Sears replaced my batterry last june '08. I live in Florida and the factory battery from my '04 S made it just long enough for the warranty to run out. Sears was running a special so i had them put a new one in. last week when the car wouldn't start i popped the hatch and found a coral reef growing from my positive terminal. I took it back to sears and they told me that the battery was fine so they cleaned it up and recharged it. everything was fine they didn't even charge me a service fee. the car decided not to start yesterday when my wife had it. so i drove to her location and attempted to jump the car. Sears broke the T bolt on the clamp and apparently hammered it back on using a lead shim. I need to know if there is a better option or a replacement for that dumb T-bolt design that they use. has anyone else had an issue with Massive corrosion? I will try to post pics but i'm new to the forum and don't think i can.
While I don't have help for you on the battery terminal issue I am here to let you know that as a registered member you are allowed to post pictures. Please see http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/how-do-i/510-list-how-do-i-items.html for a few hints and tricks. If those don't help let me know.
thanks I'll get some pics up soon and hopefully i can replace the clamp with something that can be purchased at a local parts store. I have searched high and low for the T-bolt and can't find one anywhere.
I busted mine long time ago in a fit of over-tightening. It actually did not take much to snap. My local SA was kind enough to find one for me at no charge. And no, I was not able to find one to buy and the parts department was trying to sell me the whole harness for about the price of a new car.
Looking at RealOEM.com BMW R53 Cooper S Battery lead/distribution box, rear on Real OEM you can see that MINI makes this a complete assembly. It's not inexpensive and looks to be a PITA to replace as well since it traverses the entire car from front to back.
I suppose that i could just get the neg side cable and since all i really need is the BOLT and it's about $300 CHEAPER!!!!:idea: Has anyone been brave enough to replace the factory clamp with something else?