I've done some searching on these forums regarding CTEK stuff and getting some mixed and old outdated reviews from some CTEK's that aren't in production anymore, and also some US / UK differences.

I looked on a local Halfords autoparts website and it has these in stock.. and an extra battery connecting cable. What is the difference and why the extra for the MXS 10 over the 3.8? Is the more expensive one needed for regular maintenance trickle charges??

I currently have a cheap one I'm using at the minute and it seems to be doing the job, but I think the battery needs to be changed.

Also, for it to reach in the house socket, I have it connected via an extension reel inside the boot and the wire leading from the reel into the house. Is this OK?

 

I have used different models of CTEK units including the least expensive 12v CTEK unit; they all do exactly what they are supposed to do, that is, charge and maintain the battery. The length of time the charging takes varies according to the specifications of the unit, but otherwise they all do pretty much the same job. But if you have an AGM battery you will need one of the CTEKs that has an AGM setting because the charging pattern for an AGM is different than that for a flooded battery.

 

Sounds good to me.. and is it ok if it has a extension reel going from boot area to the house socket?

 

Probably, but personally I’m not comfortable closing my trunk/boot lid on a house current extension cord. For my wife’s car, which sits in the driveway, with the maintainer in the garage, I use a maintainer extension to just run the 12 volt line out to the car.
The Ctek branded extensions are probably pricy, so I use the SAE style connector extensions (which mate with my Deltan maintainers), and use a SAE to Ctek adapter to connect those style cables to the Ctek.

 

I wasn't impressed, by the CTEK maintainers. However the NOCO Genius maintainer/chargers are very good. So I got the 2amp model. 1 amp for the onboard computers and 1 amp the charge the battery. LOL! A green light flashes when charged, but at 1 amp for the battery, don't worry about overcharging. Rated outside capable, but not for AGM. However my AGM doesn't object to it, and NOCO shows a green light often.

 

I noticed over the week end that my CTek MUS 4.3 had died (after 10 yrs continuous service) so I was in the market for a replacement. I settled on the MXS 5.0 model this time, not entirely because of the cost but that it offers a dedicated AGM mode rather than relying on remember the 'winter' mode is much the same setting on the MUS model. I had changed over to an AGM battery when the original one bit the dust last December (got a full 11 years out of it!) and am speculating it's demise may have contributed to the CTek's failure.

I disassembled the box for a look see but found there was a definite noxious burn smell and oily residue (probably a cap that collapsed). No desire to attempt a repair as I wouldn't trust a repair of something that is essentially a black box.

 

The MXS 5.0 is a popular choice and absolutely fine even for normal charging if you are not in a massive hurry. The version sold by Jaguar for these cars is a fairly mid-sizes unit too IIRC.

 

Another vote for CTEK MXS 5.0 from me. I have two of them. Mid priced and perfectly adequate. They replaced an earlier model which failed after eight years of regular use.

The CTEK extension cable is useful for the XK. My F-Pace charges through connections in the engine compartment and requires use of the crocodile clip connectors.

Graham

 

I still own 2 CTEK 3300s but have been using the MXS 5.0 for the last 2 years. The first 5.0 crapped out on me after 8 months but CTEK promptly sent me a replacement. Works as it should.

 

I think any manufacturer would say that their most expensive option, is the best.

But I decided to see what all the commotion was about. I did notice a few things
1. Not all the options are adjusted for agm batteries, if you need that.
2. Some of the options are trickle chargers and not maintainers.
3. Not all the options have a sufficient power output, satisfying the Ah capacity of the battery in your car. Namely the cheaper options.
4. Not all offer a start option. Of course if the battery was on a maintainer and you still need the start option… you might need a new battery, lol.
5. There are idiot proof models. That is no need to distinguish the difference between + and -, and how to attach. Go figure.