went to put the cover back on i noticed that it's the wrong battery and there is no hold down bar. and i found a grey looking tube with a black elbow on the end of the tube next to the battery.

so is the grey tube the ventilator tube? i did locate the replacement duralast battery (model number escapes me right now) at the alvarado autozone here in L.A. which i read is an exact fit replacement. and i did locate the hold down bar at minimania which i ordered. BUT, i'm not sure what else is missing there and would rather avoid dealing with the universal mini service dept. does anyone have photos of their battery area so i can get a good view of what may be missing here? i know it may not be a big deal but, i do love the car and would like to get it to like new in certain areas that need it- like the battery- i would prefer not to rig it up with a bungie or somethig. also how necessary is this vent tube?

anyhow, sorry for such a long post if you have pics of your battery box that would be great so i can track down whatever i may need.

 

Here's the diagram of the battery box.



Try this link for diagrams and part numbers...

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do

The battery stuff was under "vehicle electrical systems". Gotta poke around in there to find things, but it's all there.

 

WOW thanks! that was exactly what i was looking for! and that site is awesome. pelican parts had all that stuff or it could be ordered and received within the week. and shipped from socal too. i owe you one...

 

No problem. from one whiteyanderson to another.
(I haven't seen the sun here in a while so I lost my tan. )

Pelican is great too. If they don't have it there are a couple dealers on this forum that offer discounts on oem parts. The names escape me today, but I'm sure a little search around will reveal them.

 

LOL! whiteyanderson is such a looong funny story! i'l have to tell you about it sometime. thanks again! already loving it around here .