X3M on battery tender?

to_riffic · 02-03-2020, 10:46 PM

Anyone hook up their X3M to a battery tender yet? What's the best method for running the cable to the battery? I'm guessing like all BMW's of the last 10yrs, it's somewhere in the back.

Anyone have a guide on how to get to it? Sorry if this has already been covered. My battery is under "battery management" when I opened the door this evening so looks like my Blackvue on 12hr record interval seems to have sucked the life outta my battery pretty quickly.

crst4s · 02-04-2020, 05:47 AM

Battery is in the trunk. I have used a battery charger with my XM3. There are connections under the hood. Check your owner's manual. Direct connection to the battery is not recommended.

SRHinVA · 02-04-2020, 06:01 AM

Agree with crst4s, I would not hook the tender up directly to the battery. I have done it by using the "clip" attachments that came with the tender versus the ones that you can bolt directly to the battery terminal clamps. Unfortunately, there is no way to attach these to the access points in the engine compartment. There is a bit of distance between the charging poles, so you may have to find a different spot to ground depending on how long the wires are. Hope this helps.

to_riffic · 02-04-2020, 11:12 AM

I'll take a look. Thanks gents

Max Well · 02-05-2020, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by to_riffic

Anyone hook up their X3M to a battery tender yet? What's the best method for running the cable to the battery? I'm guessing like all BMW's of the last 10yrs, it's somewhere in the back.

Anyone have a guide on how to get to it? Sorry if this has already been covered. My battery is under "battery management" when I opened the door this evening so looks like my Blackvue on 12hr record interval seems to have sucked the life outta my battery pretty quickly.

This question seems to arise often so I arranged a few images showing our BMW trickle charger set-up (was planning on connecting my wife's X3MC tonight anyway). Straightforward if you have a garage, as you connect early evening and unplug the following morning. The attachment points are in the engine bay and easily reached. No need to worry about where the battery is located for trickle charging. Usually takes about 12-14 hours for our systems to go from red to flashing green (occ get solid green).

to_riffic · 02-05-2020, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max Well

This question seems to arise often so I arranged a few images showing our BMW trickle charger set-up (was planning on connecting my wife's X3MC tonight anyway). Straightforward if you have a garage, as you connect early evening and unplug the following morning. The attachment points are in the engine bay and easily reached. No need to worry about where the battery is located for trickle charging. Usually takes about 12-14 hours for our systems to go from red to flashing green (occ get solid green).

thanks for providing the connecting points with the photos!

SM2 · 02-06-2020, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by to_riffic

Anyone hook up their X3M to a battery tender yet? What's the best method for running the cable to the battery? I'm guessing like all BMW's of the last 10yrs, it's somewhere in the back.

Anyone have a guide on how to get to it? Sorry if this has already been covered. My battery is under "battery management" when I opened the door this evening so looks like my Blackvue on 12hr record interval seems to have sucked the life outta my battery pretty quickly.

Connections points are in the hood. You can connect a battery tender and hide the cable between the inner headlight and hood.

SM2 · 02-06-2020, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Max Well

Quote:

Originally Posted by to_riffic

Anyone hook up their X3M to a battery tender yet? What's the best method for running the cable to the battery? I'm guessing like all BMW's of the last 10yrs, it's somewhere in the back.

Anyone have a guide on how to get to it? Sorry if this has already been covered. My battery is under "battery management" when I opened the door this evening so looks like my Blackvue on 12hr record interval seems to have sucked the life outta my battery pretty quickly.

This question seems to arise often so I arranged a few images showing our BMW trickle charger set-up (was planning on connecting my wife's X3MC tonight anyway). Straightforward if you have a garage, as you connect early evening and unplug the following morning. The attachment points are in the engine bay and easily reached. No need to worry about where the battery is located for trickle charging. Usually takes about 12-14 hours for our systems to go from red to flashing green (occ get solid green).

How many X3Ms do you have?

pluckydks · 02-10-2020, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SM2

How many X3Ms do you have?

I'll answer for him...two..he's got two. One for his wife, one for himself. His and hers X3MCs

moff · 05-10-2020, 10:56 AM

Hey everyone, just wanted to check the battery spec as my smart charger has 2 options - 12V or 12V AGM?

thanks

BMWZ4 · 05-10-2020, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moff

Hey everyone, just wanted to check the battery spec as my smart charger has 2 options - 12V or 12V AGM?

thanks

Believe you want to select AGM

E92LNGCGY · 05-20-2020, 09:33 PM

Hi,

I am looking to purchase a battery tender for the F97. I understand BMW uses a rebranded Ctek. Does this one work on the F97? See link. Thanks.

https://smartercharger.ca/collection...s/ctek-mxs-5-0

sayemthree · 05-23-2020, 02:54 AM

i use the griots battery tender. attached under the front bonnet on the left ( as in pics above). works great.

https://www.griotsgarage.com/product...ortby=ourPicks

FSociety · 06-03-2020, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWZ4

Believe you want to select AGM

Should select Lithium, these batteries are Lithium so a charger that's correct will correctly maintain these properly.

TheusBimmer · 06-03-2020, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FSociety

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWZ4

Believe you want to select AGM

Should select Lithium, these batteries are Lithium so a charger that's correct will correctly maintain these properly.

oh? Battery says AGM? first time I hear about lithium

BMWZ4 · 06-03-2020, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheusBimmer

oh? Battery says AGM? first time I hear about lithium

Same here. I thought I should be selecting the AGM mode. Mind you, I haven't put the vehicle on the tender in some time, but now wondering if I damaged the batt?

spta97 · 06-03-2020, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheusBimmer

oh? Battery says AGM? first time I hear about lithium

I thought AGM as well.

I did a search and it seems even older M3/4s had Lithium batteries.

Can anyone confirm this is a Lithium battery?

BMWZ4 · 06-03-2020, 12:35 PM

Found this on the G20 forum - seems the Li batt is under the hood and the AGM is in the trunk as usual. Li batt ostensibly for powering some of the other 'electrics' possibly? I'm sticking with the AGM setting on my tender. I recall asking my dealer ages ago and they said AGM (yes I know, they could be mistaken, but I've known these guys for over a decade).

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1652385

FSociety · 06-03-2020, 07:03 PM

My 17' F80 M3 = Lithium
My 18' F90 M5 = Lithium (Shocker)
MY 20' X4M = also lithium because its lighter and better at energy

Information is available on realoem.com

dwd08 · 06-03-2020, 07:17 PM

This link says it is AGM. It does mention all the M models that have a Lithium battery.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...ery/1VnYsMPZJq

Mikiee · 06-04-2020, 06:18 AM

X4M is AGM as well. Check out REALOEM

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=61_2369

spta97 · 06-04-2020, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWZ4

Found this on the G20 forum - seems the Li batt is under the hood and the AGM is in the trunk as usual. Li batt ostensibly for powering some of the other 'electrics' possibly? I'm sticking with the AGM setting on my tender. I recall asking my dealer ages ago and they said AGM (yes I know, they could be mistaken, but I've known these guys for over a decade).

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1652385

I recall reading in another thread that the extra battery under the hood (Lithium) was for the remote heating function (not remote start).

Not sure as it was a while ago I read it.

However, it seems the consensus is if you have a single battery in the hatch it is AGM.

02-03-2020, 10:46 PM	#1
to_riffic Lieutenant General 3024 Rep 13,759 Posts Drives: rwd Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (38)	X3M on battery tender? Anyone hook up their X3M to a battery tender yet? What's the best method for running the cable to the battery? I'm guessing like all BMW's of the last 10yrs, it's somewhere in the back. Anyone have a guide on how to get to it? Sorry if this has already been covered. My battery is under "battery management" when I opened the door this evening so looks like my Blackvue on 12hr record interval seems to have sucked the life outta my battery pretty quickly. __________________ ~loud noises~
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-04-2020, 05:47 AM	#2
crst4s Private First Class 229 Rep 191 Posts Drives: BMW iX M60 Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Oregon iTrader: (0)	Battery is in the trunk. I have used a battery charger with my XM3. There are connections under the hood. Check your owner's manual. Direct connection to the battery is not recommended.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-04-2020, 06:01 AM	#3
SRHinVA Enlisted Member 36 Rep 33 Posts Drives: 2016 F31 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Roanoke, VA iTrader: (0)	Agree with crst4s, I would not hook the tender up directly to the battery. I have done it by using the "clip" attachments that came with the tender versus the ones that you can bolt directly to the battery terminal clamps. Unfortunately, there is no way to attach these to the access points in the engine compartment. There is a bit of distance between the charging poles, so you may have to find a different spot to ground depending on how long the wires are. Hope this helps. __________________ Current--2016 F31, 2007 997.1 Targa 4S, 1990 Landcruiser LJ71 JDM Past--2007 E91, 2008 E60 550M
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-04-2020, 11:12 AM	#4
to_riffic Lieutenant General 3024 Rep 13,759 Posts Drives: rwd Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (38)	I'll take a look. Thanks gents __________________ ~loud noises~
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-10-2020, 10:56 AM	#10
moff Colonel 1363 Rep 2,495 Posts Drives: X4M Competition Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Nottingham GB iTrader: (0)	Hey everyone, just wanted to check the battery spec as my smart charger has 2 options - 12V or 12V AGM? thanks __________________ Arrived! 2022 X4M Competition, SPY + Black Merino Gone: 2019 X3M Competition, Toronto Red, Adelaide Grey.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-20-2020, 09:33 PM	#12
E92LNGCGY Lieutenant Colonel 433 Rep 1,732 Posts Drives: F97/Q5/982 GT4 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Hi, I am looking to purchase a battery tender for the F97. I understand BMW uses a rebranded Ctek. Does this one work on the F97? See link. Thanks. https://smartercharger.ca/collection...s/ctek-mxs-5-0
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2020, 02:54 AM	#13
sayemthree Major General 597 Rep 5,448 Posts Drives: ‘20 X3mC ‘20 Raptor ‘04 X3 6mt Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: usa so cal , AZ iTrader: (0)	i use the griots battery tender. attached under the front bonnet on the left ( as in pics above). works great. https://www.griotsgarage.com/product...ortby=ourPicks __________________ Fore Sale Rare 6 speed manual X3 3.oi silver over grey. PM me
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2020, 12:35 PM	#18
BMWZ4 Major General 1908 Rep 5,102 Posts Drives: '23 X1/'23 Allroad Progressiv Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	Found this on the G20 forum - seems the Li batt is under the hood and the AGM is in the trunk as usual. Li batt ostensibly for powering some of the other 'electrics' possibly? I'm sticking with the AGM setting on my tender. I recall asking my dealer ages ago and they said AGM (yes I know, they could be mistaken, but I've known these guys for over a decade). https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1652385 __________________ '11 Z4 30i (retired);'11 X3 28i (retired); '15 M235i Stage 1 Dinan (recalled & crushed); '16 M235i Stage 3 Dinan (retired); '15 X3 28i (retired); '14 328i (retired), 2019 X3M40i (retired); Loaded '18 X1 (retired); Loaded '20 X3MC DG, Black/Tan Merino (retired); Loaded '23 X1 Cape York green and Red/Black interior; '23 Audi A4 Allroad Progressiv
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2020, 07:03 PM	#19
FSociety IG @bmwF9xG80 3812 Rep 7,593 Posts Drives: G80 M3, X4M, G07 X7m50 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: NYC to NJ to Orlando FL iTrader: (3) Garage List 2023 BMW G80 M3 [0.00] 2020 BMW X4MC [0.00] 16' BMW X4 M40i [10.00] 06 Cadillac STS [0.00]	My 17' F80 M3 = Lithium My 18' F90 M5 = Lithium (Shocker) MY 20' X4M = also lithium because its lighter and better at energy Information is available on realoem.com __________________ 60-130mph 6.5s X4M #HCP 60-130mph 5.0s G80 M3 #OrlandoAutowerks Sauce IG: @bmwF9XG80
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2020, 07:17 PM	#20
dwd08 Enlisted Member 7 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2020 X3M Competition Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: IL iTrader: (1)	This link says it is AGM. It does mention all the M models that have a Lithium battery. https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...ery/1VnYsMPZJq
	Appreciate 1 BMWZ41908.00 Quote

06-04-2020, 06:18 AM	#21
Mikiee Enlisted Member 28 Rep 39 Posts Drives: 2002 CB M5, 2020 DG M5 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Wentzville, Missouri iTrader: (0) Garage List 2002 BMW M5 [0.00] 2020 BMW M5 [0.00]	X4M is AGM as well. Check out REALOEM https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=61_2369
	Appreciate 1 BMWZ41908.00 Quote

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search