CTEK charger hard wired

[Black X5]

I know quite a few on here use CTEK chargers. I want to hardwire mine in with the provided eyelet cables.

Would like to connect in boot. (Not to bonnet charging points)

Is it just a case of connecting it directly to the battery? If so have you used an inline fuse? Or is there a better location to get a permanent live? (Possibly already fuse protected)

BMW of course sell these- how would the dealer wire it in?

Car is an E70.

TIA

[X5Sport]

You could indeed just wire it directly onto the battery.  How would you run the power out to connect the CTEK to the mains?

Certainly with the X6 you can undo the two connection points and link put the eyelets onto them and leave the loose end under the engine bay - and if needed add an in-line fuse to the +ve.  Simply connect the CTEK when needed and with careful routing still be able to shut the bonnet without trapping anything so leaving the car secure and alarmed.

I've not tried it as I always use the clips, but still manage to close everything.  I use an external waterproof 13A point to plug the CTEK itself in on an outside wall.  The garage is 'occupied' be a certain persons's E46 and the X6 is too big to fit anyway.

Changing the subject a little, a new housing estate is about to be built near us, and having looked at the plans nothing much bigger than a 3 series will fit AND the doors be able to be opened!  I'm amazed planners still aren't doing something about it and insisting on bigger garages.  Madness.

Richard

[Black X5]

Yes same as you- waterproof 13a fused external socket.

I reverse the cars onto the drive- hence the need to connect at the rear.

Our garage is currently graced with the Ford RS.  I have told the wife- when we move next, a larger garage or space to build a garage is first priority- forget the kitchen or the garden- the garage is top of the list.

I have connected the lead direct to the battery and then drilled a hole through the plastic storage compartment and screwed it back into place. Now only need to lift the boot floor and connect the CTEK. I will however place an inline fuse in the next couple of days for peace of mind.

Yes you are right about tiny garages on new houses- only for smallish cars or mountain bike, mower etc.

[Caesium]

Do you guys not use your cars for a long period or live in Siberia?

[X5Sport]

I work from home now so even though my X6 is 30 months old I only have 10k on the clock.  It can be a couple of weeks without using the car and it can come up with a warning on the iDrive 'warning Excess Battery Discharge'. 

With tother half not being allowed to drive after the birth of Andrew 7 weeks ago (C Section which got infected)  she's still not allowed to drive, her Mini needs a top up after about a month.  Once she' s driving in in another week or so then it will be used.

Richard

[pvr]

Funny enough, that is where I spend most of my time (well, almost )  )

I don't always the same car either - my M has been in winter cover for 3 months, the Golf since last october. Without chargers, they would be dead ...

[Caesium]

That's worth knowing as I also work from home.

Maybe I'll also have to invest in one of these puppies too!

[X5Sport]

Well worth the expense as it's a battery conditioner as well as a charger.......and BMW just rebadge said beasty.

Richard