Storing a 1erfor a few months

romak47 · 08-02-2009, 05:28 AM

Will be interesting seeing how my car has put up with the mild weather of Germany summer while i have been gone. It hasnt been touched for 2 months. Probably wont get touched for another 2 months. My bets the tires might be a bit warped and battery is dead. That and most likely some rust on the rotors. I put some dessicant near them though. Wonder if that helps. ?
Crossing my fingers :P its ok.. Not too worried about suspension since i look at upgrading that soon to ACSchnitzer sport suspension package I think..

ORIGIN M. · 08-02-2009, 07:09 AM

I always inflate the tires to max spec, or put said car on jack stands. You might want to fill the tank once you remove it, then just go drive that little sucker, and don't think twice.

No worries mate.

BrokenVert · 08-02-2009, 07:48 AM

That is a bit bad. A car can't really sit for 4 months and just be fine. You need to start them at least once a month inorder to aviod some nasty things from happening to the engine.

Lester · 08-02-2009, 07:53 AM

Fuel Stabilzer is also a good thing to add to the tank. It prevents the gasoline from becoming 'gummy' while sitting for long periods of time. Fuel Stabilizer is available at most auto accessory stores or even Wal Mart. If your gasoline does become gummy, it can clog injectors and fuel lines. Not to mention how 'fussy' our fuel pumps are.

ORIGIN M. · 08-09-2009, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

That is a bit bad. A car can't really sit for 4 months and just be fine. You need to start them at least once a month inorder to aviod some nasty things from happening to the engine.

Really...

shodanusmc · 08-09-2009, 06:18 PM

Agree on the Sta-bil and a full take of gas. Also tires inflated, slow charger on battery with a bettery tender, and then make sure no mice or other creatures are around it.

HondaGoneRogue · 08-09-2009, 06:57 PM

I left mine for 5 1/2 months here in Germany. Jan.-Jun. I came back and the rear brakes were seized. Rolled forward and they popped loose. They were quite a mess lol. It took a couple of 100-0 mph stops on the autobahn to get them back to normal. Other than that, everything was fine. Had the winter tires on it but only a liitle flat spot. Rounded out quickly. I had it started once every two weeks.

pit1 · 08-10-2009, 09:53 AM

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Experienced many "extra" cars sit through the winter even some at a the NJ shore with no major problems (911s, Z-cars, M3). Just some flat-spotted tires, dead battery and rough ride for bit. Just go easy on her, drive her gently and get some fresh fuel in ASAP. 4 months is nothing for a new car like this. I would do minimal winterizing of my Ducati (tender, stabile, lift) and she would run perfectly every spring.

don't stress it, nothing a quick oil change, and brake flush can't fix.

shodanusmc · 08-10-2009, 04:52 PM

Remember, many brand new cars sit well for over a year and waiting for a new owner to take it home!

romak47 · 08-12-2009, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HondaGoneRogue

I left mine for 5 1/2 months here in Germany. Jan.-Jun. I came back and the rear brakes were seized. Rolled forward and they popped loose. They were quite a mess lol. It took a couple of 100-0 mph stops on the autobahn to get them back to normal. Other than that, everything was fine. Had the winter tires on it but only a liitle flat spot. Rounded out quickly. I had it started once every two weeks.

have the stock summer rims on it, hope those run flats dont mold to much.
Did you have any battery issues? Am betting I will have some fuel pump problems seeing as that i need my HPFP changed already anyways.

Few more weeks and will be back to driving my 1er. !

romak47 · 08-25-2009, 10:58 PM

getting close to returning! cant wait!.

I plan on doing an Oil change as soon as i return.
Any ideas on what else i should do after letting my baby sit for 4+ months?

Not sure how the internals are on this thing. Never had a sports car, hope they arent too temperamental about sitting long times. Guess ill have to drive her softly when i get back for a couple hundo miles..

oh yea.. gotta check my brake pads. hope those arent seized up or break loose when i move it..
Damn i hate Germany weather.. Kills cars!! Miss the dry mild climate of Cali.

HondaGoneRogue · 08-25-2009, 11:06 PM

I think an oil change will do just fine. I am so jealous of you reuniting with your 1er!

jibaholic101 · 08-25-2009, 11:58 PM

check the air in your tires!

romak47 · 08-26-2009, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HondaGoneRogue

I think an oil change will do just fine. I am so jealous of you reuniting with your 1er!

I feel for ya man. How long will it be that you drive a rental and your 1er be on a boat?

Hahah. for some reason this reminds me of a story my grandpa told me of shipping his jeep he bought from the army back to the states from somewhere in Europe. Unfortunetly the boat transporting his jeep was sunk by a German U-boat.. haha thankfully we dont have any of those to worry about any more or a WW2. LOL. *knocks on wood*

jthorst75 · 08-26-2009, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by romak47

I feel for ya man. How long will it be that you drive a rental and your 1er be on a boat?

Hahah. for some reason this reminds me of a story my grandpa told me of shipping his jeep he bought from the army back to the states from somewhere in Europe. Unfortunetly the boat transporting his jeep was sunk by a German U-boat.. haha thankfully we dont have any of those to worry about any more or a WW2. LOL. *knocks on wood*

I guess now you have to worry about pirates!

HondaGoneRogue · 08-26-2009, 09:41 AM

LOL, My gramps had a similar instance while sending my grandma some money. He said that the mailboat was sunk. Or at least that was his story lol. He was @ wiesbaden in '52. He gave me a cool USAFE crested zippo lighter from his unit at that time. It's awesome. Well I shipped it to L.A. so it would be there by 13 Oct. And hopefully it will be there a little earlier. If all goes well, I can fly into LAX, catch a taxi to the port and then take a nice drive down Pacific Coast Highway until I get to my sisters house in Laguna Niguel. So, I had a beater to drive but a co-worker blew it up while I was in Balad. I just said screw it and bought a bike (the pedal kind lol). I only live at the bottom of the farm road in spangtown so it's not that bad. I really hope no pirates get my baby!

romak47 · 09-28-2009, 04:46 PM

Well i got back today after almost 5 months being gone.

My car has not been touched at all that entire time.
Lemme tell ya it was nice taking the cover off my car to see how clean it was just like when i left it. Spotless!!

So a few things worried me about the car on my return and I have to say none of them showed up.
Brakes had minor rust (easily cleaned off after a few stops)
Tires where not warped at all
Battery was not dead at all
And last but not least MY CAR STARTED UP RIGHT AWAY!!

What a beaut !

Driving my car after this long made me fall in love again. Forgot how much of a beast this thing is!

Only downside is that i have a scraping on aft left wheel at some part of rotation.. Annoying and slightly embarasing.
I think its just the brake dust cover though from what ive read in other posts. Gotta get it looked at.

HondaGoneRogue · 09-29-2009, 12:33 AM

Welcome home bro. Me and another cat that just got back went and did a couple laps on the ring yesterday. Wish i knew that you were on that chalk too. Anyway, Time for the eyelids!! You got PM.

romak47 · 10-02-2009, 05:42 PM

thanks for the welcome. Nice to be back.
Still have yet to do the Ring. Gotta get that sticker after a lap or 2. haha.

08-02-2009, 05:28 AM	#1
romak47 Captain 53 Rep 941 Posts Drives: like a bat out of hell Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Storing a 1erfor a few months Will be interesting seeing how my car has put up with the mild weather of Germany summer while i have been gone. It hasnt been touched for 2 months. Probably wont get touched for another 2 months. My bets the tires might be a bit warped and battery is dead. That and most likely some rust on the rotors. I put some dessicant near them though. Wonder if that helps. ? Crossing my fingers :P its ok.. Not too worried about suspension since i look at upgrading that soon to ACSchnitzer sport suspension package I think..
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08-02-2009, 07:09 AM	#2
ORIGIN M. Banned 3160 Rep 9,134 Posts Drives: ///M Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern Hemisphere iTrader: (0)	I always inflate the tires to max spec, or put said car on jack stands. You might want to fill the tank once you remove it, then just go drive that little sucker, and don't think twice. No worries mate.
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08-02-2009, 07:48 AM	#3
BrokenVert Resident Kerbalnaut 477 Rep 10,703 Posts Drives: Topless Brute/Hybrid Boogaloo Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Fahrvergnügen/NY iTrader: (0)	That is a bit bad. A car can't really sit for 4 months and just be fine. You need to start them at least once a month inorder to aviod some nasty things from happening to the engine. __________________
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08-02-2009, 07:53 AM	#4
Lester Brigadier General 295 Rep 3,350 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	Fuel Stabilzer is also a good thing to add to the tank. It prevents the gasoline from becoming 'gummy' while sitting for long periods of time. Fuel Stabilizer is available at most auto accessory stores or even Wal Mart. If your gasoline does become gummy, it can clog injectors and fuel lines. Not to mention how 'fussy' our fuel pumps are. Attached Images
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08-09-2009, 06:18 PM	#6
shodanusmc Captain 21 Rep 774 Posts Drives: 09 135 Vert Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago burb iTrader: (0)	Agree on the Sta-bil and a full take of gas. Also tires inflated, slow charger on battery with a bettery tender, and then make sure no mice or other creatures are around it.
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08-09-2009, 06:57 PM	#7
HondaGoneRogue They like my Swag... 433 Rep 3,762 Posts Drives: 15 GSM 435i GC Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: South Dakota iTrader: (4) Garage List 2015 435i Gran Coupe [0.00]	I left mine for 5 1/2 months here in Germany. Jan.-Jun. I came back and the rear brakes were seized. Rolled forward and they popped loose. They were quite a mess lol. It took a couple of 100-0 mph stops on the autobahn to get them back to normal. Other than that, everything was fine. Had the winter tires on it but only a liitle flat spot. Rounded out quickly. I had it started once every two weeks. __________________ 2015 435i Gran Coupe - Current 2008 AW 135i - Sold
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08-10-2009, 09:53 AM	#8
pit1 Captain 239 Rep 790 Posts Drives: F87 M2 Join Date: May 2008 Location: It's always Sunny... iTrader: (1)	I wouldn't worry too much about it. Experienced many "extra" cars sit through the winter even some at a the NJ shore with no major problems (911s, Z-cars, M3). Just some flat-spotted tires, dead battery and rough ride for bit. Just go easy on her, drive her gently and get some fresh fuel in ASAP. 4 months is nothing for a new car like this. I would do minimal winterizing of my Ducati (tender, stabile, lift) and she would run perfectly every spring. don't stress it, nothing a quick oil change, and brake flush can't fix.
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08-10-2009, 04:52 PM	#9
shodanusmc Captain 21 Rep 774 Posts Drives: 09 135 Vert Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago burb iTrader: (0)	Remember, many brand new cars sit well for over a year and waiting for a new owner to take it home!
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08-25-2009, 10:58 PM	#11
romak47 Captain 53 Rep 941 Posts Drives: like a bat out of hell Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	getting close to returning! cant wait!. I plan on doing an Oil change as soon as i return. Any ideas on what else i should do after letting my baby sit for 4+ months? Not sure how the internals are on this thing. Never had a sports car, hope they arent too temperamental about sitting long times. Guess ill have to drive her softly when i get back for a couple hundo miles.. oh yea.. gotta check my brake pads. hope those arent seized up or break loose when i move it.. Damn i hate Germany weather.. Kills cars!! Miss the dry mild climate of Cali.
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08-25-2009, 11:06 PM	#12
HondaGoneRogue They like my Swag... 433 Rep 3,762 Posts Drives: 15 GSM 435i GC Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: South Dakota iTrader: (4) Garage List 2015 435i Gran Coupe [0.00]	I think an oil change will do just fine. I am so jealous of you reuniting with your 1er! __________________ 2015 435i Gran Coupe - Current 2008 AW 135i - Sold
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08-25-2009, 11:58 PM	#13
jibaholic101 Brigadier General 159 Rep 3,496 Posts Drives: women wild Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (0)	check the air in your tires! __________________ some italian, german, and japanese ones; and on order more of the same
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08-26-2009, 09:41 AM	#16
HondaGoneRogue They like my Swag... 433 Rep 3,762 Posts Drives: 15 GSM 435i GC Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: South Dakota iTrader: (4) Garage List 2015 435i Gran Coupe [0.00]	LOL, My gramps had a similar instance while sending my grandma some money. He said that the mailboat was sunk. Or at least that was his story lol. He was @ wiesbaden in '52. He gave me a cool USAFE crested zippo lighter from his unit at that time. It's awesome. Well I shipped it to L.A. so it would be there by 13 Oct. And hopefully it will be there a little earlier. If all goes well, I can fly into LAX, catch a taxi to the port and then take a nice drive down Pacific Coast Highway until I get to my sisters house in Laguna Niguel. So, I had a beater to drive but a co-worker blew it up while I was in Balad. I just said screw it and bought a bike (the pedal kind lol). I only live at the bottom of the farm road in spangtown so it's not that bad. I really hope no pirates get my baby! __________________ 2015 435i Gran Coupe - Current 2008 AW 135i - Sold
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09-28-2009, 04:46 PM	#17
romak47 Captain 53 Rep 941 Posts Drives: like a bat out of hell Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Well i got back today after almost 5 months being gone. My car has not been touched at all that entire time. Lemme tell ya it was nice taking the cover off my car to see how clean it was just like when i left it. Spotless!! So a few things worried me about the car on my return and I have to say none of them showed up. Brakes had minor rust (easily cleaned off after a few stops) Tires where not warped at all Battery was not dead at all And last but not least MY CAR STARTED UP RIGHT AWAY!! What a beaut ! Driving my car after this long made me fall in love again. Forgot how much of a beast this thing is! Only downside is that i have a scraping on aft left wheel at some part of rotation.. Annoying and slightly embarasing. I think its just the brake dust cover though from what ive read in other posts. Gotta get it looked at.
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09-29-2009, 12:33 AM	#18
HondaGoneRogue They like my Swag... 433 Rep 3,762 Posts Drives: 15 GSM 435i GC Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: South Dakota iTrader: (4) Garage List 2015 435i Gran Coupe [0.00]	Welcome home bro. Me and another cat that just got back went and did a couple laps on the ring yesterday. Wish i knew that you were on that chalk too. Anyway, Time for the eyelids!! You got PM. __________________ 2015 435i Gran Coupe - Current 2008 AW 135i - Sold
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10-02-2009, 05:42 PM	#19
romak47 Captain 53 Rep 941 Posts Drives: like a bat out of hell Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	thanks for the welcome. Nice to be back. Still have yet to do the Ring. Gotta get that sticker after a lap or 2. haha.
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