E46 - Light Weight Battery Project - Done

As some people know I am on a indirect quest to lower the weight of my 01 330i. The goal is to reduce the weight without sacrificing any daily usability.

So a couple months ago I got a light weight battery that weights 13.5 lbs to replace the stock battery at 50 lbs. Here is the follow up to that for those that have asked.

I have had the new battery installed for about 2 months or so without a problem. It has enough juice to run my stock non-HK stereo (don't know how long but at least 20min) and I have also used it to run the M-mobility compressor to pump up my tires both with the car off.

Here are some pictures of it installed and the bracket I made to install it.

bracket


bracket and battery


OE bracket with socket on bolt for removal.


bracket installed in trunk


new battery installed


OE battery


OE battery on bathroom scale




Before all the comments start about how I am screwing up my 50/50 weight balance or anything along those lines I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR IT!!!

For background info on my project check out these threads:

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...threadid=40615

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...threadid=39092

All the pictures I have are here:

http://www.e46fanatics.com/members/tim330i/battery/

This is cross posted on Fanantics as well.

Wow, that is some serious weight save there.

Good work.

How is the performance when A/C, headlights and HK is running ?

Wow. Very cool. I'm surprised BMW didn't do something similar for the CSL-- it would've probably saved more weight than some of those expensive carbon fiber parts.

I have not noticed any issues with the headlights and AC or any other accessories running. The stock alternator have something like 160 or 180 amps output so I don't think there should be much of a problem with that.

I wonder if the CSL has a different battery.

Tim

Have you considered losing weight yourself....
i.e. eating less or maybe carbon fiber shoes?

Good job Tim! I've heard you talk about this for a while now. Glad that it finally worked out.

Btw, the CSL battery is the same as in your 330.

Originally Posted by tim330i

I have not noticed any issues with the headlights and AC or any other accessories running. The stock alternator have something like 160 or 180 amps output so I don't think there should be much of a problem with that.

I wonder if the CSL has a different battery.

Tim

Cool job Tim.

Here's another project for Stuka and his own quest to make his E46 M3 lighter.

Nice job! Do you have written plans/drawings for the bracket? or perhaps you should consider having some made up and sell them!

oh no you screwed up the 50/50 weight ratio. understeer city

[QUOTE=tim330i]


Before all the comments start about how I am screwing up my 50/50 weight balance or anything along those lines I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR IT!!!

QUOTE]

Don't worry, I don't thing that would screw up the weight balance anymore than the meal you ate before getting behind the wheel. Besides you can always add weigth in better places if you need too.

I like people that take weight reduction seriosly...maybe you could talk to my wife.