Charging battery over winter

[Tassi]

Can anyone recommend a good charger to keep plugged in whilst the car is back in its box over Xmas, also given all the complicated electrics does it effect anything? Thanks

 

[Tenkujin]

Hi Tassi
I've used a Ctec CTE-XS3600 for over 3 years,it is comnnected to the positive and negative posts under the bonnet not direct to the battery. I use it all the time on my E85, as it's a battery conditioner it will not overcharge. I can't see any problems using this on the E89. It was brought from Amazon but shop around.

 

[Ewazix]

Lots of threads on the topic, the Ctek conditioner, rather than simple trickle chargers (or own branded versions of the same item) are the top recommendation

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=57515&p=843635&hilit=conditioner#p843635

 

[Brookes745]

I sold my motorbike to help fund the Z and I'm using the Optimate I used to use on the bike......works a treat

 

[TitanTim]

I've used the CTEK the past 5 years all year round, Z3 during the summer, Z4 during the winter and it's performed faultlessly. My only criticism is the length of cable between the positive and negative croc clips is only just long enough to stretch between the underbonnet charging points on the E89 as the + point is near the bulkhead on the passenger side and the - point is on the drivers side suspension turret. You do have to be careful when hooking it up that you don't stretch the cable too much otherwise it can pull the + clip off. The length of cable might be better on the latest units. Unfortunately it won't charge via the E89s lighter socket as its not permanently live unlike the Z3. CTEK also do a cable to attach directly to the battery which is an alternative option, i.e. leave the cable permanently attached and just connect the charger whenever needed.

The CTEKS aren't the cheapest but I feel the best at what it does, and I'm mindful mine is used all year round so using a cheap unbranded one isn't an option where electricity is concerned.

Tim.

 

[Tassi]

Thanks.... Ctek it is!

 

[ronk]

- ---------- a cheap unbranded one isn't an option where electricity is concerned.

I wouldn't worry too much about the un branded thing Tim, the Lidl supplied charger is clearly marked CE and also with Tuv approval - Probably like a lot of the components in our cars!