Thanks for the citation link URL. I thought that I had read every page at Battery University, but not that one I discovered.

Correct, nothing magical INSIDE the battery.

Once you understand how BMW manages the battery, and the modules they connect to it, you will recognize that the old days of 'just a battery hanging on a fat cable to the alternator/regulator' are a thing of the past.

+1 Well said.

Nonsense. Disconnecting the battery isn't going to do anything to the electrical system is hasn't been designed to deal with. I'm not saying you should make a habit out of it but automotive electrical systems are extremely durable.

Oh, well.

Reading that Battery University article, would it be wise to shake our batteries periodically to prevent premature discharge?

Just take your X5 out and roll it over a few times every year and it will keep the battery young! :D

Best response stolen from another thread;
Your battery does more than just provide electrical current. It shorts spikes and transients to ground. Removing the battery from the circuit allows those spikes and transients to travel which could damage circuits in your vehicle. (ECU, speed sensitive steering, memory adjustments, cruise control, stereo, etc. etc.)
I've never been struck by a bus but I've never stepped in front of one either. Some mechanics still do this - some are lucky and some not. But would one ever admit (and pay for) their mistake?

:iagree: :thumbup:

Replaced the alternator tonight and all is well. System charging.

Thanks to those who offered constructive advice.