Enhanced Operating Characteristics

The electronic timer in the BMW charger makes it capable of charging batteries precisely time after time. The charge begins in a constant current mode until the voltage rises to a predetermined level. At that point, the electronic control moves the charger into a constant voltage mode, where it remains until the charge is complete. The electronic timer monitors the rate of decrease in on-charge amperage and when the rate slows to a predetermined point, the charger shuts OFF. This assures optimum charge every time, while avoiding overcharge.

BMW of North America, Inc. considers this type battery charger a necessity for proper battery charging and maintenance.
^ The BMW charger is fully automatic. The technician simply connects it to the battery, plugs it into AC power and turns the power switch ON. The charger automatically controls the charge rate while monitoring the charge acceptance of the battery and turns itself OFF at the proper time. The technician has no dials to adjust and no decision to make regarding the length of time the charger remains ON.

^ The output of the BMW charger is controlled to protect the electronics on the BMW automobile. During charge, if an AC voltage spike caused by lightning or some other reason occurs, that spike will be suppressed within the charger. With typical automotive chargers, such a voltage spike could cause extensive damage to the electronics in the automobile because they lack suppression capability.

^ The BMW charger stays at full 12-amp charge rate until the battery is 80% charged. This assures that the battery will get fully charged safely and accurately. The last 20% of the charge is delivered at a considerably slower rate, avoiding overheating of the battery and excessive use of battery water.

^ This charger is also line voltage compensating. When AC voltage rises or falls, it doesn't affect the output of the charger. Because the output remains constant, it is possible to determine accurately when the battery is fully charged and to shut the charger off at the optimum moment.

^ The charger is protected both from reverse polarity connection to the battery and shorting together of the output clips. If the output clips are connected to the battery in reverse polarity, there will be no spark at the clips and no damage to the battery or charger. If the output clips are shorted together. the charger simply won't turn on.

The followlng points are not in the Owner's Manual and should be noted by all operating personnel.

1. After the charger has been properly attached to the car's battery and the ON-OFF power switch on the front panel of the charger has been turned to the "ON" position, there is a 3 second delay before the charger turns "ON". In that time the charger test the battery's voltage and the polarlty of the hook up. If the battery is below 2.5 volts or the polarity is reversed, the charger will not turn ON.

2. When the above has been completed and the charger turns itself "ON", it will charge for 64 minutes. After the 64 minute period, the charger sets a 24 minute timer. At the end of 24 minutes, if the charger does not detect a drop in amperage drawn, it will shut down the charging operation.

In many cases, this is due to a highly sulfated battery. A sulfated battery that shuts down the charger can sometimes be charged if the charger is turned "ON" for a second charging sequence. This second sequence may be enough to break down a mlld sulfation of the plates.

3. The charger will automatically shut down when the battery is fully charged. If the charger encounters a faulty battery, after approximately 17 hours, it will shut down and turn on the fault light.
One battery charger will be provided at no cost to all Automotive Dealers under the Automatic Tool Shipment Program.

Depending on your service volume, we strongly urge you to order additional chargers.

Additional chargers may be purchased at a cost of $150.00 from your Parts Distribution Center.