[CommoN81]

Any recommendations on battery chargers? I do not want to keep the car running while using Carly and making changes, so looking for something simple that I can use to keep power steady. Was considering this one...

Ampeak 2/8/15A 12V Smart Battery Charger/Maintainer Automatic with Winter Mode https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DD8BJ9V..._0zmeEbGNXAY7Y

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[Simple5]

Deltran Battery Tender 1.25amp.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Simple5

Deltran Battery Tender 1.25amp.

IMHO, that's too weak. I would recommend at least a 3amp and preferably a 4amp.

[5soko]

I use the oem BMW charger which is made my C-TEK, great success in keeping the battery healthy, and during diagnostics via ISTA and such.

[kohsin]

👆

[CommoN81]

Thanks all

[Surly73]

I like my CTEK MXS 5.0 (which is apparently nearly identical to the older MUS 4.3 except that the MXS incorporates ambient temperature via a sensor into the charge plan) for routine overnight top ups and maintenance, but it's nowhere near enough power for coding/flashing and not really the question I see you asking.

With the ignition on and engine not running, I think N55 F10s draw around 50A, maybe more. Sure I'll connect my CTEK, plus another 15A bulk charger I have around, but even combined they aren't enough.

You need something more like a 75A or 100A 12V "power supply" for serious coding or flashing.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Surly73

I like my CTEK MXS 5.0 (which is apparently nearly identical to the older MUS 4.3 except that the MXS incorporates ambient temperature via a sensor into the charge plan) for routine overnight top ups and maintenance, but it's nowhere near enough power for coding/flashing and not really the question I see you asking.

With the ignition on and engine not running, I think N55 F10s draw around 50A, maybe more. Sure I'll connect my CTEK, plus another 15A bulk charger I have around, but even combined they aren't enough.

You need something more like a 75A or 100A 12V "power supply" for serious coding or flashing.

I've used a 3a and 4a when coding with no issues. The "fully charged" light stays on the whole time I was coding; which was well over an hour.

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

I've used a 3a and 4a when coding with no issues. The "fully charged" light stays on the whole time I was coding; which was well over an hour.

i'm about to order one here some time today but which one would you guys recommend? both units are the same price $78 with free shipping

CTEK 40-206 MXS 5.0 12volt battery charger


or Bmw Advanced Battery Charging System

[top ramen]

Go with the ctek charger. It's slim and comes with a carry bag that can fit perfectly in the trunk compartment. I got the ctek mus4.3 about 4 years ago and still love it. It could check/test the battery, starter, and alternator.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by top ramen

Go with the ctek charger. It's slim and comes with a carry bag that can fit perfectly in the trunk compartment. I got the ctek mus4.3 about 4 years ago and still love it. It could check/test the battery, starter, and alternator.

Ditto, but for a different reason. The CTEK looks to be 5a while the BMW looks to be 1.25a; too weak IMHO.

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

Ditto, but for a different reason. The CTEK looks to be 5a while the BMW looks to be 1.25a; too weak IMHO.

Just ordered from Amazon Prime. Thanks guys

[Unspec]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

I've used a 3a and 4a when coding with no issues. The "fully charged" light stays on the whole time I was coding; which was well over an hour.

While coding, a charger or even just pure battery power will be fine most of the time. It's programming where you need to start looking at power supplies.

[lsturbointeg]

what the difference between using the alligator clamps and the what looks like o-ring connections?

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

what the difference between using the alligator clamps and the what looks like o-ring connections?

How often you'll be using the charger and ease of connecting and disconnecting. I installed the o-ring connectors to the under-hood terminals. Hook-up is easy peazy, lemon squeezey. I also bought an extension cable so I can centrally locate the charger for use on both cars.

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

How often you'll be using the charger and ease of connecting and disconnecting. I installed the o-ring connectors to the under-hood terminals. Hook-up is easy peazy, lemon squeezey. I also bought an extension cable so I can centrally locate the charger for use on both cars.

charger will be used for the BMW only but once I may use the car to drive around since (knock on wood) hasn't been snowing. so i'm guessing using he alligator clamps is easier to take on and take off? oh, can I use this charger on my lawn tractor to keep the battery from discharging?

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

charger will be used for the BMW only but once I may use the car to drive around since (knock on wood) hasn't been snowing. so i'm guessing using he alligator clamps is easier to take on and take off? oh, can I use this charger on my lawn tractor to keep the battery from discharging?

As long as its 12V, I'd imagine.

[Unspec]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

charger will be used for the BMW only but once I may use the car to drive around since (knock on wood) hasn't been snowing. so i'm guessing using he alligator clamps is easier to take on and take off? oh, can I use this charger on my lawn tractor to keep the battery from discharging?

Most chargers use a kinda standard plug between the charger itself and the wires to the car. You can always buy extra ring connectors for your car and essentially hardwire them on, so that charging is easier. You can freely disconnect the charger with ease while keeping the charging cables connected. IMO, the best solution if you're paranoid about battery drain.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Unspec

Most chargers use a kinda standard plug between the charger itself and the wires to the car. You can always buy extra ring connectors for your car and essentially hardwire them on, so that charging is easier. You can freely disconnect the charger with ease while keeping the charging cables connected. IMO, the best solution if you're paranoid about battery drain.

I've done that for both our 535's. I try and hook them each up once a month.

[lsturbointeg]

So in showing the battery is fully charged as the last light is on. Do I just leave it on and the charger will take care if itself or do I need to disconnect it?

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

So in showing the battery is fully charged as the last light is on. Do I just leave it on and the charger will take care if itself or do I need to disconnect it?

You should be able to leave the charger hooked-up and the charger will float the charge. As the battery drains the charger will keep it topped off.

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

You should be able to leave the charger hooked-up and the charger will float the charge. As the battery drains the charger will keep it topped off.

thanks my man! this is the first year I've actually done this as it was a PITA last few year driving it around to keep the car from dying during the winters