2007-2013 Mini Cooper S (R56) Battery Replacement

[@randycecale4307]

Excellent video! Just picked up a 2013 Cooper S that ended up having a bad battery. This video was spot on, exactly what I was looking for. No editorializing, just short and sweet steps to get it done. Thanks!!!

[@BigDog50001]

I thought for sure you would to have to remove 27 different plastic covers to get to the battery on this vehicle Eric. It's nice to see they actually designed that properly.

[@sparkplug1018]

At least they did stash it inside the wheel well. Those are always fun.

[@wellwh0]

I can’t remove that plastic cover. fuck me 🙁🔫

[@MarkB-33]

Great cars. Poor maintenance design. Everything is made a pain to do. My daily dooper r56 is more difficult to fix anything on than my weekender 2002 bmw 330 m-sport.

[@pbarry25]

Hey Eric, just wanted to let you know that this video helped out in big way yesterday. We had a wreck a street over (no one was hurt, thankfully, but it deployed all the airbags), and the Mini went into a mode of the horn stuck fully on. The car was unresponsive to the key fob, and after not finding the battery at a quick glance, I pulled out my phone and came across your video via Google search. Easy peasy after that. Thanks for your video!

[@jasonmurray8777]

This video helped me today. After looking under the hood for a minute or two I was like "OK - please tell me I don't have to start ripping things out to get to the battery or jack up the car or some other silly thing". 30 seconds after that found your video. Thanks!

[@RanGer-498]

mini series came at a perfect time...I just purchased a mini 2 weeks ago and I have been wrenching away.

[@artelements848]

You totally rock Eric! I watched this video and then went out and bought a new one and installed it all by myself saving $300.00☮️😍

[@gregorybraylen343]

i know im asking the wrong place but does someone know a way to get back into an Instagram account?? I somehow lost my account password. I love any assistance you can give me!

[@leandrojason1387]

@Gregory Braylen Instablaster :)

[@gregorybraylen343]

@Leandro Jason I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@gregorybraylen343]

@Leandro Jason it worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my account :D

[@leandrojason1387]

@Gregory Braylen you are welcome =)

[@jfv65]

tip: if you change a working battery it is a good idea to keep the cables connected to an external 12V source (like a charger, booster pack or spare battery) while you unhook the clamps. That way you keep 12V on the system and you don't need to mess with settings and radio codes once the new battery is installed. Remove the external 12V source once the new battery is in and connected. another point : that red cap over the +terminal is there for safety reasons. In a crash this red cap shields the +terminal from metal (=ground) contact. if possible, put it back on once the new battery is in the car.

[@CCROSS5882]

that's what I was looking for, I heard a shop removed the battery and they had to relearn the transmission.

[@dtc357]

The timing of this being published was perfect for me! Just changed mine today (one day after posting) after watching this👍

[@ericthecarguy]

Excellent! Thanks for the comment.

[@jcpilot29]

Any issues with the new battery? I keep hearing that it requires a code and programming? Thanks

[@blaknift]

I've got an R55 and live north of Dayton. Super excited to see you get one of these in. Keep it up!

[@scarface16134]

blaknift the battery registered with the dme but also it needs to be coded since he went lead acid to agm if not the battery will only last a year from over charging

[@mimime3716]

Thank you so much! It took me 3 Months to finally try it (was scared) but you did an amazing job explaining what to do - and I never felt like I didn’t know what I did. So once again: Thank You!

[@ozzstars_cars]

That new fresh battery charged up feeling!

[@johnmac8084]

Thanks Eric, very clear explanation, straight to the point, no padding or waffle

[@speedyesteable]

I'm curious, after installing battery do you have to reset the computer and register the battery to the car?

[@tm5346]

Idk great question

[@user-vt9jl5pk9e]

​@@tm5346I'm about to find out.

[@Gómez-p4v]

Mine won’t start after replacing battery, did you have to reset the computer?

[@y-sadynie1554]

Is there any kind of reprogram for these batteries ? One of the advisors told me they had to reprogram the car once they put in a new battery.

[@cobra454tim]

I’m glad to see I’m not the only weird one that cleans the connections on a new battery and the terminals 🤓

[@user-neo71665]

Your not, I also coat the connections with a bit of grease.

[@petecurran3995]

Replacing thermostat/housing on one of these RIGHT NOW. Entertainment all the way! 🤐 Great vid, Eric and actually looked this up because I wanted the battery location info! 👍🏻

[@minkvelour]

Excellent video! Easy to follow, understand. Video and editing = top notch, buddy! I like how you cut back into the part where you pointed out the notch or groove when you were talking about it.

[@tellboyWales]

Thanks for the video. I'm surprised a Brit hadn't done one, so thanks, from 3700 miles east of Ohio. The battery wasn't an issue, it was taking off all the plastic trim around/above it. Mine being a right-hand drive, I just had to mirror what you did. The wife wouldn't have been very happy if I'd smashed the crap out of her Mini Roadster just to change the battery.

[@teddybear2123]

First battery replacement video I ever watched.

[@ericthecarguy]

I appreciate that thank you.

[@forevercomputing]

I'm doing some work on an R53. Seatbelt, brakes (all), brake lines, CV boot, rear wiper (low priority), coolant leak (garage may have been wrong), I ran it for a while and the gauge remained at half way and bled what I could where I could. Told the owner to keep an eye on it for a few days. Remember where the point is and see if it changes. Nearly got him to open the expansion tank hot. He knows something. (I would have stopped him anyway)

[@alanbroomhead3025]

Thanks!

[@GrandPrix46]

Does that model have the removable floorboard so you can still Fred Flinstone it around when it won't start?

[@christophersipes4999]

Really liked the video, great place to start with the series. Can't wait to see the rest of it as the series comes along.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@polarbear6854]

Eric I need more vids man this stuffs better than Netflix.

[@josephmainez9319]

Fantastic video, thank you. Daughter just got one and watching this was perfect. Was worried about having to remove that entire plastic part but was glad to see i didn't have to.

[@ronwatson4902]

Once again good solid mechanic work.Thank you so much Eric.I really enjoy your videos and your sense of humor!

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@stephonferguson945]

Did not mention reset. Took my 2010 Mini Cooper Convertible to Autozone as they claim to be the battery experts. They could not replace. They had a battery to fit but said it must be reset after installation and they don't have the tools to reset. Saw that question on this thread but it was never answered. Thanks.

[@Meche697]

What computer did you use for the reset? I just got a 2013

[@joungsk7971]

Thanks for the video! I have a 2012 R56, will I need to register the new battery? I heard Minis that come with Intelligent Battery System you have to register new batteries.

[@dalebreedlove3172]

I jut put a new battery in my 2012 S and was wondering the same thing when I watched this

[@gazzo1365]

@@dalebreedlove3172 If you replace the old one with exactly the same CCA and Amp's as the old one, you dont need to register the new one. But if you change it...then yer.

[@alanbroomhead3025]

Thanks so much. This video made the job so much easier!

[@marke.1021]

I've used the wire brush cleaner as doesn't remove "chunks" of lead and are under $5 to replace when worn out. On the cars cables..might have wanted to wrap the positive terminal cable end in RED electrical tape, as an easy reminder for next person to reconnect. Nice video as always.

[@scotchbudmeister9018]

I don't own a Mini but I like the series. Thanks!

[@jason-ge5nr]

Do you qualify for carbon offset credits by keeping compost under the wipers and in the hood hinge wells?

[@dianaquesada1951]

Anyone-? Does a 2008 mini cooper s show a battery sign in dash area if battery is going out? My engine light was on for awhile, looked into other things...when my battery died 2 times on me, i jumped it twice worked for another 3 mnths...now ir dies and i replaced with a new one-its running great and engine light finally went off? But i mever saw a battery sign go on???

[@multinjok]

Hey Eric i am watching your videos since you begin posting them on youtube...I rarely post coments...But i just kind of feel now to say thank you for everything, because of you i do most of the work on my cars myself ;)

[@cpat6389]

Great series very helpful as a Mini owner. Keep on motoring Eric. Cheers!

[@UlupiiKid]

So, will disconnecting and reconnecting the battery will not hurt the FRM module?

[@jimd3323]

It did exactly that on my 2010 clubman s! I was replacing the thermostat housing and it said to disconnect the battery and it fried the frm! I took it to the dealer and they replaced it for free because it was under a recall and I the car was just under the mileage limit for warranty replacement!

[@richey12022]

It fried mine. It's under warranty, but MINI informed me I'd have to take it to a MINI Certified dealer in order to have them replace it. The closest to me is over 3 hours away. I found someone on Ebay whom I shipped my FRM to, he repaired it and returned it to me. After reinstalling, it's good as new! I'm leery now of disconnecting my battery. I'll need to in order to install a new battery, but it's a bit nerve-wracking.

[@felixvelo]

Good first video. Looking forward to this series.

[@2spooky]

yea, my R53 has it in the back, which I much prefer to anywhere else. I'm gonna love this MINI series... :D

[@jshaw5000]

Did this on my 2010 mini cooper S and it worked to the letter. Thanks for sharing!

[@boots7859]

I know you have a thing for battery terminals, so was surprised you don't add anything to prevent corrosion. My dad was a motorhead and mechanic, and always threw a little vaseline on the terminals to forestall that. I've done that on and off with different cars, and the ones I've kept long enough to warrant new batteries have need had an issue with corrosion when I used it.

[@thrasherjoshua]

Eric that red cover on the Delco batteries has a plug attached to it that you can insert into the vent on the other side of the battery so that the off gasses will be forced through the tube. Not real important when the battery is outside the cabin. However useful to know if you ever install one where the battery is in the passenger compartment.

[@OnlineAutoRepairVideos]

That jacket you have on is a "COLLECTOR'S DREAM"!!!

[@ericthecarguy]

Not sure about that. Last week I ripped the pocket even more. I may have to retire it soon.

[@OnlineAutoRepairVideos]

Isn't that the one you had for years?

[@ericthecarguy]

Yea, it was my jacket at the Acura dealer where I used to work. I ripped off the Acura badge after they let me go. The jacket was my severance after 8 years of faithful service. At least that's the way I saw it.

[@OnlineAutoRepairVideos]

If you don't already, that would be a touching video of you explaining the history of that jacket, what it means to you, how it changed your life, and, if it has given you inspiration to get where you are now. The video would also serve as a motivational speech to MANY others who have lost their job, and have given up. YOU are an excellent example of what it means to never give up, as I said in my first comment "that jacket is a "COLLECTOR'S DREAM", so whatever you do, never throw it out!

[@ericthecarguy]

Interesting idea. I never thought about it like that. No worries on throwing it away. I never seem to throw anything away. Thank you for your comments and support.

[@markmartinez2614]

On the opposite side of the vent tube there should be another hole, make sure to put a plug there to ventilate all gases toward the vent tube, plug usually comes with the battery, this is especially helpful on the model with the battery in the hatch, don’t want all those battery fumes in your cabin

[@ultimategarage1256]

Love this MINI series Eric. It has helped me get started with my own Mini Cooper S flip car.

[@LifeWorthLivin]

After getting battery replacement, does the mini require a software update or to register battery?

[@jcpilot29]

Any feedback on your question? I need to know if I should replace and do the easy job my self it or just take it to a mechanic? Thanks

[@j.p.7300]

I was told you have to reboot the computer or the car wont start? From your video it looks like that wasnt necessary at all. Thanks for sharing!

[@jcpilot29]

You got any feedback on your question? I'm devating on taking the car to a mechanic for an expensive battery or me doing the easy job, thanks!

[@carsmartsmedia2324]

Yep, the timing chain guides (plastic) were a big issue with this gen of minis. In fact, there was a class action law suit that Mini settled. Many blown engines as a result of that thing snapping off. If you purchase one, make sure it has been replaced!!

[@liamgf12]

Yep, my son wanted one and I looked at quite a few, all had timing chain rattles. Luckily found one that a mechanic was selling, he'd fixed everything Mini's have issues with, including timing chain and all the oil leaks.

[@RhiannonMaier]

You said nothing about the extra screw behind the positive battery terminal on a 2007 R56 Mini Cooper( is typically a mounting point for a battery vent hose). What's the main purpose of this? Is it supposed to be tightened or loose? When taking the terminal on and off?

[@nutz4gunz457]

Didn’t even know these cars had batteries. I just assumed they were powered by a hamster running on its wheel.

[@michiganborn8303]

Nutz4Gunz45 Nahh, that would be a Kia Soul 😁

[@panzerveps]

90% of all Kia Souls sold in my country are EV's, so they do have batteries... But they should be called Kia Ginger, since EV's have no soul.

[@royfrench8847]

Ha!

[@davidreid8975]

Geo Metro lol

[@madmantaylor1674]

Mini cooper S are pretty quick

[@edwardgrabinsky]

What do you like more the reamer style cleaner or the brush kinda thing... or something else? Ive been using sand paper but want to but one of the tools... all opinions welcome.

[@dizzle8421]

I'm excited to watch you do my job in this series, in my opinion MINI coopers are the easiest to work on when it comes to German cars. I'm very glad I didn't get a job at Audi..

[@ericthecarguy]

You know what, after taking this one all apart, I'd be inclined to agree with you. Normally I hate working on German cars, but I really didn't mind this one. I felt it was well engineered as far as repair goes.

[@dizzle8421]

The new F56 is a little more difficult but it just peels apart like an onion, layer after layer. Also warranty time seems to pay better than other manufacturers.

[@apoloedsonarinaitwe8531]

Hi Eric, thanks for the very informative videos. Kindly do for me the battery replacement for a BMW 525i e39 2001 model. I replaced one sometime back but not so sure whether I did the right thing. The car has of recent developed a problem of radio going off, instrument panel lights dim and interior lights coming on while I am driving. I am forced to stop and twist the ignition key while restarting the car for it to rectify the problem.

[@georgepaul2028]

Excellent clear and exact instructions.

[@la-grave]

Is it the same procedure for the N18 engine in an R57? Thank you for your video.

[@noizyneighbour5790]

Can I ask if you will lose radio codes or anything when disconnecting power? I changed one on my daughters Suzuki Swift and had to put power to the battery leads whilst I disconnected and removed the old one until the new one was connected up - for that very reason. Many thanks for info on dismantling though - mine is the same just reversed for UK model (battery on right looking from front)

[@planBdeveloper]

Does the battery have to be programmed to the car after new install?

[@teamjono69]

Genuinely useful video. Good man!

[@End2ess7375]

Eric...Im having trouble with 2004 acura mdx brakelights...I replaced the brake switch ,checked all fuses, and the bulbs....wont go into gear and horn and cruise control are not working....any ides ?

[@dr185]

I will like to know if its ok to replace with a another brand of battery instead of the original one? The original one is 570 cranker can it be less or more?

[@APOnCars]

Great video but I was cringing the entire time at all the dirt leaves and sticks that haven’t been cleaned out. You’d think it would be a good idea to clean that up before working

[@Grahame59]

Great video. Also good practise to write the date on the battery with an indelible marker or sticker.

[@kieranmcgowan3874]

Great help for someone who's only ever topped up washer fluid and oil! You forgot to mention reattaching the filter though.

[@wardibuntar322]

Thank you so much for the vid!!!... i used it as my guide to replace my battry...

[@ZappBranning]

These are superb little cars and the Americans love it.Great video Eric.

[@victorslinv2920]

What about registering the new battery? I heard you have to do it to the computer

[@davefox1139]

It’s true. The computer system tracks the age and capacity of the battery. If you don’t register the new battery in the system it will be “seen” as nearing the end of its life and will be overcharged and damaged. It will work but the battery will have a shortened life.

[@xNGCyanide]

So it doesn't need programming? I keep reading some mini require this

[@scuba422123]

did you ever find a clean cowl leaves! or a positive batt term cap put back on after they jumped someone??

[@sirdigalot1978]

I miss real old fashioned minis, mainly because of nostalgia, and not because they were any good.

[@roymorgan5498]

Good instructions! 😁👍 Thanks!

[@zx8401ztv]

Smashing video, looked very simple to do :-D. I like the fact that the battery is out of the way of everything else.

[@ericthecarguy]

Funny thing is, I had to look up where the battery was when I first got the car to try and jump start it. Now I know. In fact, at this point I know plenty about the R56 with an N14 and by the time I'm done, my audience will too.

[@HighVoltage1935]

I like the Battery Placement on this Mini , (Wifes is in the same spot) I Drive an 04 Chrysler Sebring where if you want to change the Battery you have to pull the Drivers Side tire off then the cover then the hold down it's a side post bit of a pain when you live in Ontario and the battery goes for a crap in the winter lol .

[@ramonpena3011]

How about battery registration. I did solved all oil leaks on my mini r56 and I put a charger to it and the computer registered a out of range voltage fault code, after that a battery light came on the instrument cluster. After some research I found out that BMW and mini are required to do register the battery info into the computer especially after a battery swap. If it's not done the computer won't tell the variable charge alternator to work.

[@melodicdreamer72]

I didn't think I would ever watch a battery replacement video...but this is Eric the Car Guy, so I guess I had to.

[@ericthecarguy]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@jess3310]

No battery coding required here? How do I know if my model needs the battery coded or not?

[@909bydesigndesign7]

Anything on how to find a leak on my mini cooper S , 2016 , everytime it rains water comes in thru back right side of the seat belt

[@عمرسع]

Good work.. I changed the battery well the window is not work why thank you

[@jeanettellanos-taylor3372]

Can you tell me which battery brand/model you used, please? Thank you.

[@stihltech206]

O.M.G... Ur gonna do the timing? My hat is off to you, friend. I hope you make it through ok and sane at the end!

[@ericthecarguy]

Already done it, and the clutch, and the oil leaks, and decarbonizing the engine. Not that bad really.

[@stihltech206]

Ur a better man than I for not burning it to the ground

[@ericthecarguy]

I almost did that with my last car.

[@ne2i]

You just have to remove the front end and the engine to do it. How many cans of brake clean did you use to get all that oil off?

[@UlupiiKid]

My 2010 Mini Cooper's battery went dead so I unplugged the battery and recharged it up. When I replaced cables, motor is running rough and check engine and flat tire warning lights are showing. Checking around it seems that the ECU might need to be reprogrammed to accept the battery? Any ideas about how to do this without having to tow the car to the dealer?

[@driver_cl]

Noise is from timing belt guides. this problema is shared with Peugeot engines as they shared development platform

[@blowintoblitz]

I’ve a r56 with the start/stop do I need a battery that you have program or will any do

[@maxhpfast]

We have a mini one 2007, would it mess with the electronics if u replace the battery.

[@djtoo7]

cool do you know if the have a relocation kit to put it back in the trunk? also do you have a vid on 2007 mini s with auto changing the trans fluid? thx dan longtime first time...

[@shnobi24]

I thought it had a key and you wind it up.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

shnobi24 Only if it's a left hand drive car. Then it's your duty to wind it up whenever posdible.

[@Helio4k]

As always great quality and education video thx Eric.

[@maskof]

Now what would be severely wicked if you were to turn this Mini into a sleeper car. Pop a V6 Turbo into it, 19" wheels, wide tires, big brakes, heavy duty everything. Reminds me of a guy I read about in a newspaper Auto column over ten years ago, who once popped a Mustang 5.0L engine into an old Ford Focus.

[@ericthecarguy]

Not modding it. Just bringing it back to life. It's a flip. I like the way you think though.

[@NotMorganFreeman.]

I remember seeing an old black and white clipping back when I was a kid of a guy who put a 429 in his pinto. God knows how.

[@grantsnell6782]

On batteries that have no colour indication for the terminals I have got into the habit of neatly spraying some red paint around the base of the positive connection.

[@ManWander]

man, i could not have even started replacing that battery without first clearing out all those leaves and crap - and i am no neatnik

[@ericthecarguy]

This is where the tow truck dropped it. After I put the battery in and got it running, I took it outside and blew off the leaves with compressed air. No point in getting the shop dirty. Funny thing is I had a line in the video where I mentioned this but cut it because I didn't think it was relevant to battery replacement. There have been about 15 comments similar to yours. I guess I made the wrong choice.

[@sparkplug1018]

Kinda of figured that was the reason. Since id much prefer having the driver drop it inside then trying to push it in, I hate pushing cars!

[@davidfoster1762]

Just replaced a battery on a Mini One . It wasn’t covered in leaf debris like this car but quite a bit of muck was still visible under the battery support frame and clearly blocked drain holes . I therefore took the battery frame out ( easy to do ) and did a clean up. Hardest part for me in replacing the battery was putting back the large plastic piece shown at the start of this video.

[@esbekay]

What group size is this? I'm looking for a new battery atm... thx for the video

[@paulinebechtel-ciobota9892]

? what is a good decent priced battery to replace current battery. My Mini is 2007 just not the Cooper S, it is a 6speed if that matters? Thank you, very helpful video.

[@mikehancho2517]

Thanks ill be doing this tomorrow for the 1st time very helpful

[@JackdeDuCoeur]

Always useful and worth the time to watch!

[@hondatrix]

Best part of that car is the Peugeot engine, and we all know its rubbish...good instructional video Eric, thanks.

[@ericthecarguy]

Yea, that about covers it.

[@benjaminschmied7998]

Had a similar engine in my Peugeot. Bought it with 11.000km and sold it with 15.000km. Had it or about half a year. Went through two turbos two chain tensioners and a chain. Electrical problems overall dealer went around 3200km in it for test drives under warranty. Yeah most amusing 800km ownership I ever had in a car. 😀

[@6ynessxD]

hondatrix well it's actually a bmw/mini engine. Peugeot and Citroen just use that engine

[@arnobruynen6073]

DumbassOnBike no it’s not a BMW/MINI engine at all! It’s a PSA (Peugeot Citroën holding) engine that’s been developed together with BMW. Take all the covers off and it looks nothing like a real BMW engine.

[@hondatrix]

Sorry, you are wrong.

[@arturoriveroverdecia2331]

Hi.. there is something that i'll love to know.. how do you replace the battery wihtout frm module faults? I am having that issue right now.. i work on the valve head gasket.. so i remove the negative terminal on the battery and wen i put it back i have malfunction with my turn lights etc... i'll love if you can give me any posible solution ... thank's

[@James-id5xq]

Hi everyone, 94 camry 4 cyl 180xxx engine vibrates at idle in gear felt through the steering wheel. Gets worse (almost stalls) with ac or power steering in use. No shaking in park/neutral or if you raise rpm by 150.. idle speed is 750. Car runs great otherwise no check engine light or misfires. I checked ignition system and cleaned throttle body. Motor mounts are shot but no clunks. Any thoughts? seems somewhat common on these 92-96 camry 5sfe. Thanks for your channel... Also I pulled the plugs and all 4 looked a bit lean

[@motofan16]

Good to know this one doesn't need new battery registration. Newer models do need to register new battery with the car computer.

[@ericthecarguy]

That's correct. Wish I would have mentioned that in the video. Sorry I forgot.

[@jdmeaux]

I'm so glad you started giving us a "little" advice on this. Ha, Ha! Moe

[@bwagenberg]

Which battery tester do you trust to check all cells?

[@luisgallo5518]

I love your videos Erick, You would make an amazing Teacher.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@olaskabo5346]

Thanks saved me some money

[@weaton25]

people may say that this is for simple people but not everyone is into cars and simple information like this can be very useful my only problem with this is why on earth did you not take it outside and blow all of the rubbish out before you start tacking it apart.