BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-14-2010, 02:57 PM   #1
AntonV
Lieutenant
AntonV's Avatar
38
Rep
524
Posts

Drives: Sedona/Savanna 135i
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (0)

Storage and gasoline life

My car has pretty much become a garage queen since I purchased my "Shaggin Wagon" conversion van. I only drive it about once a week. I haven't been able to drive my car for a month now. They completely ripped up my street, installed new sewers, and are re-paving soon. The street has been ripped up for over a month, and I refuse to get rock chips all over the fenders and wheels.

Here's the point of this post. The gasoline, prolly 1/2 tank, has to be 2.5 months old. What is the shelf life on this stuff? should I burn it up? Top it off with fresh to blend it? Add stabilizer or injector cleaner? Or siphon it out?

I'll start driving it next week, if they're finished with the street hopefully. I have a Hudson valley trip planned with the gf, so I can go through a couple of tanks of gas easily.
__________________
2009 135i Coupe - Sedona Red Metallic - Savanna Beige - 6MT- ///M Sports Package - Boston Leather - Power/Heated Seats

2005 BMW F650 GS - Mandarin Yellow - Farkled
Appreciate 0
      10-14-2010, 03:12 PM   #2
moveswiftly
Colonel
moveswiftly's Avatar
381
Rep
2,926
Posts

Drives: Cayman GT4, 135i
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: NJ

iTrader: (12)

Garage List
2012 335iS  [0.00]
Do you start the car up once a week?
__________________
Current: M2CS

Gone but not forgotten: Cayman GT4, M2C, 2011 135i, E83 X3 6MT, 2016 SO M3, 2012 335iS, 2010 135i and 2006 e90 325xi
Appreciate 0
      10-14-2010, 03:15 PM   #3
AntonV
Lieutenant
AntonV's Avatar
38
Rep
524
Posts

Drives: Sedona/Savanna 135i
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (0)

about once a week, just for 5 minutes while I'm pulling my motorcycle out of the garage.

its also on a battery tender, directly piggybacked to the battery.
__________________
2009 135i Coupe - Sedona Red Metallic - Savanna Beige - 6MT- ///M Sports Package - Boston Leather - Power/Heated Seats

2005 BMW F650 GS - Mandarin Yellow - Farkled
Appreciate 0
      10-14-2010, 03:28 PM   #4
Tom K.
Major General
Tom K.'s Avatar
United_States
124
Rep
5,627
Posts

Drives: '07 328iT, '13 Boxster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Maryland

iTrader: (0)

Unless you ride all winter, you probably have some Stabil around for your bike. I'm finding that their recommended concentration works for at least a year, probably double that if you increase the ratio.

So, since I've read that gas can begin to deteriorate after 6 weeks, I'd add enough stabilizer to your tank to treat 7~8 gallons.

Tom
Appreciate 0
      10-14-2010, 03:32 PM   #5
AntonV
Lieutenant
AntonV's Avatar
38
Rep
524
Posts

Drives: Sedona/Savanna 135i
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (0)

I ride all winter, lol. Heated hand-grips and clothing. Do they sell Stabil at the usual chain stores? Is there a better quaility "enthusiast" brand I should look for?

took this pic on Monday in Bucks County, PA

__________________
2009 135i Coupe - Sedona Red Metallic - Savanna Beige - 6MT- ///M Sports Package - Boston Leather - Power/Heated Seats

2005 BMW F650 GS - Mandarin Yellow - Farkled
Appreciate 0
      10-14-2010, 03:42 PM   #6
Tom K.
Major General
Tom K.'s Avatar
United_States
124
Rep
5,627
Posts

Drives: '07 328iT, '13 Boxster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Maryland

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by AntonV View Post
I ride all winter, lol. Heated hand-grips and clothing. Do they sell Stabil at the usual chain stores? Is there a better quaility "enthusiast" brand I should look for?
My R1200RT has the heated grips & seat, but my aging body prefers the cage when temps go much below 50! (And I'm 100 miles south of you when you are in Bucks Co.) Enjoy!

Since the guy who keeps my snowblower & mower running recommends Stabil, I've been using it for about 10 years or so with good results. I usually find it to be available at most hardware stores.

Tom
Appreciate 0
      10-14-2010, 03:53 PM   #7
AntonV
Lieutenant
AntonV's Avatar
38
Rep
524
Posts

Drives: Sedona/Savanna 135i
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (0)

thanks.

Are you on advrider.com? I waste even more time at work on that forum than I do on this one.
__________________
2009 135i Coupe - Sedona Red Metallic - Savanna Beige - 6MT- ///M Sports Package - Boston Leather - Power/Heated Seats

2005 BMW F650 GS - Mandarin Yellow - Farkled
Appreciate 0
      10-15-2010, 06:32 AM   #8
imported_mega
Colonel
No_Country
122
Rep
2,199
Posts

Drives: various bmw's
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: neverland

iTrader: (0)

I've had it go bad in 3 months in my dirt bikes

I now add 2 stroke tcw3 oil to all my bikes, have not had any more problems
__________________
You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.
Driving e82, e72, e85, R53 Gone but not forgotten..
1974 2002, many various 3s.
Appreciate 0
      10-15-2010, 08:58 AM   #9
vanbmw
Major
vanbmw's Avatar
Canada
130
Rep
1,101
Posts

Drives: 2015 Black 335i
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Vancouver

iTrader: (0)

I don't know the life on gas but I would go with some fuel stabilizer. I was also told that a half tank of gas with stabilizer was the way to go. This way, when you start the car up after storing it you go right to the gas station and fill it up thus adding half a tank of fresh gas.
I was told that starting your car for 5 mintues does more harm than letting it sit. It just causes some water to form in the exhaust and doesn't get warm enough to burn it off. Better to give the battery a charge with you charger and if you are going to run the car...make it a good run!
Appreciate 0
      10-15-2010, 01:26 PM   #10
Lowest_Frequency
Audiophile
United_States
5
Rep
156
Posts

Drives: 2011 GT500
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Arizona

iTrader: (0)

Just to give more responses, see here.
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=442212
Appreciate 0
      10-15-2010, 02:05 PM   #11
AntonV
Lieutenant
AntonV's Avatar
38
Rep
524
Posts

Drives: Sedona/Savanna 135i
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (0)

sorry, getting a little confused..

i plan on driving the car next saturday. Should I add Stabil now? Should I just go and fill up the tank? Should I do both?

I know for the future to add Stabil, but what about the current situation?
__________________
2009 135i Coupe - Sedona Red Metallic - Savanna Beige - 6MT- ///M Sports Package - Boston Leather - Power/Heated Seats

2005 BMW F650 GS - Mandarin Yellow - Farkled
Appreciate 0
      10-15-2010, 03:37 PM   #12
fwmcb
Major
fwmcb's Avatar
Canada
31
Rep
1,107
Posts

Drives: 2015 F30 328i X-drive
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NB

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2010 128i  [0.00]
We've been storing corvettes and other classics for years without using fuel stabilizers and no problems. but even during the winter months they are started from time to time.
Appreciate 0
      10-15-2010, 03:46 PM   #13
The1
Major General
Canada
76
Rep
5,114
Posts

Drives: white 135
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: KW ontario/vancouver temporarily

iTrader: (0)

how long does your tank tend to last you?

if you never let it go below half, you shouldn't have too much trouble with condensation.

also if you run higher octane, even if it starts to break down, it will still be above the recomended octane rating for the car.

if your tank lasts you 3 months, i wouldn't worry about it. The main thing i'd be worried about is flat spots on the tires, so park on some floor mats or over fill the tires, then let the air out the next time you drive.

but i would never let it go anywhere below half if it's being driven on such a rare occasion. when below half, is when the alcohol reaches it's limit of water absorbtion. and more space in the tank lets more air in, thus more condensation.
Appreciate 0
      10-15-2010, 03:48 PM   #14
The1
Major General
Canada
76
Rep
5,114
Posts

Drives: white 135
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: KW ontario/vancouver temporarily

iTrader: (0)

and there's always 1 more option, it's cheaper then getting a bottle of fuel stabilizer, go to a marina and get some of their gas (as long as they have high octane) as it already has stabilizers in it, it will cost more then a regular tank of gas, but less then a bottle of the juice from a hardware store. and a quarter or half a tank of that will help.
Appreciate 0
      10-15-2010, 08:29 PM   #15
JimD
Brigadier General
JimD's Avatar
367
Rep
3,547
Posts

Drives: 128i convertible
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Lexington, SC

iTrader: (0)

The stabilizer is mainly to absorb moisture in alchohol. That occurs immediately so I would add it even though you will burn the gas soon.

It is not worth the risk but I have let gas go all winter in my boat tank with stabilizer and without. I prefer to use it but sometimes I forget or get lazy. I just use the pink stuff they sell at Walmart and auto parts stores. Either with or without I have not had problems. But 2 cycle boat motors are pretty simple burning oil in their gas so they may be less sensitve than modern car engines. I never put stabil in the lawn mower but it's motor is even simpler.

Jim
__________________
128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport
Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
Appreciate 0
      10-15-2010, 09:06 PM   #16
The1
Major General
Canada
76
Rep
5,114
Posts

Drives: white 135
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: KW ontario/vancouver temporarily

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JimD View Post
The stabilizer is mainly to absorb moisture in alchohol. That occurs immediately so I would add it even though you will burn the gas soon.

It is not worth the risk but I have let gas go all winter in my boat tank with stabilizer and without. I prefer to use it but sometimes I forget or get lazy. I just use the pink stuff they sell at Walmart and auto parts stores. Either with or without I have not had problems. But 2 cycle boat motors are pretty simple burning oil in their gas so they may be less sensitve than modern car engines. I never put stabil in the lawn mower but it's motor is even simpler.

Jim
actually alcohol absorbs moisture. that's why if you pour half a liter of water into half a liter of alcohol, you get less then a liter.

it's just down to how effectively the water gets absorbed, if the water doesn't get absorbed into the gasoline/alcohol mix, it separates and you get a layer of water at the bottom. This is where the problem starts.

the fuel pump in your tank has a screen that helps to keep water and other debris from getting sucked up, however, if the water in the bottom of the tank becomes too much, then it will start to get sucked up, then that's when you run into problems with your car trying to inject water into the engine instead of gas.

this is why you keep your tank full. Less room for air in the gas tank, means less condensation is able to form on the inside of the tank.

Now octane deterioration is a whole other subject from condensation in a tank.

Last edited by The1; 10-15-2010 at 11:22 PM..
Appreciate 0
      10-15-2010, 11:20 PM   #17
PGJ
Private
United_States
2
Rep
53
Posts

Drives: 2004 325i, 2007 328i
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

seriously i'd be more concerned about the 5 minute startups....
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:47 PM.




1addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST