Does not matter. Electrically, both places are the same.

 

Agree with above.

When I use mine, I do it from the engine bay because it's easy to get to.

 

Engine bay easier.Route it thru the grills and close the hood .I keep car unlocked.

 

Cool, thanks everyone!

I read somewhere a while ago, it's bad for the hood shocks to keep your hood open for long periods of time. Is there any truth to this?

Sent from my IN2025 using Tapatalk

 

Even if it was - no idea if true or not - they still last for years and years and they only cost $30 to replace when they do finally go bad.

 

I think instead of a simple trickle charger, you really want a quality battery maintainer.

Schumacher Battery Maintainer: Any good?

Anyone have experience using one of these? Sent from my IN2025 using Tapatalk

www.e46fanatics.com

 

Hi all. Recently got an older Outback wagon and the e46 has now become a true sunny day garage queen. With that said, I will be putting her on a trickle charger.

My question is, do I trickle charge in the engine bay or directly at the battery?

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Hope you dont mind me asking, What did you get ? The Ctek Deltran or Schumacher...?

 

The best trickle charger IMHO is the BatteryMinder since it can "desulfate" the battery also. I used them for over 20 years on boats, cars and motorcycles. Get the one that handles all battery types.

Amazon.com: BatteryMINDer 1500: 12 Volt-1.5 AMP Battery Charger, Battery Maintainer, and Battery Desulfator with SmartTECHnology - Designed for Cars, Trucks, Boats, Motorcycles, Snowmobiles, Jet Skis, Golf Carts : Automotive

Buy BatteryMINDer 1500: 12 Volt-1.5 AMP Battery Charger, Battery Maintainer, and Battery Desulfator with SmartTECHnology - Designed for Cars, Trucks, Boats, Motorcycles, Snowmobiles, Jet Skis, Golf Carts: Battery Chargers - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

The best trickle charger IMHO is the BatteryMinder since it can "desulfate" the battery also. I used them for over 20 years on boats, cars and motorcycles. Get the one that handles all battery types.

Most models of CTEK/BMW chargers have that feature.

Get the CTEK 4.3 & the lighter socket adapter, mount the charger on the wall, and you never need to open the hood or trunk, just crack a window and run the cable thru. Plug it in & lock the doors. Done.