[Jon D]

It's a long time since I've had to charge a battery and, with car electrics as sophisticated as these, I don't think you can use a standard charger.
My car was parked up for 15 days and, whilst it started perfectly well, I had a warning message to the effect that certain electrical services had been shut down due to a discharged battery (or something like that). Anyway, I took it for a decent run and everything appears to be normal, but I'm now thinking that it might be a good idea to use one of the more modern charger/conditioner units.
Does anyone have any experience of these and, if so, what's a good one to go for?
Thanks,
Jon D.

[briers]

I would be interested in this too as my car gets little use now

I thought you couldn't condition these batteries you had to replace them

[Mr Singh]

CTEK Charger is a worthy investment I have 2 of these, XS7000 and the big boy XS25000.

Can revive sulphated batteries from grave.. almost!

[IanS100]

I have the CTEK MXS 3.6, it won't change a flat battery in 20 minutes but it's excellent for keeping your battery in good condition, used mostly in the winter

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by Mr Singh

CTEK Charger is a worthy investment I have 2 of these, XS7000 and the big boy XS25000.

Can revive sulphated batteries from grave.. almost!

Originally Posted by IanS100

I have the CTEK MXS 3.6, it won't change a flat battery in 20 minutes but it's excellent for keeping your battery in good condition, used mostly in the winter

Thanks both. Obviously I'll have to check my battery capacity first (think it's around 100 Ah), but can you let me know where you bought them - cheers.

[Jon D]

Sorry - daft question on my part . Just found the website and various outlets.
Please cancel the above.

[doughboy]

Jon, was this on your 640i?

If so, the battery is detective or failing, or it wasn't charged properly before you left it. No way a new car should do that.

I often don't run mine for 2 or 3 weeks, even in winter parked outside, never an issue.

Sure a charger is fine for a winter layover, but no need for a couple of weeks or so.

[xenon]

^ +1. I've left mine standing for 2 months and didn't get any of that crap. It just started and went.

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by briers

I would be interested in this too as my car gets little use now

I thought you couldn't condition these batteries you had to replace them

Don't believe the hype. They're functionally the same old lead acid lumps they've been for decades.

But even on a second car, if you're using it intermittently like every week or three, then no need.

If it starts losing charge on its own, its failing, just buy a new one.

[IanS100]

Most problems come from cars that are only used to go round the corner to the shops & back & your consistently taking more out that your putting back, that's when the trickle charger comes in usefulm, particularly in winter. A decent journey every couple of weeks should keep the battery charged if it's in good condition

[HighlandPete]

Jon's car, like mine, had been standing around a bit, so it could be simply the battery isn't up there where it ought to be for charge.

Was a concern I had, I've put some long trips on mine, so hopefully will have no issues, but do run a smart charger on my cars through winter up here, just to ensure top battery condition.

HighlandPete

[Jon D]

Thanks to all for your responses.
I don't know how long the car had been sat idle before I bought it. I did about 800 miles, mostly long trips, after purchase, but it was then garaged for 15 days while I was away on holiday.
I don't think there's any problem because, within about 30 minutes after taking it out, the auto stop/start resumed its normal function and there have been no further warnings.
However, I'll probably be leaving it in the garage for several days at a time over the forthcoming winter, so I've ordered a CTEK MXS 5 from Amazon - can't hurt to do a weekly recharge.

[davyk31]

Whats the cost of the charger you bought Jon, sounds a decent investment.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by davyk31

Whats the cost of the charger you bought Jon, sounds a decent investment.

Just under £60

[foxy-stoat]

What does the volt meter say in the hidden menu while driving, number 9 I think?

Would be a clue to see if its charging as it should or if the battery is failing.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by foxy-stoat

What does the volt meter say in the hidden menu while driving, number 9 I think?

Would be a clue to see if its charging as it should or if the battery is failing.

Volt meter in hidden menu? Don't think I have that option on my F12 640i and, before you ask what I'm doing here on the 3 series forum , I find I get far more technical response from my fellow Brits on E90 Post - not so many of us over on the 6'er forum

[foxy-stoat]

arrr I see....maybe just use a good old fashioned voltmeter then !

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by doughboy

Jon, was this on your 640i?

If so, the battery is detective or failing, or it wasn't charged properly before you left it. No way a new car should do that.

I often don't run mine for 2 or 3 weeks, even in winter parked outside, never an issue.

Sure a charger is fine for a winter layover, but no need for a couple of weeks or so.

The car is one year old, not new, but I agree that I shouldn't be experiencing battery problems.
Following an hour's run last Saturday everything returned to normal and I've had no warnings since.
Last night I was showing a friend all the fancy instrument lighting functions, after which we retired for several glasses of wine - five hours later I found that I'd left the side lights on, but there were no problems with starting this morning.
It probably just touched on the low-voltage warning trigger point when I was away and the 200+ miles I've covered since has fully recharged it. Nonetheless, I shall still give it a monthly topping charge as a matter of course.