How to replace the car battery on a MINI Paceman

By Lawrence Minnie

The MINI is no longer the budget entry level commuter that it once was. Now packed with a host of electronic doodads, their batteries take quite a beating. We show you how to change out your MINI Paceman car battery in a few easy DIY steps.

Keep up the Pace

With its host of electronic options, the MINI Paceman definitely needs quite a boost of power to keep things running smoothly. Due to its diminutive stature, space is naturally at a premium in the engine bay and MINi devised a number of ingenious hiding spots for their car batteries. On models such as the Cooper S, it is located in the boot, on older model CountryMan's it is clearly visible in the engine bay but with the smaller Paceman, they have tucked the battery away from prying eyes.

We are going to show you where to look and how to go about changing yours if you choose to take the DIY route.

You will need:

• A new battery of correct size and amperage
• 10mm socket and socket wrench

Let's get started!

1. Open the bonnet and locate the plastic cover just below the windscreen.
2. Using the 10mm socket, Remove the plastic retainer nut near the hinge and the metal nut just above the quarter panel.
3. Remove the rubber moulding around the plastic cover.
4. Using the 10mm socket again, remove the negative terminal and then the positive terminal
5. Using the 10mm socket remove the battery hold down bracket bolt (in front of battery)
6. Remove old battery carefully
7. Install the new battery and replace everything in reverse order.

Be sure to test everything before reinstalling all the cover panels to avoid trouble down the line.