WHICH CTEC CHARGER?

M

marypoppins

Active member
 Preston
Ok i need to know which charger is the best please. Do you connect it in the boot where the battery is or the designated point under the bonnet.
I presume that both would have to be left open and the bulb removed from the boot light if that option was chosen.
The car is permanently outside under a high qaulity cover, i need to get this sorted in my head so that i can move forward. Help please!
 
If it's just to keep it topped up the http://www.ctekchargers.co.uk/ctek-xs08.php will do the job.

I have http://www.ctekchargers.co.uk/ctek-stdcord.php connected directly to the battery also.

Used both on my previous Z4 and current one.
 
I've got a permanent connection directly onto the battery with one of these http://www.amazon.co.uk/CTEK-CTE-56329-Direct-Connector-Adaptor/dp/B002X67JYE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354629450&sr=8-1
With this extension http://www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/ctek/extension-lead-for-ctek-chargers.aspx.
I had to use the 10mm eyelets cos the 6mm wouldnt fit over my battery terminals. (Z4MC)

You can shut the boot if feed it out the back rather than side without crushing the cable. My ctek is a 3600 which is an older model. I've had it 5 years and leave it permanently connected over the winter months.
 
Hi, I've found Ctek to be a good choice having wintered two cars on my 3.6 model for two years, the Zed is still on it's original 2003 battery and is excellent!
If you are spending I would seriously go for at least the 3.6 model which has additional functions like de-supherisation, pulse charging and has a useful frost mode if you are outside. My 3.6 came with the fixed battery leads which are permanently fitted in the boot and you don't have to disconnect the battery, just pop the eyelets over the battery post clamp bolts and leave the lead/plug in-situ. I've found the cable will happily run through the boot rubber seals without damage or leaking so the unit can sit in there if you wish.

Z4_Ctek_36.jpg


Without getting too tech'i there is a lot of misunderstanding about lead-acid car batteries and how they charge. Basically a battery that appears to have been 'fully charged' on fast or even a steady trickle charge is probably not fully charged at all. Most electrical charge sits in the electrolyte at the plate surfaces, it will take time for it to dissipate throughout the electrolyte, which is why you can 'fully charge' a battery, leave it a few hours and find it will accept substantially more. (which explains some peoples concern that the Ctek charges then keeps staying on for long periods - if you get this reconnect and re-set the unit you should find that it will settle to the green monitoring function after a while, but would probably do it anyway if you are patient - unless your battery is knackered or you have a current drain)
Battery conditioners like Ctek 3.6+ monitor and adapt optimum charge rates, and only when more charge can be accepted do they add more.
LA car batteries are ideally stored disconnected when not in use, leaving them connected for 2-3 weeks or more will start the process of sulpherisation of the plates which reduces their efficiency, battery conditioners periodically reverse this process and keep things tip-top.

I wish I'de bought one years ago it saves money on knackered batteries and grief when you come to use the car - Ctek 3.6 or higher is recommended :thumbsup:
 
Ewazix said:
Hi, I've found Ctek to be a good choice having wintered two cars on my 3.6 model for two years, the Zed is still on it's original 2003 battery and is excellent!
If you are spending I would seriously go for at least the 3.6 model which has additional functions like de-supherisation, pulse charging and has a useful frost mode if you are outside. My 3.6 came with the fixed battery leads which are permanently fitted in the boot and you don't have to disconnect the battery, just pop the eyelets over the battery post clamp bolts and leave the lead/plug in-situ. I've found the cable will happily run through the boot rubber seals without damage or leaking so the unit can sit in there if you wish.


Where did you purchase this kit from? Was it direct?
Z4_Ctek_36.jpg


Without getting too tech'i there is a lot of misunderstanding about lead-acid car batteries and how they charge. Basically a battery that appears to have been 'fully charged' on fast or even a steady trickle charge is probably not fully charged at all. Most electrical charge sits in the electrolyte at the plate surfaces, it will take time for it to dissipate throughout the electrolyte, which is why you can 'fully charge' a battery, leave it a few hours and find it will accept substantially more. (which explains some peoples concern that the Ctek charges then keeps staying on for long periods - if you get this reconnect and re-set the unit you should find that it will settle to the green monitoring function after a while, but would probably do it anyway if you are patient - unless your battery is knackered or you have a current drain)
Battery conditioners like Ctek 3.6+ monitor and adapt optimum charge rates, and only when more charge can be accepted do they add more.
LA car batteries are ideally stored disconnected when not in use, leaving them connected for 2-3 weeks or more will start the process of sulpherisation of the plates which reduces their efficiency, battery conditioners periodically reverse this process and keep things tip-top.

I wish I'de bought one years ago it saves money on knackered batteries and grief when you come to use the car - Ctek 3.6 or higher is recommended :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
 
Q: Where did you purchase this kit from? Was it direct?

A: Amazon but can't remember the dealer, it was discounted though
 
I've just ordered a 3.6 from Amazon. Does anyone use the cigarette lighter accessory method of charging?
 
sutts said:
I've just ordered a 3.6 from Amazon. Does anyone use the cigarette lighter accessory method of charging?
Click to expand...

I used the cig lighter on my VX220 and it worked really well but it was permanently live. Not sure that's the case with the Z.
 
Check a recent thread from me re: charging points under the hood. I have an ///M though and am using a CTEK-like conditioner from Lidl. Recommended a few months ago by forum members.

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=44936
 
Thanks both of you. I did a search which seems to suggest the lighter socket is live all the time, so I'll give that a go first and if no joy I'll go under the bonnet.
 
Fitted my Ctek charger and tried the lighter socket accessory, but it appears this isn't in fact live all the time (at least on my 2007 MC) and it wasn't charging.

Went under the bonnet and all is good. The 3.6 looks like a nice unit.
 
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