Battery Maintainers

Sussex_G20 · 03-29-2015, 09:39 AM

Having explored reasons for start/stop not working it appears to be related to battery state of charge. I think this is due to the fact it does not get used everyday and can sit for ten days or so at a time during foreign travels. The car is garaged when not used.

I thinking of using a CTEK MXS 3.8 when I am away to keep battery maintained at full charge. My thoughts are to have the comfort connectors hard wired to battery, with simple hook up when required.

Has any one here used such devices with the F3x? And any tips?

Nick the Greek · 03-29-2015, 11:34 AM

I've used battery conditions for years on motorcycles and summer cars (currently MX5).

Never on my f30 though.

I have an OptiMate conditioner (have used their products for year) about £50 from Amazon, which I would recommend.

crazybones · 03-29-2015, 11:55 AM

When you see the list of parameters which have to be met in order for start stop to work, it's a wonder that it operates at all!

I use a CTEK MXS 3.8 regularly on my Boxster and it is a great bit of kit. My unit was supplied with both crocodile clips and eyelets which can be left permanently attached to the battery terminals. You then just plug in the unit using the supplied connector. The battery is charged in situ with no need to disconnect the main battery terminals. The charger is intelligent and knows when to stop charging or enter a refresh cycle.

My only concern would be whether any of the intelligent sensing functions on the F30 would be disrupted by the charger. I've not had cause to connect the charger to my F30 so can't help directly in this regard. It would probably be worth emailing Ctek support at info@ctek.com or speaking to your dealer.

Z_Victor1 · 03-29-2015, 03:46 PM

I keep my F32 topped up with a CTEK MXS 5.0
http://www.ctek.com/gb/en/chargers/MXS%205.0
£64.99 direct from CTEK

Designed for AGM batteries (as on current BMWs). And Start/Stop batteries.
I purchased this larger capacity charger last year to use on an E60 M5 100Ah battery. Have since used it on my E90 M3 and now this car without any issues.

Always connect charger to battery BEFORE switching charger on at mains.
Always unplug at mains BEFORE disconnecting charger.
Always connect to the terminals BMW provide under the bonnet.
Being sure to NEVER connect DIRECTLY to battery.
This then ensures BMW's intelligent monitor is not confused.

SIMPLES.....

SkyJawa · 03-29-2015, 04:05 PM

As NTG I've used an optimate on my gsxr and pug for years, no issues. Unlike the datatool one I had.

Heard the CTEK are pretty decent too...

RalphyBMW · 03-29-2015, 04:57 PM

Don't BMW offer at least one Ctek variant with their own branding?
I know Aston Martin and Bentley do.

simon. · 03-30-2015, 03:45 AM

Have had an OptiMate conditioner for 10+ years & used on various cars. Currently using on my MX5 trackday / road car & they are a great bit of kit.

Plug & play with either crock clips or the supplied adaptor that you hard wire to the battery

DTP1980 · 03-30-2015, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z_Victor1

I keep my F32 topped up with a CTEK MXS 5.0
http://www.ctek.com/gb/en/chargers/MXS%205.0
£64.99 direct from CTEK

Designed for AGM batteries (as on current BMWs). And Start/Stop batteries.
I purchased this larger capacity charger last year to use on an E60 M5 100Ah battery. Have since used it on my E90 M3 and now this car without any issues.

Always connect charger to battery BEFORE switching charger on at mains.
Always unplug at mains BEFORE disconnecting charger.
Always connect to the terminals BMW provide under the bonnet.
Being sure to NEVER connect DIRECTLY to battery.
This then ensures BMW's intelligent monitor is not confused.

SIMPLES.....

This is what I used and have comfort connectors hard wired in the engine bay. I use it more in winter when the cold slows down chemical reactions in the battery, but monthly as a rule over a couple of days to fully charge it, regardless of the conditions I use the car.

Sussex_G20 · 03-30-2015, 04:31 AM

Ok so the thing is going to work also confirmed by CTEK Sweden (swift technical support I must say)

Does any one know the difference electrically between the jump start post in under the bonnet and direct battery connection. Electronics and vehicle electrical systems was my line a few years back and I would have thought floating across the battery directly would have been less disruptive than anything later in the supply line.
I seem to remember some of the guys having problems with camera installations?

03-29-2015, 09:39 AM	#1
Sussex_G20 First Lieutenant 145 Rep 379 Posts Drives: G20 330i M Sport Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: South Coast - Eastbourne iTrader: (0)	Battery Maintainers Having explored reasons for start/stop not working it appears to be related to battery state of charge. I think this is due to the fact it does not get used everyday and can sit for ten days or so at a time during foreign travels. The car is garaged when not used. I thinking of using a CTEK MXS 3.8 when I am away to keep battery maintained at full charge. My thoughts are to have the comfort connectors hard wired to battery, with simple hook up when required. Has any one here used such devices with the F3x? And any tips?
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03-29-2015, 11:34 AM	#2
Nick the Greek Banned 2010 Rep 6,065 Posts Drives: M135i. I don't do diesel. Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I've used battery conditions for years on motorcycles and summer cars (currently MX5). Never on my f30 though. I have an OptiMate conditioner (have used their products for year) about £50 from Amazon, which I would recommend.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-29-2015, 11:55 AM	#3
crazybones Lieutenant 262 Rep 513 Posts Drives: 718S Boxster, Tesla Model Y Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	When you see the list of parameters which have to be met in order for start stop to work, it's a wonder that it operates at all! I use a CTEK MXS 3.8 regularly on my Boxster and it is a great bit of kit. My unit was supplied with both crocodile clips and eyelets which can be left permanently attached to the battery terminals. You then just plug in the unit using the supplied connector. The battery is charged in situ with no need to disconnect the main battery terminals. The charger is intelligent and knows when to stop charging or enter a refresh cycle. My only concern would be whether any of the intelligent sensing functions on the F30 would be disrupted by the charger. I've not had cause to connect the charger to my F30 so can't help directly in this regard. It would probably be worth emailing Ctek support at info@ctek.com or speaking to your dealer.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-29-2015, 03:46 PM	#4
Z_Victor1 First Lieutenant 64 Rep 328 Posts Drives: 2022 G22 M440i 👍 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: SouthEast UK iTrader: (0)	I keep my F32 topped up with a CTEK MXS 5.0 http://www.ctek.com/gb/en/chargers/MXS%205.0 £64.99 direct from CTEK Designed for AGM batteries (as on current BMWs). And Start/Stop batteries. I purchased this larger capacity charger last year to use on an E60 M5 100Ah battery. Have since used it on my E90 M3 and now this car without any issues. Always connect charger to battery BEFORE switching charger on at mains. Always unplug at mains BEFORE disconnecting charger. Always connect to the terminals BMW provide under the bonnet. Being sure to NEVER connect DIRECTLY to battery. This then ensures BMW's intelligent monitor is not confused. SIMPLES.....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-29-2015, 04:05 PM	#5
SkyJawa Major General 3719 Rep 8,636 Posts Drives: F10 530d Join Date: May 2014 Location: Hampshire iTrader: (1)	As NTG I've used an optimate on my gsxr and pug for years, no issues. Unlike the datatool one I had. Heard the CTEK are pretty decent too...
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03-29-2015, 04:57 PM	#6
RalphyBMW Captain 165 Rep 942 Posts Drives: F31 330d xDrive MSport Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: West Yorkshire iTrader: (0)	Don't BMW offer at least one Ctek variant with their own branding? I know Aston Martin and Bentley do. __________________ 2016 F80 M3 Last edited by RalphyBMW; 03-30-2015 at 02:58 AM..
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03-30-2015, 03:45 AM	#7
simon. Colonel 922 Rep 2,559 Posts Drives: F48 25D mSport Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Milton Keynes iTrader: (0)	Have had an OptiMate conditioner for 10+ years & used on various cars. Currently using on my MX5 trackday / road car & they are a great bit of kit. Plug & play with either crock clips or the supplied adaptor that you hard wire to the battery
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03-30-2015, 04:31 AM	#9
Sussex_G20 First Lieutenant 145 Rep 379 Posts Drives: G20 330i M Sport Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: South Coast - Eastbourne iTrader: (0)	Ok so the thing is going to work also confirmed by CTEK Sweden (swift technical support I must say) Does any one know the difference electrically between the jump start post in under the bonnet and direct battery connection. Electronics and vehicle electrical systems was my line a few years back and I would have thought floating across the battery directly would have been less disruptive than anything later in the supply line. I seem to remember some of the guys having problems with camera installations?
	Appreciate 0 Quote