Bought an Duralast battery, but it doesnt have a vent tube?

[dhcg86]

regarding our car, Autozones website said this


"Notes: *** 950 cold cranking Amps (950 cranking Amps)*** 100 reserve minutes. -> 3 year free replacement <-. Check the customer's vehicle; battery installation could take up to 30 minutes. Battery located in trunk. OE battery is valve regulated lead battery, customer discretion to use flooded battery. Battery is vented to outside of vehicle. When replacing the battery in an iDrive equipped vehicle, resetting of the system may be required at a dealership."



I imagine the bolded is the important part, any advice here? Should I install and not worry about it, or should I find a battery that will use the venting system we have in place

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Duralast-Gold-Battery/2003-BMW-540I/_/N-jk17tZacy27?counter=1&itemIdentifier=832331_259811_0_

[chiefwej]

I've replaced my battery twice with a Duralast. The vent is located in the center along the side with the terminals. The battery should come with a bag attached that contains the adapter needed to connect to the car's vent tube. Look at the battery, don't listen to what a clerk at AutoZone tells you.

And YES it is necessary that the battery be vented to the outside.

[o2sys]

After seeing the thread about the battery replacement and how important the vent tube was I went to go check and my aftermarket battery doesnt have a vent tube either~

[dhcg86]

and is it ok?

[FP5241]

I ran a sears diehard for 3 years without a vent tube. No problems. But i didn't know any better and now have a duralast with a tube. Chief is right, the tube should come with.

[edjack]

Yes, if it ever does puke, it's nice for it to puke outside, rather than in the trunk, where you may not notice it until the paint is gone.

[Jarhed]

regarding our car, Autozones website said this


"Notes: *** 950 cold cranking Amps (950 cranking Amps)*** 100 reserve minutes. -> 3 year free replacement <-. Check the customer's vehicle; battery installation could take up to 30 minutes. Battery located in trunk. OE battery is valve regulated lead battery, customer discretion to use flooded battery. Battery is vented to outside of vehicle. When replacing the battery in an iDrive equipped vehicle, resetting of the system may be required at a dealership."



I imagine the bolded is the important part, any advice here? Should I install and not worry about it, or should I find a battery that will use the venting system we have in place

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Duralast-Gold-Battery/2003-BMW-540I/_/N-jk17tZacy27?counter=1&itemIdentifier=832331_259811_0_

I'd take it back. The Duralast battery I have has a vent tube and came with the bag of parts to connect it. If the Autozone dudes can't get their heads out of their asses, you need to find another Autozone.

[chiefwej]

The battery produces a flammable gas (read: explosive) containing Hydrogen during its operation. The gas is also corrosive. You do not want a battery sealed in the trunk with no venting. Yes, it might never be a problem but at the very least you will notice that many more owners have problems with the right tail light connections than the left, because the proximity of the battery. Without venting........

[o2sys]

I mean its not like there is no ventilation at all in the trunk. No different than being under the hood. (In my humble opinion)

There are louvers right next to the battery, aren't those vents as well?

[chiefwej]

I mean its not like there is no ventilation at all in the trunk. No different than being under the hood. (In my humble opinion)

There are louvers right next to the battery, aren't those vents as well?

Under the hood has those two big grills up front, and doesn't have the same kind of gaskets all around the lid. There is a big difference.

[jamesdc4]

I mean its not like there is no ventilation at all in the trunk. No different than being under the hood. (In my humble opinion)

There are louvers right next to the battery, aren't those vents as well?
The battery needs to be vented. Period. You can choose to not vent it, but you are risking the possibility of an explosion. There's a pic of the results of a battery that exploded because it wasn't vented properly floating around here posted by Qsilver7.
The Duralast should've come with a vent tube kit.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a282/jamesdc4/IMG_9374.jpg

[o2sys]

Not arguing, been having it un-vented (unintentionally not knowing) for 2 years now since the used dealer put in a new battery at the time of purchase.

Its an Interstate MTP-95 or something. I checked it out tonight and seems like the battery has a nipple for the tube but its an oval shape (good luck finding and oval tube to fit over it)

[rdl]

Not arguing, been having it un-vented (unintentionally not knowing) for 2 years now since the used dealer put in a new battery at the time of purchase.

Its an Interstate MTP-95 or something. I checked it out tonight and seems like the battery has a nipple for the tube but its an oval shape (good luck finding and oval tube to fit over it)

My Interstate MTP was installed without the vent tube too. A local auto parts store sold me the kit for $5. It took me about 5 minutes to install.

Without the vent, one has a small risk of occurence, but catastophic consequences if one is unlucky. Same reason I have insurance on the house.

Regards
RDL

[dhcg86]

ok now what if there is no vent tube?

[precisionpoint]

Then get one, or exchange the battery for one that comes with.

[jamesdc4]

Here's what can happen if you don't properly vent the battery.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a282/jamesdc4/batteryexplosionventtube.jpg
(photo provided by Qsilver7)

[moots]

maintenance free batteries don't require venting right?
both my cars are fitted with maintenence free batteries and there are no vent holes to connect the vent tubes to......

[jamesdc4]

checked it out tonight and seems like the battery has a nipple for the tube but its an oval shape (good luck finding and oval tube to fit over it)
I justed wanted to reiterate the importance of doing it the right way. :)
About the vent tube nipple, the OEM battery vent tube connector is round, but the Duralast 49-DL vent tube adapter kit has an oval connector.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a282/jamesdc4/IMG_9415.jpg

[jamesdc4]

maintenance free batteries don't require venting right?
both my cars are fitted with maintenence free batteries and there are no vent holes to connect the vent tubes to......
Supposed maintenance free batteries are only "maintenance free" when it comes to adding distilled water to the cells. I think their supposed to be sealed, however the batteries still produce hydrogen gas from the chemical reaction. So I believe the answer to your question is no (not positive on this).

[jamesdc4]

There are louvers right next to the battery, aren't those vents as well?

The purpose of the louvers next to the battery (and there's one on the other side behind all the electronics)...is to allow for the "decompression" of the cabin....in other words...it allows for the release of pressure within the cabin. For instance, if those louvers weren't there in the trunk (or somewhere else in the car)...it would be difficult to close the doors if all the windows were rolled up. :)

There are vents built into the rear parcel shelf that allow for air-flow to move from the cabin, into the trunk area (you should even see vent holes in the trunk's fabric liner...and above the pull down compartment doors in the Touring) that allows for the flow of air (pressure) to escape thru those louvers.

That is why there are "flaps" on the louver...they remain closed until pressure builds and pushes them open...which allows for the release of built up pressure. In the pic below you can see the screwdriver pushing the louvers in the vent (of my e38) open...the e39 & e38 have these vents in the same location in the trunk. :)



http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/e38%20batt%20comp%20vent.JPG

:)

[pleiades]

OP, did you buy one of the Duralast H8 models? The Autozone website pushes those for the e39 but doesn't mention the 49-DL, which is what most e39 owners buy at Autozone.

The H8 models might (*might*) have the vent holes located -not- on the side of the battery but on either end, like the BMW batteries. They'll possibly be hidden by a small plug. I'm guessing now but these H8s might be able to use the BMW vent tube straight from the old battery .... if you kept the old tubing. Check it out.

[dhcg86]

Yea I got the h8, link is in the initial post....

I havent installed it yet though, my battery is still kicking and I will prolly swap the new one for a diff one

[jamesdc4]

if you kept the old tubing. Check it out.
You don't "keep" the old tubing. It's part of the car.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a282/jamesdc4/IMG_9405.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a282/jamesdc4/IMG_9404.jpg

[pleiades]

You don't "keep" the old tubing. It's part of the car.

Yes, you're right. I couldn't remember whether there was a piece that attached between that and the battery vent or not.

[o2sys]

So AutoZone is not willing to sell me the vent tubes that come with the duralast battery unless I buy a new battery from them. Anyone know where I can buy one for my interstate battery?

[AutoRotate]

Interstate sells a vent tube kit for $3. I have an Interstate store near me, but you can probably purchase one online as well. It's just a 6" piece of rubber tubing.

[kbsilver]

Ever hear of the Hindenberg? Yes you want a vent tube. Plus the vented gases are corrosive.

[joeflux]

Went to Autozone and got the H8 Gold because it's the one they showed for my car. I know that the other cheaper one might've worked but I figured I like the warranty on this one. I asked if they would install and they said yes. I asked about the vent tube but they said the BMW doesn't need one. (hmmm) This is after I had read everyone's nice posts here.

When he pulled out the old "interstate" battery I didn't notice it having the adapter so it wasn't connected.

After I got home I started looking for the gray tube and I found it. Tried to figure out how to add it to the battery so I remember this very cool hose I got when I replaced my brittle windshield washer sprayer. So I used it to make a 1 mm connector. To my amazement it fit perfectly after much fighting to squeeze it into port on battery. Check out the photos below and tell me what you guys think. BTW the battery did not come with a bag with connector for vent tube. Is it supposed to be included with GOLD battery?

(sigh) Apparently I can't post pictures because I am new. I will post soon I hope

[jamesdc4]

Went to Autozone and got the H8 Gold because it's the one they showed for my car. I know that the other cheaper one might've worked but I figured I like the warranty on this one. I asked if they would install and they said yes. I asked about the vent tube but they said the BMW doesn't need one. (hmmm) This is after I had read everyone's nice posts here.

When he pulled out the old "interstate" battery I didn't notice it having the adapter so it wasn't connected.

After I got home I started looking for the gray tube and I found it. Tried to figure out how to add it to the battery so I remember this very cool hose I got when I replaced my brittle windshield washer sprayer. So I used it to make a 1 mm connector. To my amazement it fit perfectly after much fighting to squeeze it into port on battery. Check out the photos below and tell me what you guys think. BTW the battery did not come with a bag with connector for vent tube. Is it supposed to be included with GOLD battery?

(sigh) Apparently I can't post pictures because I am new. I will post soon I hope
It should've been included, and you're not new. You're an '07. :D

[larrym3711]

Here is the bottom line for all you battery seekers. If you buy a Lead-Acid Battery (99% of all batteries sold) you need some way to vent them, regardless of brand. There ARE "totally sealed" batteries out there, but they are NOT classic Lead-Acid types. They ALSO require a higher voltage Alternator output to charge properly. Most supply houses do NOT recommend such batteries as your alternator is NOT designed to charge them properly. Let's try that again...to my knowledge the "totally sealed" batteries require a charging curve NOT supported by the classic E39 Alternator profile...hence...most suppliers do not recommend the use of them for cars (such as ours) that are NOT designed for them.

larrym3711
2001 540iA Sport

[m5hoot]

To each his own. I do not want to take a side as I have my own feelings and knowledge which I chose acceptable JUST FOR ME. However, this is one reason I use a red top Optima. It takes accidental full discharges better than most, has plenty of power, and produces far less gases due to construction of coiled lead and less acid. Oh, BTW, The sky is falling if you have not looked lately.

[larrym3711]

Don't know about Interstate Batteries, but the Duralast battery sold by Autozone (for BMW's) usually comes with (or they will supply) the vent tube. It is SUPPOSED to come with the vent tube...and THEY KNOW THAT! If I recall correctly, I was able to connect "the existing tube from the car" directly to the battery WITHOUT using the tube supplied with the battery!

larrym3711
2001 540iA Sport

[Qsilver7]

Went to Autozone and got the H8 Gold because it's the one they showed for my car. ... the battery did not come with a bag with connector for vent tube. Is it supposed to be included with GOLD battery?


Autozone used to sell 3 different battery class sizes for the BMW e38/e39/e46/e53/etc...one was a 49 class size battery (top-center vented), an H8 class size battery (side vented) and a 95 class size battery (also side vented).

Only the top-center vented batteries require the vent kit. The last time I saw a Duralast H8 battery, it vented from the side just like the original BMW battery. If your old battery was a BMW side vented battery, then you don't need a vent kit...just use the same gray tube and little black elbow to connect to the vent hole on the side of the battery. :)

I just went to Autozone's website and pulled up the Duralast H8 gold...in the pic below, I can clearly see the little circular vent hole near the top of the side of the battery...granted, I believe this is the negative side of the battery, but there should be a similar hole on the positive side of the battery:


(original battery vent tube a black connecting elbow)
http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSJz5iXIvyxY5-DbQlVGK5Z5v1Jf6qNHwGV1XSJGGE24ue-4bWI-http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTorXep9jRVMIxiH80Hea0G074HdZQEf qe3eIIi21gFmT8E6HH1
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSceL4IrtGiy1Pth49Qj-fuqRmftkOJJ0gv3g1RyiBMjgqKmXHVFA

(Duralast H8 Gold (vents from the side - reuse black elbow to connect battery to car's gray vent tube)
http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/additional-prod-images/en/US/jci/H8-DLG/3/image/4/-http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/additional-prod-images/en/US/jci/H8-DLG/2/image/4/

Below is the Duralast 49 DL...and you can see that the vent hole is on the top center...and the vent kit is stuck to the side of the battery:


http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/additional-prod-images/en/US/jci/49-DL/5/image/4/-http://contentinfo.autozone.com/znetcs/additional-prod-images/en/US/jci/49-DL/2/image/4/

[SpeedsterBek]

I was going to buy 49dl from auto zone but it was discontinued. They wanted too much for H8. So I found Bosch battery at pep boys for around $90 with coupon and satisfied with it. Besides Bosch seems to have a better warranty as well.

[Aussie528iT]

Are you sure its not an AGM "All glassmat fleece" type battery that was introduced to the last e39s. These are valve regulated pressure batteries and they do not produce free hydrogen gas. The chemical reaction is all contained within the glassmat fleece. However it would still require a vent tube to vent any overpressure external to the car.
The TIS mentions this.
Not sure if this applies to the US as it applies from Sept 2002 for some European market cars, the US E46 with M56 engine and all E65/E66 models.

Hope this helps
RonR
99 528iT M52TU

[joeflux]

Autozone used to sell 3 different battery class sizes for the BMW e38/e39/e46/e53/etc...one was a 49 class size battery (top-center vented), an H8 class size battery (side vented) and a 95 class size battery (also side vented).

Only the top-center vented batteries require the vent kit. The last time I saw a Duralast H8 battery, it vented from the side just like the original BMW battery. If your old battery was a BMW side vented battery, then you don't need a vent kit...just use the same gray tube and little black elbow to connect to the vent hole on the side of the battery. :)

I just went to Autozone's website and pulled up the Duralast H8 gold...in the pic below, I can clearly see the little circular vent hole near the top of the side of the battery...granted, I believe this is the negative side of the battery, but there should be a similar hole on the positive side of the battery:



Exactly. The gold did come with the hole on each end. I have the tube from the car but I did not have a 90 degree connector. I may stop by to see if they can give me one for free since this battery was way expensive. :)

thanks for all the replies. I wonder when I can post pics. after 10 posts?

[sparklee39]

Thanks to this topic, I solved the mystery hose from the battery.

[larrym3711]

I found Autozone was cooperative when you need a vent hose. I got the 49 battery from them and had to request the vent hose. Please note: these batteries have TWO vent holes...one on each end. The one NOT being used should be plugged with a small object (like a screw or other small part lying around the garage). I found a small plastic piece that plugged it perfectly....your mileage may vary.

larrym3711
2001 540iA Sport

[Zalfrin]

I found Autozone was cooperative when you need a vent hose. I got the 49 battery from them and had to request the vent hose. Please note: these batteries have TWO vent holes...one on each end. The one NOT being used should be plugged with a small object (like a screw or other small part lying around the garage). I found a small plastic piece that plugged it perfectly....your mileage may vary.

larrym3711
2001 540iA Sport

If you look at the cap that was covering the positive terminal when you bought the battery, there is actually a plug there that you can remove for plugging the unused end of the battery. I dropped mine and it disappeared, so I ended up using epoxy instead. Then I got a short piece of clear tubing that fit snugly for connecting the battery to the factory vent tube.

[cnn]

...
Duralast H8 Gold (vents from the side - reuse black elbow to connect battery to car's gray vent tube)...


I just bought the Autozone H8-DL battery (Red top instead of Yellow Top H8 as seen in QSilver7 photo).
Anyway, the vent holes are on the sides.

Anyone knows how to vent it properly?

The old battery is the 49-DL type and has not adapter for side vent. Maybe I can use some random elbows in my garage.


494791

- - - Updated - - -

Another question re Autozone H8-DL battery: I notice there is no cap to add water.
So this is Sulfuric Acid battery but no need to add water (i.e., maintenance-free)?

[Qsilver7]

CNN, did your new Duralast H8DL look like the battery pictured below? I was at Autozone last week, and saw that the battery case design had changed...also thought I'd take a pic to document the latest look & prices...unfortunately, my local AZ didn't have the H8 Platinum (AGM) in stock (it ws $169)...and since these two batteries were on the bottom shelf next to the floor + a sales person buzzing around trying to be "helpful"...I couldn't check them out as close as I wanted to + take the pics:


Duralast H8 DL (basically replaced the 49 DL)
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/Duralast%20H8%20DL%20Autozone%201.jpg
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/Duralast%20H8%20DL%20Autozone%202.jpg

Duralast H8-DLG
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/Duralast%20H8%20DLG%20Autozone%201.jpg
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q/original/Duralast%20H8%20DLG%20Autozone%202.jpg

[larrym3711]

FWIW dept : I measured the H8-DLG and it appears to be the same exact size as the old size 49 ( which is no longer available ). It has a CCA capacity of over 900 amps. I think it was $149 at Autozone.

larrym3711
2001 540iA Sport

[cnn]

Thanks QSilver7,

Yep, the H8-DL looks exactly like your photo.
One vent hole on each end.
I will figure something out and post photos later.

[Qsilver7]

The little elbow (#6 in diagram below) that's used to connect the car's gray vent tube to the battery is listed as 52 cents on realoem.com...so probably somewhere between $1-$2 at the dealer. :)


#6 - BMW part nbr 61211377835
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/b/u/16.png

[djb2]

List price for 61211377835 is $1.93. Which makes it $4-$5 at the local dealers in CA.

[larrym3711]

Last time I bought a #49 Duralast battery it came with a vent kit. If you did not get one, ask your friendly Autozone sales person for one.

larrym3711
2001 540iA Sport

[gc325is]

Note: in the pictures (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/member.php?19650-Qsilver7) Qsilver7 (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/member.php?19650-Qsilver7) attached Part number is H8-DL but Group size DIN H8 and the BCI 49. This is just a new way to ID a battery.

[larrym3711]

The new "H" series is a technology called AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) which is a much better technology than the older Lead/Acid batteries from just about every perspective: power per unit size , battery life, out gassing, environmental, water needs minimal, etc. However, my questions are:

1) Does the "H" series with AGM directly replace those electrical systems meant for lead/acid ?
2 ) Is the "H8" size an exact replacement for old size 49? That includes height, length, and width?
3) Is there still venting needed? If yes, is the venting in a different location than the old 49 size?

I am looking for a well informed response....not just various opinions.

larrym3711
2001 540iA Sport

[bcain79]

I just bought an H8 battery the other day from Autozone and installed it, yes it needs to be vented, and yes it is the exact same size as the original battery and the "49". The cap that covers the + terminal side has a little yellow plug that can be snapped out and is used to plug the hole on one side of the battery the faces the rear of the car (manufactures recommendation), the vent tube hooks to the hole on the other side. I had a universal 90 degree vacuum tube connector laying around that worked perfectly, but you can pick them up from the dealer or get a universal one from Home Depot.