2011 135i Convertible Battery Trickle Charger

[boots49]

Hi All,
New to the forum.
I know there are various posts about battery chargers and winterizing, but I wanted to get some opinions on my situation.
I have a 2011 135i convertible. I live in Maryland, and the car is garaged.
I do drive it in the winter, but not that often, so I was thinking it would be wise to put it on a trickle charger in the off times.
A few years ago, I had to replace the battery, due to it not being driven enough, and from being "woken up" to often. (according to the BMW Dealership)
I saw this charger online and they say it is compatible with my car. I'd love to see if anyone has any opinions on it, or any other recommendations.
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-5...BoC8EcQAvD_BwE
Thanks all!

[Converted1]

I’ve had a Ctek charger for about 10 years and put my Cabrio on it whenever I’m not going to drive it for more than a week.I just changed my original battery a year ago. I use the alligator clips and run the wire through the radiator support, using the headlight gap to route the wire. This allows me to close the hood.

[mizzourahslim]

I have two different setups, both using Schumacher brand charger/maintainers.

First on BMW is using alligator clips under hood, negative clamped to the post along the top left side inner fender and the positive clamped to the red positive terminal located to the right of the strut tower.

The second set up on another car is under hood using pigtail directly connected to battery terminals, then “plug” end of pigtail is connedted to “plug” end of wire coming from charger/maintainer.
The pigtail remains on the vehicle all the time.

I have not had any problems with either set up for quite a number if years now.

[tracer bullet]

I also use a charger during the winter when I don't drive often. Iv'e got 2 of these from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Have been happy with them.

Many options, all similar. The one linked in the first post is fine too.

I'd suggest a way to remember it's hooked up... Mine runs across the floor then up under the hood, somewhat out of sight. I once tried to drive away with it plugged in. I now stick a towel on the steering wheel now as a reminder.

[NorthernDancer]

I've been using 2 Deltrans on 2 cars for over 10 years now-winter storage for 5-6 months. 08 128 and 10 Audi TT. BOTH on original batteries but the BMW getting weak now so a new battery this year.
CTEK, Schumacher also very good plus probably a few others I have no experience with.
In our cold weather, I'll put other "maintainers" on winter E91 and Toyota Venza. Its -2ºF here right now [but warming up] but Thursday & Friday it was -9ºF with a wind chill of -42ºF. Same same for much of north central USA. News item 2 days ago-part of Texas getting a lot of freezing rain causing many accidents and broken tree limbs [weight of ice].
At least we only get tornado's about once every 5 years.

[Meestah Chow]

I've been using a CTEK for years now and no complaints.

The only suggestions I've heard are:

1. Make sure to get a "maintainer" not a "charger"

2. Get a reputable brand that has some sort of certification. Your car will essentially be hooked up to the power grid so if something goes wrong there's an unlimited amount of electricity that could flow into your car. (lesson from Jason Cammisa on The Carmudgeon Show.)

[boots49]

Thanks to all for their responses above. They are very helpful.
I am still looking for anyone who might have experience with or know about this particular charger/maintainer. It appears it is a BMW item, and the Turner website says it is compatible with my 2011 BMW 135i convertible.
So, please let me know if anyone is familiar with this piece and the suppler.
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-5...ttery-charger/
Thanks again!

[mkeiser]

turner is good/reputable shop and the bmw branded charger you linked will work fine.

[boots49]

Thanks again all for responses and recommendations.
Just checking one more time if anyone has used this charger/maintainer and have any thoughts on it or the price.
Thanks and happy motoring!
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-5...ttery-charger/

[Olgeezer1]

Not familiar with the Turner maintainer. Ctek and Deltran ( sold by BMW dealers ) are well known . These are not "trickle chargers" , but Maintainers. Big difference. No chance of overcharge with a Maintainer, they auto shut-off at full charge and restart when charge drops below about 80%. For max. battery life use anytime the car will sit idle for more than a week. These cars eat batteries if not regularly driven or put on a maintainer. Mine is hooked up 5 months straight in winter and anytime not driven. Original battery lasted over 9 years.

[friedymeister]

Reviving an old thread - does anyone know what the settings are for the trickle charger? I have a 2011 135i convertible and I just got the Noco Genius 1.
Choices are:

12V - for 12v wet cell, gel cell, enhanced flooded, maintenance-free and calcium batteries (14.5v/1am/up to 30Ah batteries)

12V AGM - for 12v AGM batteries (14.8V/1A/up to 30Ah batteries)

12V lithium - for 12v lithium ion batteries including lithium iron phosphate (14.6V/1a/up to 30Ah batteries)

Thanks!

[NorthernDancer]

12 volt well cell or 12 volt gel cell. As I look at the Turner site, the Schwaben at $62.99 is all you need.