Can I extend my battery cable? Or do I need a new terminal?

[Percent]

The positive cable on my E36 only just reaches the terminal and the smaller cable has come out of the terminal head. Are these terminal heads meant to have a ferrule? The terminal screw clamp has been clamped straight down onto the battery cable that has frayed it. What would be my best option, I cant cut the battery cable to give myself a clean cut for reinserting as then I won't have enough cable left.

Is it better to try to extend the battery cable somehow? Are there battery terminal heads to use? This setup is from a previous owner.

[Belle427]

Just wondering if the battery is correct for the car?
If the terminals were the other side of the battery would the cables reach?
I can't remember if they are all standard layout to be honest.

[paddy1970]

Ideally, a ferrule or a proper terminal connector would provide a cleaner and more secure fit.

Alternatively, an extension may be the next best solution to avoid cutting the wire too short. You can use a quality copper cable of the same gauge, adding a suitable terminal clamp on both ends to join the extension to your existing cable. Ensure the joint is well insulated to avoid any short circuits.

There are also battery terminals available that provide a better clamping system, often with a screw or bolt-down method that would be gentler on the cable, unlike a direct screw-in approach. These terminals often come with options to attach multiple cables securely.

[E-bmw]

Belle427 said:

Just wondering if the battery is correct for the car?
If the terminals were the other side of the battery would the cables reach?

^^^^ Wot 'e said.

Somebody has replaced the battery with the incorrect type with the terminals the other way round or they have been shortened by somebody who had had a battery the other way round.

Easiest way might well be to replace with one with the opposite terminal orientation, otherwise the cables should be replaced back to the next junction, I certainly wouldn't want to extend battery cables.

[normalbloke]

As above,that’s the incorrect battery, with aftermarket happy shopper terminals. Also the positive cable stretched across the metal bodywork is a dead short waiting to happen. Yes, cables of that cross section can be cut and joined with the correct crimps, tools and or solder, but it will add to the bulk, and isn’t the real issue.

[Percent]

Thanks for the replies. I think I will get a new battery as suggested with the positive terminal closer to the cable.

Then I intend to throw the two old terminal heads in the bin and get higher-quality terminal heads. I'll crimp an eye-style connector to the positive cable end and shrink-wrap it. Which will then allow it to be bolted down into the new terminal heads without fraying the end whist being better than OEM connectors which also fray the cables. What do you think?



This image shows the kit includes a OEM side post which screws in, but I won't need to use that:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/KnuKonceptz-Ultimate-Posi...

Edited by Percent on Sunday 3rd November 14:55