Dangers of missing battery clamp?

[Matt at Dunlop]

My E36 318is needed a new battery yesterday. I went to Autozone to have it tested, and confirmed that it was the battery. I figured I might as well let the guy swap my old one and get my core-refund back while I was there.

In the process of changing my battery, the Autozone guy snapped my hold-down bolt. So my stock hold down is no longer useable. He also pulled my vent tube out of wherever it was originally located when he pulled the battery out. I can't seem to properly relocate the vent tube, it seems to be "binding up" when I shove it back into that hole in the frame.

This brings me to my 2 questions...

• What are the dangers/drawbacks to putting a battery in the truck without the hold down clamp attached?
• Where does the stock vent tube exit?? How can I re-route the stock vent tube so that it vents properly again?

Thanks in advance!

Matt

[Silvercat]

A moving battery is always bad news. Stresses will be put on the casing and also on the terminals if the thing can shift around.
I was unable to find the vent tube in my 320 - I fitted an Optima - it's totally sealed - but I'm afraid that does not help you.

[Jeron]

You should fix the battery hold down. The vent tube you can survive without. I don't know how to route it. I would start with finding where it exits and work my way backward.

[//Maisie]

Be a little careful - if your battery leaks, it will run into your spare wheel well. Paint will etch off and you'll get a nice little rust surprise next time you change your wheel.

Ask me how I know........

[whosyadadie01]

Originally Posted by //Maisie

Be a little careful - if your battery leaks, it will run into your spare wheel well. Paint will etch off and you'll get a nice little rust surprise next time you change your wheel.

Ask me how I know........

lmao gee i wonder

[MHG95318ic]

I have the same issue. I had the original battery replaced at Pep boys which lasted 7 years, unheard of. It was an Energizer. Last year I replaced that one with a Bosch. Set me back $160. They are smaller than the OER that BMW's stocks. Also there were only two made that I found for the Beemer, The Bosch and The Interstae. Anyway the Pep Boys don't really give a damn about rerouting the vent tube or clamping down the battery. I had to do the clamping at home myself on the right (neg terminal side) and ised a piece of wood as a shim on the positive side. It worked well. The vent tube was impossible to find and I still don't know where the damn thing is. My question is:does anyone know where to connect the hose? Is there a clamp made to hold the left (pos( side down so I down need the wood block shim? Thanks.