Anyone else keep their rides on battery tenders 24/7?

Tonybest · 03-12-2013, 12:37 PM

So I have a 4 year old on original battery and previous winters I used a CTEK. No trouble. This year I hibernated the car from Dec 12th to March 8th (about three months) without plugging a tender nor unplugging battery. Parked it and put the cover on. When I started it, not even a slight stall or hesitation. Started like a charm.

Very surprised.

These cars have a lot less electronics I guess.

thelinux · 03-12-2013, 02:14 PM

I have two cars. A wrangler and Z4. I switch cars every week. So one week, drive z4 then next week drive wrangler. I drive them every day to work (30 miles freeway both ways)
Should I keep battery charged in this case?

Incompatible · 03-13-2013, 09:38 AM

I wouldn't worry about it unless you're using a lightweight battery. OE and OE replacement batteries will easily go 3-4 weeks or longer assuming no other problems.

Zedfor · 03-13-2013, 01:14 PM

I did not have a battery tender and regularly took my 2003 out for regular drives at least every two weeks. This time; however, it sat for a month and the battery was dead as a door nail when I went to start it yesterday to take to the shop. So along with everything else, add another $250 for a new battery.

David70 · 03-13-2013, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zedfor

I did not have a battery tender and regularly took my 2003 out for regular drives at least every two weeks. This time; however, it sat for a month and the battery was dead as a door nail when I went to start it yesterday to take to the shop. So along with everything else, add another $250 for a new battery.

My daily driver also went dead from a combination of work and vacation travel without driving it. Once it was jumped and I went back to driving it at least once a week I have never had another problem with it. If it's an old battery maybe worth just replacing it but are you sure you need another battery just because it went dead after sitting for a month?

BAK613 · 03-14-2017, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Stygar

Mine is on 24/7 with CTEK on my 2006 M coupe.

Recently purchased the CTEK charger. The CTEK is connected via alligator clips to the +/- posts under the hood. Seems to be operating normally. Car starts OK.

The charger kit also included a cigarette lighter (CL) adapter which also has a battery charge indicator [green, yellow, red].

Here's what I'm experiencing...the CL indicator is only green when the car is connected to the charger...disconnected it shows red.

Are there any limitations to going through the CL adapter?

Thanks
Bruce K.

Finnegan · 03-14-2017, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BAK613

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron Stygar

Mine is on 24/7 with CTEK on my 2006 M coupe.

Recently purchased the CTEK charger. The CTEK is connected via alligator clips to the +/- posts under the hood. Seems to be operating normally. Car starts OK.

The charger kit also included a cigarette lighter (CL) adapter which also has a battery charge indicator [green, yellow, red].

Here's what I'm experiencing...the CL indicator is only green when the car is connected to the charger...disconnected it shows red.

Are there any limitations to going through the CL adapter?

Thanks
Bruce K.

I never use the CL. Gets hot in my experience. Have to weave through window, door, meh.

Under hood is easy and works great.

YYMD

Spedracer81 · 03-15-2017, 08:06 AM

Mines on a battery tender most of the time, whenever its in the garage I plug it in. If it prolongs the life of the battery its worth the extra couple of bucks..

MPLICIT · 03-16-2017, 08:13 PM

Battery tender? Who are you guys? A bunch of men who don't drive your car? Pffft

Hold on guys! Let me go buy a couple cars so I can let them sit never to be driven

Spedracer81 · 03-16-2017, 10:32 PM

I know its sad, here in Jersey we just got snow, salt everywhere...its in hibernation till we get sunny days..can't wait....(plus its not my DD)

MPLICIT · 03-17-2017, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spedracer81

I know its sad, here in Jersey we just got snow, salt everywhere...its in hibernation till we get sunny days..can't wait....(plus its not my DD)

I was just in Jersey the other day in an E60 M5 drifting around

You guys need to DRIVE!

Finnegan · 03-18-2017, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ApolloTheGod

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spedracer81

I know its sad, here in Jersey we just got snow, salt everywhere...its in hibernation till we get sunny days..can't wait....(plus its not my DD)

I was just in Jersey the other day in an E60 M5 drifting around

You guys need to DRIVE!

Some of us have 6-7 cars. Can't drive then all often enough to go the no tender route.

Spedracer81 · 03-18-2017, 07:49 AM

Wow...6-7 cars..must be nice..(maybe someday)

Finnegan · 03-19-2017, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spedracer81

Wow...6-7 cars..must be nice..(maybe someday)

It's not that glamorous !

Several are quite old and either wonderfully utilitarian (truck) or just a reminder of an earlier age (super low power late 70s Merc diesel that's ever in danger of being trounced by a Prius). Trust me it's not the Hollywood hills or something crazy like a stable or Ferraris and Porsches. I'm actually going to sell some--unless you're Jay Leno and have a crew (and the $$$) the time involved in maintaining things becomes excessive and eats into seat time.

3002 tii · 03-19-2017, 12:03 PM

Like many others I have a ctek with quick connects installed under the hood. One thing I noticed is that my key fob never fails when the car is hooked up to the tender, unlocking and locking works flawlessly with the remote. Take the tender off and the key fob is hit or miss.

3002 tii · 03-19-2017, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zedfor

I did not have a battery tender and regularly took my 2003 out for regular drives at least every two weeks. This time; however, it sat for a month and the battery was dead as a door nail when I went to start it yesterday to take to the shop. So along with everything else, add another $250 for a new battery.

250 seems steep, I usually get mine from advanced auto who regularly offers 30% off coupons

G80indy · 03-19-2017, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finnegan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spedracer81

Wow...6-7 cars..must be nice..(maybe someday)

It's not that glamorous !

Several are quite old and either wonderfully utilitarian (truck) or just a reminder of an earlier age (super low power late 70s Merc diesel that's ever in danger of being trounced by a Prius). Trust me it's not the Hollywood hills or something crazy like a stable or Ferraris and Porsches. I'm actually going to sell some--unless you're Jay Leno and have a crew (and the $$$) the time involved in maintaining things becomes excessive and eats into seat time.

Speaking of Jay Leno, he really likes and needs CTEK tenders.

Punisher3.0si · 03-19-2017, 04:30 PM

I'm going to try to keep one on this year. My last battery lasted a year without one on it.

Finnegan · 03-20-2017, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Punisher3.0si

I'm going to try to keep one on this year. My last battery lasted a year without one on it.

Replaced my original battery on an 06 build 6 months ago. YYMD, but I think the reconditioning effects of the CTEK help.

Finnegan · 03-20-2017, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 330indy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finnegan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spedracer81

Wow...6-7 cars..must be nice..(maybe someday)

It's not that glamorous !

Several are quite old and either wonderfully utilitarian (truck) or just a reminder of an earlier age (super low power late 70s Merc diesel that's ever in danger of being trounced by a Prius). Trust me it's not the Hollywood hills or something crazy like a stable or Ferraris and Porsches. I'm actually going to sell some--unless you're Jay Leno and have a crew (and the $$$) the time involved in maintaining things becomes excessive and eats into seat time.

Speaking of Jay Leno, he really likes and needs CTEK tenders.

I do too.

ShakyDog · 03-20-2017, 09:06 AM

I have them on my lawnmower and both RZRs, but not on my Lucy. I am a bad person, I will get her one ASAP.

Steve

Hawkeye · 03-21-2017, 08:43 AM

I have one on both motorcycles and my lawnmower. The car did not have one this winter but it was super mild so I actually got out to drive once or twice. The truck will never get one since I find some reason to drive it at least once a week it seems.

Also, my last post in here was probably right before my battery died

I am still going strong on #2 though.

03-12-2013, 12:37 PM	#45
Tonybest Enrollment Officer 108 Rep 5,014 Posts Drives: 997.2 Porsche C4S Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Montreal, Qc. iTrader: (2)	So I have a 4 year old on original battery and previous winters I used a CTEK. No trouble. This year I hibernated the car from Dec 12th to March 8th (about three months) without plugging a tender nor unplugging battery. Parked it and put the cover on. When I started it, not even a slight stall or hesitation. Started like a charm. Very surprised. These cars have a lot less electronics I guess.
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03-12-2013, 02:14 PM	#46
thelinux Private First Class 14 Rep 155 Posts Drives: 2008 Z4 3si Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (0)	I have two cars. A wrangler and Z4. I switch cars every week. So one week, drive z4 then next week drive wrangler. I drive them every day to work (30 miles freeway both ways) Should I keep battery charged in this case?
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03-13-2013, 09:38 AM	#47
Incompatible Major 55 Rep 1,224 Posts Drives: 07 AW Z4C 3.0Si Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	I wouldn't worry about it unless you're using a lightweight battery. OE and OE replacement batteries will easily go 3-4 weeks or longer assuming no other problems. __________________ If you can't take the time to teach a kid something good, someone will take the time to teach them something bad.
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03-13-2013, 01:14 PM	#48
Zedfor Meinkugelschmerzen 2 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i, B757-200 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Back of Bill's Mother's iTrader: (0)	I did not have a battery tender and regularly took my 2003 out for regular drives at least every two weeks. This time; however, it sat for a month and the battery was dead as a door nail when I went to start it yesterday to take to the shop. So along with everything else, add another $250 for a new battery. __________________ If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there. ZSCCA ZSCCA on Facebook Last edited by Zedfor; 03-13-2013 at 01:22 PM..
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03-15-2017, 08:06 AM	#52
Spedracer81 Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 247 Posts Drives: Z4MC Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Mines on a battery tender most of the time, whenever its in the garage I plug it in. If it prolongs the life of the battery its worth the extra couple of bucks.. __________________ \| 2008 Interlagos Blue Z4MC \| \| AA Tuning \| RPI Scoop \| H&R Sport Springs \| Sportline CS 16 CSL Wheels \| Magna Flow Custom Exhaust \|
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03-16-2017, 08:13 PM	#53
MPLICIT Major 92 Rep 1,013 Posts Drives: Z4MC S65B40A Swap Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (9)	Battery tender? Who are you guys? A bunch of men who don't drive your car? Pffft Hold on guys! Let me go buy a couple cars so I can let them sit never to be driven
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03-16-2017, 10:32 PM	#54
Spedracer81 Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 247 Posts Drives: Z4MC Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	I know its sad, here in Jersey we just got snow, salt everywhere...its in hibernation till we get sunny days..can't wait....(plus its not my DD) __________________ \| 2008 Interlagos Blue Z4MC \| \| AA Tuning \| RPI Scoop \| H&R Sport Springs \| Sportline CS 16 CSL Wheels \| Magna Flow Custom Exhaust \|
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03-18-2017, 07:49 AM	#57
Spedracer81 Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 247 Posts Drives: Z4MC Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Wow...6-7 cars..must be nice..(maybe someday) __________________ \| 2008 Interlagos Blue Z4MC \| \| AA Tuning \| RPI Scoop \| H&R Sport Springs \| Sportline CS 16 CSL Wheels \| Magna Flow Custom Exhaust \|
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03-19-2017, 12:03 PM	#59
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2282 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.22]	Like many others I have a ctek with quick connects installed under the hood. One thing I noticed is that my key fob never fails when the car is hooked up to the tender, unlocking and locking works flawlessly with the remote. Take the tender off and the key fob is hit or miss. __________________ Follow for latest mods
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03-19-2017, 04:30 PM	#62
Punisher3.0si Second Lieutenant 28 Rep 204 Posts Drives: 2007 E86 manual Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	I'm going to try to keep one on this year. My last battery lasted a year without one on it.
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03-20-2017, 09:06 AM	#65
ShakyDog Captain 181 Rep 623 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0i Alpine White/Red Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Missouri iTrader: (4)	I have them on my lawnmower and both RZRs, but not on my Lucy. I am a bad person, I will get her one ASAP. Steve
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03-21-2017, 08:43 AM	#66
Hawkeye Brigadier General 2070 Rep 4,365 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 Coupe, '21 X3, '16 GMC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 GMC Sierra SLT [10.00] 2008 Yamaha R6 [9.00]	I have one on both motorcycles and my lawnmower. The car did not have one this winter but it was super mild so I actually got out to drive once or twice. The truck will never get one since I find some reason to drive it at least once a week it seems. Also, my last post in here was probably right before my battery died I am still going strong on #2 though. __________________ 2007 Z4 3.0si Coupe • 6 MT • Black Saphire Metallic • PP • SP 2016 GMC Sierra SLT Z71 Premium Plus 4x4 2017 Harley StreetGlide • Denim Black • V&H Tune 2021 BMW x30i • Phytonic Blue Metallic • Fully loaded
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