Where the heck is the battery?
 

I feel like an idiot. I just finished replacing the thrust arm bushings on my 03 4.4 (VERY easy job), but the machine shop ruined one of the new bushings while pressing it in, so I had to order a new one. This caused the car to sit for over a week, plus I left the key in the ignition (with the radio on) far longer than I probably should have to allow me to turn the steering wheel to the right and left to allow access to the bolts attaching the ball joints to the frame. This resulted in a drained battery. I'm running it on a trickle charger as I type this, and will try to start it when I get home (a total charge time of about six hours). But in case I need to replace the battery, where the heck is it? I've done a lot of searching on this forum, and I can't find any reference to the battery location, nor does the owner's manual say where it is. Given the lack on information on its location, I'm guessing it's someplace really easy to access, like in the luggage compartment, behind one of the panels. Am I close?

Also, my wife told me she heard there was some sort of reset procedure you have to go through after a battery drains (or after replacing one), but I haven't found anything on this, either. Is there any type of "reset procedure" other than possibly resetting the radio button positions, clock, etc. Thanks

Under spare tire and cover of air suspension compressor in rear cargo area

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...y-install.html

Ah, thanks. That's pretty much what I figured. I was too tired when I discovered the drained battery last night to start searching... And thanks for the link - very nice DIY.

So this "reset procedure" thing is bogus?

No, its not bogus. When power is interrupted you need to reset the steering angle sensor:

1. Turn key to position 2 or start engine (doesn't matter). I'd go ahead and start the X as it will make it easier to turn the steering wheel.

2. Turn your steering wheel lock-to-lock. All the way to the right and left.

That should reset the steering angle sensor.

Thanks! How in the world did you ever find this out? I've never heard of anything like this before. This forum is incredible!

He is the god of the e53's he knows it all. hes done some crazy things to his x do a search GT1 he is the master. i learned a lot from him on this site.

OH ............. MY ............. GOSH !!! :wow:

Thanks for the compliment sarb but .... daaannnng! Thanks for placing a bullseye on my back :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

I'm not a god of anything. ;)

I don't know it all (though I probably come off as that sometimes) :p:
I can't count how many times I've been corrected on this forum. :stickpoke

Crayz stuff to my X ... hmmm haven't done anything on my X that others haven't done before.

GT1 master ... whoa, there nelly. There are many others who know more and have done more with a GT1 than me.

I think your impression was more influenced because sometimes I'm more active on posting - not actually a lot more knowledge.

Hey, I do try and help others. Because I remember when I first came here and received so much help and information.

Again thanks for the compliment and this is just another example of why this place is so great - people helping others every day, one post at a time. :thumbup:

Actually, I found it by reading and searching. :D You're welcome and hope you get it all sorted out.

I meant crazy stuff the good way like mods and stuff, i like leaving comment for good people.

So, I have to ask, what exactly would happen if one would neglect to perform the steering re-set procedure? Would the car steer itself randomly all over the road as if somebody had poured Everclear into its tank? :rofl::rofl: