Hello. I searched the forum and could not find a play-by-play on how to install a battery tender to our 2005 Cooper S. Anyone have an easy step by step instructions or a video link? Thanks so much.

 

The red line goes to the + symbol and the black line goes to the - symbol.

 

You could just watch a video on a generic installation of a Battery Tender, then just adapt it to the specific needs of the MINI. the big question is do you want to hard-wire it, or use the clamps? If you want to hard-wire it where do you want to store the connector? One possibility is you could hard-wire it to the Jump Studs under the hood and run the wire to the front grill so you can pull the connector through the grill opening, so you can connect the Tender without opening the Bonnet.


Motor On!

 

Yes, looking to hard wire and run it through the front grill. The jump studs look like the best option, but I dont think the tenders cable will reach. I need to check later tonight.

 

You can ground the Negative to the Engine Mount close to the Positive Lug.

Mounting to this area is easier than connecting to the battery in the trunk under the floor panel.

Motor On!

 

There are slight changes between years and models. When you want help, it is best to inform of what you own or put it in your signature so it comes up everytime. Makes it eaiser for those who want to help.

 

I just made this to add...

 

Originally Posted by AnOldBiker View Post
There are slight changes between years and models. When you want help, it is best to inform of what you own or put it in your signature so it comes up everytime. Makes it eaiser for those who want to help.

Well since he posted in the Gen 1 section and he mentioned his car was a 2005 S, I'm pretty sure he was asking a fair question for a R53.

 

I did state it was a 2005 Cooper S. I should have put it in the title of the thread.

 

Thanks, this is what I was thinking as well.

 

I put my Battery Tender in the rear. Easily connected. But be sure that if your battery is dead or dying you not close the hatch because if you do you will have to dig under the rear seat for the emergency latch release.

 

Thanks. Are you able to close the hatch with the tender cable sticking out?

 

No.

 

I have a tender on my 2004 R53.....sits right on top of the fuse box under the hood....red lead hard wired to the "+" terminal under the hood next to air cleaner box....."-" lead from tender to ground.

I open hood and run the extension cord from the house just next to the hood release up to the tender 110v electrical plug, then close hood

 

Isd there a particular reason for a battery tender on a Mini?.I don't have that on any of my other vehicles.

Thanks

Fred

 

If your MINI is not a daily driver, this is a must. We average about 500 miles per year on the MINI and the original battery lasted 13 years It is always plugged in when in storage.

 

Just keeps the battery charged correctly during storage. I run a tender on every vehicle I store over the winter. Cheaper than new batteries every year.

 

If not long enough you can get extension cables. I think the shortest is 6' however. Easily found on fleabay.

Regards.
Jerry