I just replaced my battery with an Interstate (the original mfg of the BMW batteries in our X's). I found that the old battery had no breather hose attached! There's a fitting in the plastic battery box that I assume the breather hose is supposed to attach to, low on the positive post side of the box. I've had my 2000 X5 4.4 for a year now and have put about 20K miles on 'er. With the exception of a reluctant start last weekend after spending about 36 hours outside in 25-45 degree weather there's been no obvious battery oriented issues.

What are the ramifications of no breather hose supposed to be?


- Glenn