Engine Compartment

1. 65 Ah battery

2. Electric cooling fan

3. 5 liter fluid reservoir for front and rear windshield washers

4. Air inlet bulkhead panel (remove to access microfilters)

The overall layout of the 318ti's engine compartment is similar to other 318i models. However, the battery has been moved from the trunk to the passenger side rear corner of the engine compartment for space considerations. The 65 Amp-hour unit is housed in a sealed plastic box to reduce the influence of ambient heat.

Since the battery is easily accessible in the engine compartment, the remote B+ terminal found on either E36 models has been eliminated on the 318ti.

Due to the engine compartment location of the battery, the 318ti's battery main disconnect switch is not accessible from the vehicle's interior. The cables are routed along the right inner fenderwell and down to the bottom of the front bumper. The switch is tie-wrapped to the front bumper. As with other models, the switch is to be removed during QC I.

The 318ti is equipped with a two-speed electric cooling fan which provides not only engine cooling but also auxiliary cooling for the air conditioning system condenser. The motor and fan are enclosed in the shroud assembly.