Charging directly to the battery.

Wingcowyn

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 23, 2024
Points
13
Is it possible to charge the battery of a Z3 directly to the battery, rather than using the connectors under the bonnet, as the boot is more accessible than the bonnet?
Thanks,
Peter
 

t-tony

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
I always did on my 2000 2,0 Z3 with no ill effects.

Tony.
 

Nodzed

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
M Power
Joined
Feb 18, 2016
Points
231
Location
Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Model of Z
Z3M Imola and Z4 (e89)
I do on the Z3, no issues, it's only later cars that the under bonnet points need to be used.
 

Mint

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
East Anglian Crew
Joined
Sep 23, 2012
Points
222
Location
Stafford
Model of Z
2.2 & 3.0 Sport
Same here, I always connect straight to the battery on both my Z3s.
 

as400

Zorg Guru (III)
Supporter
Joined
Dec 16, 2017
Points
138
Location
Arundel(ish)
Model of Z
2.8 Widebody
I plug into the cigarette lighter, very convienet.
 

Wingcowyn

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 23, 2024
Points
13
Thanks everyone for your replies. My Z3 is a 2000 model, but has only done around 50,000 miles. I will take your advice and try charging it direct to the battery.
Thanks,
Peter
 

motco

Zorg Legend
Joined
Dec 6, 2011
Points
74
Location
Chilterns
Model of Z
Z3 2.2i Sport
If you close the boot whilst charging which you might do if outdoors, be aware that flammable gas can be evolved from the charging process. If this gas accumulates in the closed boot then a spark from the disconnection of the croc clips after charge completion could be very dangerous - explosions have happened apparently. This is why the under-bonnet method is recommended in the manual.
 

Mint

Zorg Expert (I)
Supporter
British Zeds
East Anglian Crew
Joined
Sep 23, 2012
Points
222
Location
Stafford
Model of Z
2.2 & 3.0 Sport
The Bosch battery I have has a vent connected to the outside so in theory there should be no gas in the boot.
 

t-tony

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
As have most (or should have from factory) but even so all you need to do is open n the boot (trunk) and let it vent for a minute. Then unplug the charger from the mains before disconnecting the battery.

Tony.

ps. On later models the under bonnet connections are advised for different reasons I beleive.
 

Pond

Zorg Guru (III)
British Zeds
Joined
Dec 26, 2016
Points
144
Location
Spaldingski, Lincs
Model of Z
Z3 project and E89 Z4
If you close the boot whilst charging which you might do if outdoors, be aware that flammable gas can be evolved from the charging process. If this gas accumulates in the closed boot then a spark from the disconnection of the croc clips after charge completion could be very dangerous - explosions have happened apparently. This is why the under-bonnet method is recommended in the manual.
If that is the case then you can't open the boot or the light coming on will blow you to smithereens. :eek:

Whereas the under-bonnet connections are much safer, what with the engine bay being full of petrol and oil.

:D:D I put those so that others (with no sense of humour) can see It was a tongue-in-cheek comment. Although there is a an ironic truth there somewhere.
 
Last edited:

motco

Zorg Legend
Joined
Dec 6, 2011
Points
74
Location
Chilterns
Model of Z
Z3 2.2i Sport
I've frequently charged many batteries direct to the terminals and never been blown up yet, but the advice is received wisdom from more than one source. If in doubt leave a moment for the gasses to clear.
 

Devon Z

Zorg Guru (III)
Supporter
British Zeds
Joined
Jan 1, 2012
Points
144
Location
Brixham, Devon
Model of Z
99 2.0 Individual
I have the charger two pin plug that was supplied attached to the battery.

I never leave it connected permanently. The cars original battery got cooked by my last one going faulty so once it’s charged I disconnect it.
 

TriumphZ3

Dedicated Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2023
Points
39
I never knew there was an under-bonnet option.... my Z3 has recently had a flat battery every morning, no idea why - just out of the blue - but I've been charging directly to the battery in the boot. Lid open, of course.
 
Top