Anyone use a trickle charger?

[leosayer]

My X5 can go a couple of weeks between drives and I have a decent ctek trickle charger which I could use to keep the battery topped up, especially during winter.

According to the BMW accessory catalogue, their trickle charger can be plugged into the 12v socket in the boot. Anyone done this?

[X5Sport]

Not personally but it is certainly possible as that socket stays live and I have read of folks doing it.....unlike the later generation ones in which the sockets all cut out when you take the key out so you can't even keep a cool box running!!  All my sockets go dead so charging only (easily) possible from under the bonnet.

I think the CTEK ones (BMW rebadge there's) come with the attachment, or it can be bought as an accessory.

R

[V12 EGO]

We have found that the charge on the X5 can disappear quite quickly if the car isn't used regularly. I have a trickle charger installed in my garage and connect it to the jump points under the bonnet periodically to get things topped up.

[pvr]

CTEK XS3600 on all my cars (and tractor ) . Just works.

[flyfs6]

I had bought a CTEK XS3600 but I found the lead too short for comfort, because when connected to the X5 the charger used to dangle in air.

I now use an official BMW charger, virtually identical to the CTEK model and manufactured by them as well. I have sometimes left it connected for months.

Word of warning, the BMW charger cigarette lighter end, requires an adaptor to be installed in the boot (connects to the battery). I found buying another attachment from BMW, to convert cigarette lighter end to crocodile clips, to connect directly to the battery a more practical solution.

Good luck 

[pvr]

I am re-modeling my garage, so I have a power socket right next to each car now 

[malc1950]

Got mine today a CTEK MSX5.0 connected it to the car after 2min it was showing 80% charged i will leave it connected overnight till midday tomorrow then see what its showing,and then hopefully my Wabasto will work oK as its been sensing a low battery and not fireing up,

[X5Sport]

>:([quote="pvr"]
I am re-modeling my garage, so I have a power socket right next to each car now 
[/quote]
And a fuel nozzle?  Or is that the next mod?  No red diesel I hope..... :nono: O:-)

[pvr]

Diesel tank considered yes, and at £1.20 in bulk looks quite attractive now.

[shadrack]

[quote="pvr"]
I am re-modeling my garage, so I have a power socket right next to each car now 
[/quote]

is the socket by the abarth to plug in the hair straighteners, clippers etc?