Hey guys,

I just replaced the battery in my 2005 530iA. Now, the interior of the car and the trunk smell of battery (acid) fumes. I checked the vent tube, and it was clear from the battery to the wheel well. I'll have to check it the rest of the way out of the car to make sure it isn't plugged. Also, I checked the voltage at the battery while the car was running and it showed 14.6/7 volts. This seems a bit high. Also, the voltage dropped to 12 something when I turned on the lights and other accessories.

Oh, and it's not a BMW battery. I couldn't see spending 3 bills for a BMW unit. I can't think that would make a difference.

Any help appreciated.

Jon

 

I'd take a close look at the battery for leaks.

No 'good' reason for there to be a vapor smell. It is usually caused by 1 of two things:
1) leak in battery
2) overcharge of battery (causes the battery acid to vaporize)

Neither are good, but the fact that you have 14.6 volts with the car running makes me think your alternator may be overcharging the battery.

 

No, no leaks. I even went back and replaced the new battery with another one and the same thing. The dealer told me it was the battery that I bought, but I'm not buying that. So, I just replaced it with another BMW battery I have in my other e60 so we'll see. I'm thinking that the voltage regulator is caput. Is there a way to check that?