weight in the boot??

Sat Jan 18, 2014 4:13 pm

This may come as a stupid question, but why is there massive weight filling the drivers side rear boot well in my cab?

how will this effect driveability if I left it out?

Sat Jan 18, 2014 4:20 pm

Its a harmonic damper from memory. Put there by BMW to reduce vibrations caused by the cabs being less stiff than the tin tops.

Some people remove it and say they don't notice a difference, but that's usually down to knackered suspension or bushes. If everything is in good condition, the difference should be noticeable - BMW put it there for a reason!

Sat Jan 18, 2014 7:01 pm

As above, it's there for a reason, it weighs about 20kg so BMW wouldn't have put it there for no reason.

Some people have replaced the weight with moving the battery to the back.

Sat Jan 18, 2014 7:08 pm

I believe it must be there for a reason most likely to do with the overall balance and handling of the car. Best thing to do is relocate the battery to the rear.

Sat Jan 18, 2014 7:09 pm

I believe that if you put the battery in the boot on a cab it will get shaken and damage the battery

Sat Jan 18, 2014 7:12 pm

cliff_costa wrote:I believe that if you put the battery in the boot on a cab it will get shaken and damage the battery

Genuine BMW batteries for E36 convertibles are designed to be impact resistant for this very reason.

Sun Jan 19, 2014 8:18 am

cliff_costa wrote:I believe that if you put the battery in the boot on a cab it will get shaken and damage the battery

Not sure I entirely agree with this, as in the M3 convertible the battery is in the trunk.

Sun Jan 19, 2014 9:10 am

Fastroad wrote:
cliff_costa wrote:I believe that if you put the battery in the boot on a cab it will get shaken and damage the battery
Not sure I entirely agree with this, as in the M3 convertible the battery is in the trunk.

Yes but is there a weight?