RE: Battery with Vent Tube for under-seat 92 525i

["Lin, Gary" <Gary.Lin@xxxxxxxx>]

Yes, you should have a tube.  Charging gives off hydrogen gas, which in an
enclosed space isn't good.  Don't know how all those VW Bugs managed without
one though, must be the much poorer insulation from the holes in the
floorpan. ;-)  You can get a BMW spec battery (should be MT-91 I believe for
BMW) like a recommended Interstate at most auto parts places for about
$90-100.  Disconnect neg. first, reconnect last to minimize accidental
shorting.

Gary Lin
National Capital Ch.   '88 325is

> I'm trying to replace my under the back seat battery in a '92 525 and
> hopefully avoid buying from the dealer at double/triple prices. The first
> battery I bought didn't have the vent tube ( I'm holding off installing
> it), and I suspect it's a poor idea to go without it...although my BMW
> mechanic advised me that it didn't matter.
> 1) Does it matter?
> 2) Do other OEM manufacturers offer vent tube connections?
> 3) What are we paying the dealer for BMW batteries these days.

------------------------------