I saw bare naked switches as low as $2 a pop at local hardware stores. I would put a search on eBay and wait

Here is a source. Hella Battery Cut Off Switch with Heavy Duty Cable | eBay

Looking at pictures here I now see why. I don't have air suspension, so it looks like the thing under the spare tire for me is not only hollow (vs. for air suspension cars it holds the compressor), but it's also smaller. I think I could fit my hand past that and turn the knob to disconnect, but looking at photos of other cars with air suspension, I agree there does not seem to be enough room.

I will give it a shot next time I take the spare tire out. This Hella thing is nice, but I'd be even happier with a more minimal solution here.

BTW, here's what we're talking about:

bcredliner, Great find - Thanks :thumbup:. I was looking and looking all day long on E-bay - [usualy searching under the "buy it now" and not "auctions/ bid" .... :cool:]

Been done before by the man with all the options plus some additional one on his X5.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...dead-road.html

I remember that one!!!!

:thumbup:

hmmm good point, how does one lock the boot if there is no power? will lock mechanism manually engage? would have been great if the kill off switch cabling could be passed through /under the mat in rear and side panel near the 12v sockets at rear, much easier, but suppose if you had kids jumping around in the rear and kids got curious they could kill the battery whilst you are doing 100 on a motorway, not good i guess

just had found this Ebay. seller - [there is 3 avail. .... $28 bucks, but they are used ... ].

Hella Battery Disconnect and 8 Foot Copper Cables | eBay


I guess the only way to close by pwr the rear hatch/gate is by connecting second battery to the jump posts under the hood. That's how I've been locking and storing the X5 - [2k miles in the past 5 years], by removing the batt. from the trunk and using jumper cables at the jump posts under the hood ... [+ small trick with the alarm] ...

The "used" part is probably not a problem here.
But the 8-foot length might be. You'll want the shortest cables that do the job - based on where you want to mount the switch.

I guess the seller is counting both cable lengths as 8f in total .... :)
oldskewel sure I agree shorter cables are better ... [as side exmpl. I tried starting my other cars with the battery out of the car connected by heavy duty jumper cables, but only clicking ... :D ].


Happy Bimmering & New 2015 Year to ALL :thumbup: !