battery negative cable clamp broke

[scooper]

Safe to use via solder fix or best to replace? Thanks.

[NeilM]

You don't say exactly what part of it broke, but I'd replace it. Battery cables are typically crimped under heavy force, not soldered.

[Braymond141]

Just replace the cable.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-battery-cable-genuine-61128373946?ads_cmpid=1586640911&ads_adid=59893888775&ads_matchtype=&ads_network=g&ads_creative=298302526031&utm_term=&ads_targetid=pla-327620319311&utm_campaign=&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&ttv=2&gclid=Cj0KCQjw2tCGBhCLARIsABJGmZ4YEV4vRuneai4khbvA 2TWca9kHRhtOCQCgsN8i7RDtQLCLtdvxUAoaAv0zEALw_wcB

[scooper]

yeah thanks guys I replaced it. One of the clamp arms snapped from being pried open and pinched closed so many times...

[MParallel]

I notice the current ones come with the bolt on top instead of the side.

While on top is much better for tool access, oem ocd’ers might not.

[brianc]

I notice the current ones come with the bolt on top instead of the side.

While on top is much better for tool access, oem ocd’ers might not.
Haha. I just bought one a couple months ago and I was mildly upset that it was different ;)

[tjm3]

There's definitely something to be said for the stock battery cables. I use these guys for cable components:

https://www.delcity.net/store/Battery-Terminals/p_103

A nicer cable can be made from good components, including the use of welding cable that has more strands per gauge and is more flexible. It does cost more.
My method, if it's interesting to anyone, is to first drill a small hole, maybe an 1/8" at the base of the terminal near the closed end, then crimp the cable in. Now the terminal can be heated and solder fed through the hole for a more solid connection. The solder will flow no matter how tight the crimp. Heavy shrink tubing then goes over the joint, hopefully placed before the big ends are crimped on. Maybe a bit of overkill but consider that every sensor, ecu and component ground eventually comes down to the battery's negative ground cable.