3-Series (E46, E90)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1999 to Current. Models include: BMW 316i, BMW 318i, BMW 318Ci, BMW 320i, BMW 323i, BMW 325i, BMW 330i, BMW 328 Ci, BMW 328i, BMW 325i/xi, BMW 330Ci, BMW 320d, BMW 330d, BMW 335d.
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Okay, here's kind of a dumb question. I just got a 2004 330 convertible with the ZHP package. I was admiring the engine one day when I noticed a big empty space up by the firewall on the passenger side. There are some threaded brackets that go there, so I'm pretty sure there's some sort of optional something or other that fits.
What could it be? My car has the nav system installed, so that's not it. I know the CD changer goes in the trunk. I'm just curious, and I figure this is the place to get a quick answer.
is your battery in the engine bay, if not it is in the trunk. for some reason on the older 3 series, some cars have the batteries up front, and other cars have the battery in the rear, and that leaves a giant space in the engine bay next to the firewall
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<span style='font-family:Arial'><span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>T-Mac</span>
95' BMW 325is Jet Black, 5 speed
Xtec 6000k HID kit, DDE Enhanced, Euro Ellipsoids, M3 Front Bumper, Color-matched rear,
Alpine Mp3/CD, 20% tint, M3 Contour Rims, Smoked Corners, front lip
Clear Side markers, K&N Performance Filter, Debaffle, Color-matched side skirts</span>
Yeah, the battery is in the trunk. I figured that was what the space was for, but I think it's weird that they would have so much unused space up front when the rest of the engine is shoehorned in there so tightly.
From what I have read, the battery was moved to the trunk to distribute weight more equally.
How is that for obsessive-compulsive design? Finally I found a car that fits my disposition....
Anyway, I imagine it might be tough if you are a car engineer and all of a sudden you have a new empty space that is just the right size for a battery, and you can do anything with it but you cannot put a battery in it...and the weight distribution is ideal, so any extra weight you put in it would make it off. I can see myself saying "well hell leave it empty then".
I agree it looks weird; I noticed it when I took delivery of the car -- popped open the hood and I was like "what the heck is SUPPOSED to be there???"
Battery is in back for weight distribution and safety. The empty spot is there because the same body is used for left and right hand drive cars. I think there may be a mod or two that goes there, but the main reason is the left/right setups.
It has nothing to do with 325 vs. 330
__________________ 2004 325CiC Convertible; Silver Gray Paint, Gray Leather, Black Top, Sport Package, Premium Package, Xenons, heated seats, but too cheap to buy the nav...
What the manual doesn't tell you is the space in the front of your car can be used for an oven. Wrap the hole in aluminum foil, drop a chicken in it, and take a nice drive down the express way. By the time you get home, dinner will already be cooked.
Is there anything in that space that could be damaged? I have the convertible (and the really small trunk that goes with it.) Can I store things in there. . .a washer fluid jug, spare quart of oil, gallon of water, etc.?
I came across that this weekend and I went right to the BMW dealer. When I looked under the hood of an M3, I saw that there was an empty spot also. I askesd a rep what it was for and he metioned that additional computer equipment goes there (Navigation system etc.)
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