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

G80indy · 03-28-2012, 09:25 PM

I am OCD.

And I have the e36, e46, and e85 on tenders constantly since I can't drive them consistently enough as daily drivers.... I am convinced I have had greatly extended battery life as a result.
Just curious if others have same setup.

Ron Stygar · 03-28-2012, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 330indy

I am OCD.

And I have the e36, e46, and e85 on tenders constantly since I can't drive them consistently enough as daily drivers.... I am convinced I have had greatly extended battery life as a result.
Just curious if others have same setup.

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

Finnegan · 03-28-2012, 09:44 PM

Given the criteria of the title, I don't qualify, but I think you may be right about battery life. The one CTEK7002 spends half of it's time on one of the cars, the other half on the other. Neither car is a DD, or sees a lot of miles/week. Build date of 12/06 on one car; 4/07 on the other. Original batteries.

Seldom do I see less than 3/4 charge on either when I hook it up. One was discharged all the way down (dead, needed a jump) 14 months ago. Ran the CTEK in recondition mode and it's been good to go since.

I keep expecting the batteries to go, since they're getting up there in age. But like I said, the charge seems to hold pretty well.

ski_rush · 03-28-2012, 09:56 PM

I learned the hard way. I just took my car out of 3 month storage recently and much to my surprise the battery was dead. No big deal I thought...well when the battery dies in bimmers, it goes into transport mode and automatically turns off power to certain non-critical power options. Resetting this, or turning off the transport mode, requires a special tool...a local bmw shop said they would do it for $50. Anyway...long story short...yes I started using the battery tender to avoid crap like that. I bought a tender pretty cheap off eBay. But I think some folks on here spend near $100 on their tenders.

Kgolf31 · 03-28-2012, 10:05 PM

Mine is on 24/7 as we speak. It's still in hibernation mode.

Rick Hunter · 03-28-2012, 11:13 PM

When not in use... YES.

I have the OEM tender that connects through the cigarette lighter. Easy plug / unplug.

mousitch · 03-28-2012, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Hunter

When not in use... YES.

I have the OEM tender that connects through the cigarette lighter. Easy plug / unplug.

Same here. When in use i have the battery out of my 88(yes) Camry on it. The Camry hasn't been driven in two years. Stabil in the tank. Zombie wars can happen any second and I'm prepared.

runnerx · 03-29-2012, 10:25 AM

mine is on 24/7 with BMW OE smart charger...

z4mnyc · 03-29-2012, 12:13 PM

Yup. Need to keep the Braille battery juiced.

Pheonix · 03-29-2012, 12:20 PM

I keep my on 24/7 as the car in hibernation. I usually plug it back on if i don't drive it for a few days or after short trips. I am using a Battery Tender with trickle charge (not need for fancy "BMW" or 'SMART" brand name charger

G80indy · 03-29-2012, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Hunter

When not in use... YES.

I have the OEM tender that connects through the cigarette lighter. Easy plug / unplug.

yep me too. the cig charger is easy.
But, you know, you can't use it on the new Bimmers because it's no longer active without the ignition on.

gcochard · 03-29-2012, 03:34 PM

I don't have power in my garage so nope for me.

03/06 build date on the factory battery. Never have any low battery problems, always starts right up.

ZStig · 03-29-2012, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by z4mnyc

Yup. Need to keep the Braille battery juiced.

did you re-program your car so it doesn't overcharge your LTW battery?

Incompatible · 03-29-2012, 04:22 PM

4/07 build date on mine, factory battery, and no problems. I make it a point to take it out no less then once every two weeks for a minimum of 30 minutes or more. (Now that I've posted this, it's going to die on me.)

Shota15 · 03-29-2012, 05:59 PM

Yup, I have my Z4 M, E36 M3, Mini and T/A all on Battery tenders when not in use.

chickdr · 03-30-2012, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cliffhopper

I don't have power in my garage so nope for me.

03/06 build date on the factory battery. Never have any low battery problems, always starts right up.

You are seriously due for a battery. I have read about at least ten 06 MR's which needed new batteries in the last 6 mths(mine included). 5-6 years seems to be the magic number.

Hogndos · 03-30-2012, 05:07 AM

Battery Tender 24/7 as well...the Harley Road King I own is also on a Battery Tender year round...plugged in after every ride including the fair weather months...I am going on 12 years on that battery...In years past, 3 years was the average expectations for my bikes...I am a BIG believer!

Hawkeye · 03-30-2012, 09:06 AM

I usually only put it on for a bit during the winter (this winter I didn't hook it up at all over 4-6 weeks it was garaged). Original battery is still going strong on my '07.

gcochard · 03-30-2012, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chickdr

You are seriously due for a battery. I have read about at least ten 06 MR's which needed new batteries in the last 6 mths(mine included). 5-6 years seems to be the magic number.

I'm keeping an eye on it, it's an H6 size correct? I'll probably throw in a duralast AGM...

ANUSTART · 03-30-2012, 10:03 AM

I would if mine weren't driven every day. I do with my motorcycles.

Nuge Design · 03-30-2012, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 330indy

I am OCD.

And I have the e36, e46, and e85 on tenders constantly since I can't drive them consistently enough as daily drivers.... I am convinced I have had greatly extended battery life as a result.
Just curious if others have same setup.

OCD X2 here. Sorry no help for the shared condition... I have two cars on tenders during storage months. Not real crazy about the price of batteries for BMWs. Call it insurance I suppose.

330indy, not to jack the thread but I think we met head on in front of Hinkle a couple of weeks ago... looks like we have the same car... either that or there is at least one more just like ours roaming around

MinneapolisJeff · 03-30-2012, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ski_rush

I learned the hard way. I just took my car out of 3 month storage recently and much to my surprise the battery was dead. No big deal I thought...well when the battery dies in bimmers, it goes into transport mode and automatically turns off power to certain non-critical power options. Resetting this, or turning off the transport mode, requires a special tool...a local bmw shop said they would do it for $50. Anyway...long story short...yes I started using the battery tender to avoid crap like that. I bought a tender pretty cheap off eBay. But I think some folks on here spend near $100 on their tenders.

I still have yet to understand this transport mode...first year of ownership of the 2003 Z4 my original battery died on the battery tender during storage; bought a new one and never had issue. Must be a feature on the newer E85s.

03-28-2012, 09:25 PM	#1
G80indy Save the Manuals 1714 Rep 2,937 Posts Drives: Z3, E46, G80 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Indy iTrader: (0)	Anyone else keep their rides on battery tenders 24/7? I am OCD. And I have the e36, e46, and e85 on tenders constantly since I can't drive them consistently enough as daily drivers.... I am convinced I have had greatly extended battery life as a result. Just curious if others have same setup. __________________ 2023 G80 6MT, CCBs 2002 330i Dinan, 5MT 2000 Z3 Conforti, 5MT
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03-28-2012, 09:44 PM	#3
Finnegan Dog Listener 703 Rep 7,850 Posts Drives: Z4M/. Z3M, E36/46 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Teaching the dog to slalom iTrader: (22)	Given the criteria of the title, I don't qualify, but I think you may be right about battery life. The one CTEK7002 spends half of it's time on one of the cars, the other half on the other. Neither car is a DD, or sees a lot of miles/week. Build date of 12/06 on one car; 4/07 on the other. Original batteries. Seldom do I see less than 3/4 charge on either when I hook it up. One was discharged all the way down (dead, needed a jump) 14 months ago. Ran the CTEK in recondition mode and it's been good to go since. I keep expecting the batteries to go, since they're getting up there in age. But like I said, the charge seems to hold pretty well.
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03-28-2012, 09:56 PM	#4
ski_rush Private 10 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Z4 [7.00]	I learned the hard way. I just took my car out of 3 month storage recently and much to my surprise the battery was dead. No big deal I thought...well when the battery dies in bimmers, it goes into transport mode and automatically turns off power to certain non-critical power options. Resetting this, or turning off the transport mode, requires a special tool...a local bmw shop said they would do it for $50. Anyway...long story short...yes I started using the battery tender to avoid crap like that. I bought a tender pretty cheap off eBay. But I think some folks on here spend near $100 on their tenders. __________________
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03-28-2012, 10:05 PM	#5
Kgolf31 Brigadier General 460 Rep 4,531 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MC, 2012 128i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Ohio iTrader: (4)	Mine is on 24/7 as we speak. It's still in hibernation mode.
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03-28-2012, 11:13 PM	#6
Rick Hunter Skull Squadron Leader 307 Rep 2,031 Posts Drives: '07 M Coupé & '16 435xi GCoupé Join Date: May 2007 Location: The Emerald City iTrader: (20)	When not in use... YES. I have the OEM tender that connects through the cigarette lighter. Easy plug / unplug. __________________
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03-29-2012, 10:25 AM	#8
runnerx Second Lieutenant 16 Rep 266 Posts Drives: 06 M roadster; 06 330i 6spd Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bay Area, California iTrader: (0)	mine is on 24/7 with BMW OE smart charger... __________________ 2009 BMW X5 4.8i 2006 BMW ///M Roadster 6spd manual 2006 BMW 330i 6spd manual - gone
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03-29-2012, 12:13 PM	#9
z4mnyc Private First Class 14 Rep 191 Posts Drives: Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New York iTrader: (2)	Yup. Need to keep the Braille battery juiced. __________________ \| Z4MC \| KW Clubsport \| BBS-RGR 19 + Bridgestone RE11 \| BBS-RGR 18 + Hoosier R6 \| Sparco DTM RS \| Vorshlag mounts \| Braille battery \| Euro Headers \| Supersprint exhaust \| Stoptech lines \| Stongstrut \| TCK camber arms \| UUC SSK \| APR GT-200 wing & splitter \| ESS Tune \| Speedware Motorsports custom roll cage \| Schroth harness \|
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03-29-2012, 12:20 PM	#10
Pheonix Major 378 Rep 1,001 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 M Coupe 2012 e93 M3 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (8) Garage List 2007 BMW/Z4MC [0.00]	I keep my on 24/7 as the car in hibernation. I usually plug it back on if i don't drive it for a few days or after short trips. I am using a Battery Tender with trickle charge (not need for fancy "BMW" or 'SMART" brand name charger
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03-29-2012, 03:34 PM	#12
gcochard Captain 24 Rep 784 Posts Drives: 2011.5 E90 M3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: South OC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [0.00]	I don't have power in my garage so nope for me. 03/06 build date on the factory battery. Never have any low battery problems, always starts right up. __________________
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03-29-2012, 04:22 PM	#14
Incompatible Major 55 Rep 1,224 Posts Drives: 07 AW Z4C 3.0Si Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	4/07 build date on mine, factory battery, and no problems. I make it a point to take it out no less then once every two weeks for a minimum of 30 minutes or more. (Now that I've posted this, it's going to die on me.) __________________ 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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03-29-2012, 05:59 PM	#15
Shota15 Private 18 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 07 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Masschusetts iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe [9.00] 2006 Mini Cooper S ... [0.00] 1998 BMW M3 Sedan [0.00] 1984 Pontiac Trans Am [1.00]	Yup, I have my Z4 M, E36 M3, Mini and T/A all on Battery tenders when not in use.
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03-30-2012, 05:07 AM	#17
Hogndos New Member 0 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2003 Z4 3.0i Titanium Silver Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Oregon iTrader: (0)	Battery Tender 24/7 as well...the Harley Road King I own is also on a Battery Tender year round...plugged in after every ride including the fair weather months...I am going on 12 years on that battery...In years past, 3 years was the average expectations for my bikes...I am a BIG believer!
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03-30-2012, 09:06 AM	#18
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 usually only put it on for a bit during the winter (this winter I didn't hook it up at all over 4-6 weeks it was garaged). Original battery is still going strong on my '07. __________________ 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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03-30-2012, 10:03 AM	#20
ANUSTART Captain 35 Rep 956 Posts Drives: Z4 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	I would if mine weren't driven every day. I do with my motorcycles.
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