Large space in engine compartment?
 

Hi All,

Just wondering why X3's (and maybe X5's) have that large hole (maybe 5 gallons) under the hood on the passenger side right up against the firewall. It is portioned off and there seems to be nothing inside it. Might be a newbie question, but why is it there and can you do anything with it? Is that where the battery used to be?

Yup, its where the battery would be. I don't know for sure on the X-series, but on the E46 3-series, some 4 cyl models in Europe had the battery located in the front, and that's where it went.

I like that space though. I can keep food warm there, provided it's not liquid and boxed.