DIY F83 Battery Disconnect

[dmbryson]

In order to swap in my newly acquired custom wrapped Alcantara steering wheel, needed to disconnect my battery in my F83 convertible. I knew the battery was in the back right of the trunk. Unlike the sedan and coupe brethren, there is no access door in the convertible. Unable to find any other hints online, I dove into the trim panels. So, for any future adventurous soul:

1. Remove the plastic guard around the right side hinge components by popping out and removing the three trim grommets
2. Remove the trim grommets from the right side floor/wall panel.
3. Wiggle and pry the panel free of its spot and the rubber gasket around the boot lid area.
4. Ultimately you want to be able to carefully bend it inward to reach the negative terminal that is toward the bumper.
5. Loosen the terminal with a 10mm socket and disconnect.

Attached is a photo of what it looked like disconnected.

BTW, if anyone knows a simpler procedure, I would love to know for future reference.

[sliu070]

Thank you for your post. I had to install something this weekend and used this to help me remove the negative terminal on the battery. I would suggest rotating the picture 90 degrees counter clock wise so people can orient where everything in the picture is.

Cheers bud,
-S