Charging Battery

burger · 07-21-2019, 12:36 PM

Hi,
I'm after some advice to do with charging my 118i convertible battery due to its health being low as the car only gets used every other week and even then the journeys are short, under 10 miles.
I have read that you charge it from the posts in the engine bay but wanted to know is it okay to lock the car while i leave the charger connected and charging.
Thanks in advance for any help.
Lee

Dackelone · 07-21-2019, 02:55 PM

Yes, it is ok to lock the car while on a trickle charger. In fact it's preferred way to charge in since most cars have Comfort Access(CA) and the car needs to "go to sleep" in order to have the least amount of draw on your car's battery.

There are connection points under the hood. But with ,ost good chargers you can also hardwire the connectors at the battery or under the hood as well.

I would highly recommend a CTEK unit. Mine ran me about 60 euros off of ebay. Not only do you need a trickle charger... but a unit like the CTEK won't over charge the battery and ruin it. The CTEK's will "cycle" the battery and condition it. It's really worth it.

Some photos on my 135i...
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NorthernDancer · 07-21-2019, 08:22 PM

I recommended a CTEK to my son (even tho I use two Deltrans) but after moderate use over about 10 years, the Mode switch broke. We were able to find a replacement and solder it in. Can't remember now but there is 1 small issue with new switch.
The Deltrans have been in use all winter for about 15 (lead acid) and 10 years (AGM). I could also recommend Schumacher.

07-21-2019, 12:36 PM	#1
burger New Member 2 Rep 11 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: uk iTrader: (0)	Charging Battery Hi, I'm after some advice to do with charging my 118i convertible battery due to its health being low as the car only gets used every other week and even then the journeys are short, under 10 miles. I have read that you charge it from the posts in the engine bay but wanted to know is it okay to lock the car while i leave the charger connected and charging. Thanks in advance for any help. Lee
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07-21-2019, 02:55 PM	#2
Dackelone European Editor 10528 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	Get a CTEK charger... Yes, it is ok to lock the car while on a trickle charger. In fact it's preferred way to charge in since most cars have Comfort Access(CA) and the car needs to "go to sleep" in order to have the least amount of draw on your car's battery. There are connection points under the hood. But with ,ost good chargers you can also hardwire the connectors at the battery or under the hood as well. I would highly recommend a CTEK unit. Mine ran me about 60 euros off of ebay. Not only do you need a trickle charger... but a unit like the CTEK won't over charge the battery and ruin it. The CTEK's will "cycle" the battery and condition it. It's really worth it. Some photos on my 135i... __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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07-21-2019, 08:22 PM	#3
NorthernDancer Colonel 848 Rep 2,276 Posts Drives: 08 Sedona 128 & 06 330xiT 6MT Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ottawa On Canada iTrader: (3)	I recommended a CTEK to my son (even tho I use two Deltrans) but after moderate use over about 10 years, the Mode switch broke. We were able to find a replacement and solder it in. Can't remember now but there is 1 small issue with new switch. The Deltrans have been in use all winter for about 15 (lead acid) and 10 years (AGM). I could also recommend Schumacher.
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