Re: Need anyone's tip on preserving batteries (archive)

Hi B.
I like the sound of the one you found, I'm going to check that one out at the dealer and/or BMW parts places as well, sounds too good to be true, never heard of it before, but here is what Bert was doing last year:

Posted by Bert Smith on October 06, 2000 at 19:10:11:
In Reply to: Re: Can a car do trickle without damage? posted by CarlH on October 06, 2000 at 14:59:09:

(posted from: max4-2-200-097.pyramid.net (206.100.200.97))
There are "smart chargers" on the market that only charge to a pre-set level, and then cycle on and off to maintain it. The problem with the 850 is that you really don't know which battery you are charging, and as we all know, the car likes 2 fully charged batteries. I solve this problem by attaching a 3rd battery to the charging posts, and disconnecting the other two, and charging them individually. The "smart charger" is connected to the 3rd battery, and left on all winter long, except to charge the car batteries every 30 days to start and run the car as I have previously described.

Other then taking it out at least once a week, can anyone share any good tips on how you preserve a rarely driven E31 from non-starting everytime? I put on 600 miles in the last 6 months.

Thanks

Allen
'91 850i

Hi Allen

I have the same problem. There is this gizmo I found at CircleBMW http://www.circlebmw.com/parts/access/battery-cat.htm) it is a battery "babysitter" I would call it. Haven't purchased it, I trust the board has experience with it, and may provide unbiased opinions.

They call it a battery charging system. Part #82 11 0 026 663 Runs $52.95 on sale I think. It plugs into your lighter and also to an outlet. After reading their summary it sounds logical.

Anyone have experience with this item?

B. White

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