using a trickle charger on F30

[m0lt3n]

So I dont drive my car a lot and the battery (Idrive) complain each time I do get around to it. After some 200km the yellow triangle on my dash will go away and stop start will work again. So I was thinking of starting to charge it with a trickle charger when parked, I dont want to have my battery die on me to soon.

I do not stay near a BMW dealer and car is almost out of motorplan.

My question: Can I use the Optimate 4 on my car? Its suited for the CANBUS system on my bike. (BMW 1200GS, some fancy electrical system without fuses called CANBUS) I was thinking if its fine for the bike I can connect it on my car?
Is there a Hella plug somewhere on the car?

 

[DieselFan]

How much is not a lot? Once a week? Once a month? Once every 6 months. Maybe the battery is already on its way out... If so maybe try have the battery replaced under mp. I don't have an answer for you question though.

 

[Ralf*]

I cannot answer specifically on the F30, but I asked the same question a year or two ago, because I am only one person with 2 cars, and the daily drive is barely 20km return.

I would always disconnect the battery before putting it on charge, but was becoming a "ball-ache".

then I was given advice, that if it is a low amp trickle charger it should be OK

since then I have been alternating every 2nd or 3rd day between the E38 and the E39 putting them on trickle charge for about 8 hours or so, without disconnecting any battery

no problems so far, but then the electronics on the E38/E39 might not be as sensitive and susceptible as they might be on your F30

The advice given about getting a new battery whilst still on MP, is excellent, as a battery that is already showing "stress" as yours seems to be, will only get worse

 

[m0lt3n]

I have about a year left before I will run out of kilos on motorplan. At that time I will make sure to report the battery to have it replaced in time. (but I will start a thread on motorplan closeout stuff :rollsmile: )

Currently car will stand for at least 3 weeks at a time. Then I will drive at least 100km.

I would like to connect the trickle charger somewhere on the car without disconnecting the battery (that's actually rather difficult). Anyone know? (and I want to put on charge and forget it.)

Thanks guys for the feedback so far

 

[DieselFan]

I have about a year left before I will run out of kilos on motorplan. At that time I will make sure to report the battery to have it replaced in time. (but I will start a thread on motorplan closeout stuff :rollsmile: )

Currently car will stand for at least 3 weeks at a time. Then I will drive at least 100km.

I would like to connect the trickle charger somewhere on the car without disconnecting the battery (that's actually rather difficult). Anyone know? (and I want to put on charge and forget it.)

Thanks guys for the feedback so far

You can connect it in the engine bay