Winter Storage

[F1Flagger]

OK what is the overall consensus on how to store my 128i for the winter?


Better to change the oil now before storage, or in the spring at start up?

Leave it un-started all winter, (on the charger) With one "dry" start up.
Or try to run it once a month during the winter.

My gut tells me
Change oil in spring, leave it un-started all winter., with fuel stabalizer in the tank

[zkeeper]

You may get several opinions...but I have stored Brit cars and now the Bimmers, and MAYbe it makes no difference on the oils, and depending on the condition of it when it goes INTO storage...but I feel its best to change before storage. I do not like the old oils, moistures and contaminents in there sitting, eating on things. I change in fall, and run it a lot to get it completely hot and cicurlated--then into store.

I am a battery tender using guy--and try to run the car occasionally in the winter. Last year I did not. But usually start up maybe once a month. The key is to run it long enough for full heat in oil and water...just starting and running a bit is perhaps harder on it than not. And letting it idle till fully warm is not best of course. On some good days, this winter its coming out, and get run fully stem to stern on clean roads. I want the tranny and diff also kept limbered up, but its not a necessity. Good luck with your choice.

[pdisher]

Full tank of fuel and fuel treatment....

[Alow]

I have stored mine for the past 2 winters. I've followed the recommendations of mike miller from the BMW CCA. If i remember correctly:
1) fresh oil to store. Don't store with old oil
2) battery tender a must.
3) check on battery once a month. Too hot = problem.
4) close all ac vents.
5) keep rodents at bay with whatever means you deem necessary depending on your storage location.
6) fill tank and use fuel stabilizer before driving to storage location.
7) store it clean.

I think that's it. I don't touch it until March and both times started right up 0 problems.

[F1Flagger]

thank you !