Oil in Battery Box, Air Suspension Compressor Suspected

[brptrailrider]

My battery has been on its way out and would not start after a couple days of inactivity. It would start fine when jumped with another car. Had it load tested yesterday and it was bad. Bought a new one and began the process of replacing it this morning.

When I pulled the old battery (mfg in 2009) I found about 8 oz of oil in the bottom of the battery box/tray. The oil was clean and the color of honey.

Did this come from the Air suspension compressor? The compressor seems to be working ok, the rear is not slammed. There is no evidence of it being spilled anywhere else and draining to the battery box.

2002 4.4i X5, build date 6/2002.

Has anyone experienced this before? I tried searching and found nothing.

Any suggestions or links to examining the compressor?

Thanks in advance.

[brptrailrider]

Update: I pulled all the plastic shrouding around the battery and there was more oil. All together probably two or three cups of oil. I always carry a couple of spare quarts in the back but there is no evidence that there was any oil spilled on the carpet or anywhere along the sides and leaked down. It is all dry and clean. Unless the previous owner dumped oil down there by accident I can't come up with another logical source other than the air suspension compressor is leaking oil.

[Ricky Bobby]

I doubt the compressor would be leaking that much oil, 2-3 cups worth? The compressor I wouldn't think even holds that much hydraulic oil.

[upallnight]

The air compressor is similar in size to portable compressors used to inflate tires. Kinda doubt if the compressor will even two or three cup of oil in it.

[brptrailrider]

Thanks Ricky and upallnight. I was thinking the same thing. It is all cleaned up and everything seems normal. Hopefully it will stay that way. I'm going to be way out in the Nevada desert this week and it has me worried.