Battery Tender Jr.........can it be used as a maintainer for my 328i?

FLYIN4D · 12-09-2019, 12:39 AM

Hello guys. I have an ‘08 328i M6 Coupe. I’m usually busy traveling with work and the car sits for weeks at a time. I’d like to put the car on battery maintainer. I’m looking at buying two 12v Battery Tender Jr’s for my 328i and HellCat. Are the BMW batteries AGM, or something else? Ok to use the Tender Jr on my Bimmer? Or another brand that works? Thanks in advance!

ctuna · 12-09-2019, 12:42 AM

Ctek is the preferred brand .
BMW even uses a rebranded ctek.
Model 4.3 or better.
It will handle any kind of battery I believe.

https://www.amazon.com/CTEK-56-959-C.../dp/B00GODGN9E

Your quote says you don't believe in cheap stuff.

FLYIN4D · 12-09-2019, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

Ctek is the preferred brand .
BMW even uses a rebranded ctek.
Model 4.3 or better.
It will handle any kind of battery I believe.

https://www.amazon.com/CTEK-56-959-C.../dp/B00GODGN9E

Your quote says you don't believe in cheap stuff.

Thank you! I’ll check it out. I’m on my iPhone and can’t see my quote LOL. And it’s been like 4-5 months since I last posted on this site. I’ve always had great luck with the usually Deltron Battery Tender brand for my motorcycles, so that is why I asked about The Jr.

One more thing. My car is an ‘08 328i. After my battery takes its last breath and is completely done, what is a good replacement battery?

CTinline-six · 12-09-2019, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLYIN4D

Thank you! I’ll check it out. I’m on my iPhone and can’t see my quote LOL. And it’s been like 4-5 months since I last posted on this site. I’ve always had great luck with the usually Deltron Battery Tender brand for my motorcycles, so that is why I asked about The Jr.

One more thing. My car is an ‘08 328i. After my battery takes its last breath and is completely done, what is a good replacement battery?

My 2009 has it's OEM battery. I've read that there is an EverStart Maxx from WalMart that fits, but the amount of life from them seems to vary. Personally when mine dies I'll be buying an OEM because they seem to last the longest.

John 070 · 12-09-2019, 08:29 AM

Seems like a lot of different ones are coming out now. I wonder if they are any better/worse than Battery Tender, which is a brand? I have a 1.5A and 3A battery tender. I saw one yesterday at Costco which was a 4A for $29--wonder if its algorithm is any better/worse than Battery Tender. Maybe have been branded Duracell don't remember....

I know I pulled a battery out of a car which I didn't like, it's been out 1 year, on and off a tender all this time. Throw a tester on it and it has 98% health, passes a load test, and pretty much the CCA on the label. I just didn't like it as my wife's SUV seemed to always be running at a high voltage (it is supposed to drop down once the battery is fully charged).

Imho the best is one of those made for RVs. Not only do they have 3 steps, they can supply clean power for coding--the 55A model can use a standard outlet, but the 70A model needs a 20A AC circuit.

ctuna · 12-09-2019, 11:06 AM

I have 8 years on a Interstate Megatron 49/h8
I put it on the ctek maybe once or twice
a month to fill it . Its not as strong as it first was
but it seems still good.

From your first post

"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price has been forgotten. There's nothing more expensive than a cheap BMW."

Ariakas · 12-09-2019, 10:59 PM

Battery Tender Jr works fine, just takes longer to fully charge the battery since 750mA. I use it in winter as I barely drive my 335i, sometimes park car over a month.

tlow98 · 12-10-2019, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTinline-six

My 2009 has it's OEM battery. I've read that there is an EverStart Maxx from WalMart that fits, but the amount of life from them seems to vary. Personally when mine dies I'll be buying an OEM because they seem to last the longest.

The max is a good battery but just be sure to set the charge rate at 80Ah when you code it to get the most life. It’s not a 90Ah battery like most of the stock units.

johnmyster · 12-10-2019, 08:59 AM

My car just spent the better part of three months on a 3A battery tender. I have the hardwired cable hooked to the battery in the trunk, and hook it up in the garage if I'm not driving it for more than a few weeks...business travel when I have a rental. Also makes it easy to plug in if I'm ever doing extended maintenance sessions with doors open, cycling water pump, etc.

I also put the charger on a TP Link KASA smart outlet switch and set it to run two hours, two or three days a week, as an additional measure. Probably overthinking it, but why not.

ryan stewart · 12-10-2019, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

Ctek is the preferred brand .
BMW even uses a rebranded ctek.
Model 4.3 or better.
It will handle any kind of battery I believe.

https://www.amazon.com/CTEK-56-959-C.../dp/B00GODGN9E

Your quote says you don't believe in cheap stuff.

Ive been using this for the car and motorcycles (both traditional an lithium based) batteries for ages now and everything has been fine. I even got their battery indicator plugs to make it quick.

And "re-branded" is an understatement. Its literally JUST a sticker that separates the $180 BMW part # from the $90 one on Amazon.

I like it because it has multiple charging modes and does intelligent conditioning. I feel better about swapping it between different capacities, etc. Its good for both (relatively) high speed charging, reviving a dead battery and trickle charging.

ferocity02 · 12-10-2019, 10:06 AM

Jr works great, I use it when I leave the car for a week or more.

mweisdorfer · 12-10-2019, 10:17 AM

Dewalt makes a nice one. I use it when coding or using MHD. Never had a problem. It keeps the battery above 14.5v when coding etc.

DEWALT DXAEC80 30 Amp Bench Battery Charger: 80 Amp Engine Start, 2 Amp Maintainer, 120V AC Outlet, 3.1A USB Port, Battery Clamps https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDJZC1M..._As87DbFA9CDMZ

John 070 · 12-10-2019, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price has been forgotten. There's nothing more expensive than a cheap BMW."

I need not hear such things, as I am contemplating a used S63 AMG (W221). I've seen CPO as cheap as $38k. I know there is a catch, has to be....

FLYIN4D · 12-12-2019, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

I have 8 years on a Interstate Megatron 49/h8
I put it on the ctek maybe once or twice
a month to fill it . Its not as strong as it first was
but it seems still good.

From your first post

"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price has been forgotten. There's nothing more expensive than a cheap BMW."

Ahhh. Yep, comes up when on the computer, but not on my iPhone. Lol. I bought a Battery Tender Plus.

Welcome to NBA Jam · 12-12-2019, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John 070

Seems like a lot of different ones are coming out now. I wonder if they are any better/worse than Battery Tender, which is a brand? I have a 1.5A and 3A battery tender. I saw one yesterday at Costco which was a 4A for $29--wonder if its algorithm is any better/worse than Battery Tender. Maybe have been branded Duracell don't remember....

I know I pulled a battery out of a car which I didn't like, it's been out 1 year, on and off a tender all this time. Throw a tester on it and it has 98% health, passes a load test, and pretty much the CCA on the label. I just didn't like it as my wife's SUV seemed to always be running at a high voltage (it is supposed to drop down once the battery is fully charged).

Imho the best is one of those made for RVs. Not only do they have 3 steps, they can supply clean power for coding--the 55A model can use a standard outlet, but the 70A model needs a 20A AC circuit.

No idea how much they differ. I bought this thing years back for $57. I really like it. I wanted something that could jump start, charge, and recondition.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01BYF...TF8&th=1&psc=1

GeorgeR · 12-28-2019, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

Ctek is the preferred brand .
BMW even uses a rebranded ctek.
Model 4.3 or better.
It will handle any kind of battery I believe.

https://www.amazon.com/CTEK-56-959-C.../dp/B00GODGN9E

Your quote says you don't believe in cheap stuff.

Also interested in confirmation on if the OEM battery is AGM. In my case, for a 2009 335i Coupe. I have more need to use it now after adding a trunk corner loaded subwoofer and I need to remove it to look at the battery.

I have a new CTEK MXS 5.0 and it has an AGM mode instead of the snowflake (Cold) mode and want to know if I use Normal or AGM when charging.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CD44RQO..._t1_B00GODGN9E

Thanks

spazzz · 12-28-2019, 07:40 PM

I have been using the AGM with the normal car light. So 2 middle yellow lights.
In the manual it says normal will charge most AGM and AGM will charge most AGM batteries like Optima and Odyssey.
You probably noticed the difference is charge to 14.4 or 14.7.
I have an Advance Auto Autocraft

Crap I just read something saying AGMs don't like to be charged above 14.4. I went out and changed the mode to normal.

12-09-2019, 12:39 AM	#1
FLYIN4D In The Lane Next To You 27 Rep 69 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 328i 6MT Coupe Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Heaven iTrader: (0)	Battery Tender Jr.........can it be used as a maintainer for my 328i? Hello guys. I have an ‘08 328i M6 Coupe. I’m usually busy traveling with work and the car sits for weeks at a time. I’d like to put the car on battery maintainer. I’m looking at buying two 12v Battery Tender Jr’s for my 328i and HellCat. Are the BMW batteries AGM, or something else? Ok to use the Tender Jr on my Bimmer? Or another brand that works? Thanks in advance! __________________ "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price has been forgotten. There's nothing more expensive than a cheap BMW."
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12-09-2019, 12:42 AM	#2
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,101 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Ctek. Ctek is the preferred brand . BMW even uses a rebranded ctek. Model 4.3 or better. It will handle any kind of battery I believe. https://www.amazon.com/CTEK-56-959-C.../dp/B00GODGN9E Your quote says you don't believe in cheap stuff. Last edited by ctuna; 12-09-2019 at 12:53 AM..
	Appreciate 1 CTinline-six6816.00 Quote

12-09-2019, 08:29 AM	#5
John 070 Lieutenant General 1705 Rep 14,829 Posts Drives: 335i cpe Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: ZSP/ZPP/ZCW iTrader: (0)	Seems like a lot of different ones are coming out now. I wonder if they are any better/worse than Battery Tender, which is a brand? I have a 1.5A and 3A battery tender. I saw one yesterday at Costco which was a 4A for $29--wonder if its algorithm is any better/worse than Battery Tender. Maybe have been branded Duracell don't remember.... I know I pulled a battery out of a car which I didn't like, it's been out 1 year, on and off a tender all this time. Throw a tester on it and it has 98% health, passes a load test, and pretty much the CCA on the label. I just didn't like it as my wife's SUV seemed to always be running at a high voltage (it is supposed to drop down once the battery is fully charged). Imho the best is one of those made for RVs. Not only do they have 3 steps, they can supply clean power for coding--the 55A model can use a standard outlet, but the 70A model needs a 20A AC circuit.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-09-2019, 11:06 AM	#6
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,101 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	I have 8 years on a Interstate 49/h8 I have 8 years on a Interstate Megatron 49/h8 I put it on the ctek maybe once or twice a month to fill it . Its not as strong as it first was but it seems still good. From your first post "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price has been forgotten. There's nothing more expensive than a cheap BMW."
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-09-2019, 10:59 PM	#7
Ariakas New Member 20 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 335i xDrive Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Battery Tender Jr works fine, just takes longer to fully charge the battery since 750mA. I use it in winter as I barely drive my 335i, sometimes park car over a month.
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12-10-2019, 08:59 AM	#9
johnmyster Private First Class 111 Rep 112 Posts Drives: 2011 e92 n52 Join Date: May 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (7)	My car just spent the better part of three months on a 3A battery tender. I have the hardwired cable hooked to the battery in the trunk, and hook it up in the garage if I'm not driving it for more than a few weeks...business travel when I have a rental. Also makes it easy to plug in if I'm ever doing extended maintenance sessions with doors open, cycling water pump, etc. I also put the charger on a TP Link KASA smart outlet switch and set it to run two hours, two or three days a week, as an additional measure. Probably overthinking it, but why not.
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12-10-2019, 10:06 AM	#11
ferocity02 Colonel 530 Rep 2,083 Posts Drives: 2013 135is Join Date: May 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (8)	Jr works great, I use it when I leave the car for a week or more.
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12-10-2019, 10:17 AM	#12
mweisdorfer Major General 1903 Rep 6,968 Posts Drives: 2007 Black/Black 335i e90 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Holly, MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW E90 335i [0.00] 2008 bmw x5 [0.00]	Dewalt makes a nice one. I use it when coding or using MHD. Never had a problem. It keeps the battery above 14.5v when coding etc. DEWALT DXAEC80 30 Amp Bench Battery Charger: 80 Amp Engine Start, 2 Amp Maintainer, 120V AC Outlet, 3.1A USB Port, Battery Clamps https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XDJZC1M..._As87DbFA9CDMZ
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12-28-2019, 07:40 PM	#17
spazzz Private First Class 122 Rep 150 Posts Drives: 2008 535xi MHD&XHP,2013 X1 35i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Madison,WI iTrader: (0)	I have been using the AGM with the normal car light. So 2 middle yellow lights. In the manual it says normal will charge most AGM and AGM will charge most AGM batteries like Optima and Odyssey. You probably noticed the difference is charge to 14.4 or 14.7. I have an Advance Auto Autocraft Crap I just read something saying AGMs don't like to be charged above 14.4. I went out and changed the mode to normal. Last edited by spazzz; 12-28-2019 at 07:58 PM..
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