Am I a little nuts to not be driving on salted roads?

[AchtungF80]

Since the first snowfall here in NJ, my 135i has been under my $200 California Softweave car cover in my garage and I up till now refuse to drive my car untill enough rain and warmer weather (circa upper 40F) washes away the road salt. I am doing this primarily because I bought my 135i and intend to keep it beyond 5 years and after 5 years, to keep the under carriage components virtually rust free (bolts and hardware).

I do have access to warm water hose all 4 seasons of the year but am not convinced even with this will not be able to spray off any salt grime from the undercarriage.

So my question is this for you detailing nuts like me, should I keep storing my 135i till salt-free roads prevail or am I nuts and should be driving my car all year round without fear?

[123D-M]

I'd drive it. Well I am driving it anyway as I don't have a choice. But honestly, if you wash it regularly it shouldn't rust. I believe there is a 12 year corrosion guarantee anyway.

[Lester]

The bottom of the car is covered with a plastic shield. This should protect it somewhat. However I worry about the wheelwells. It would be possible for salt water to get between the metal and the inner liner. I too keep off the roads until they have been flushed with a lot of rain.

[AchtungF80]

Originally Posted by 123D-M

I'd drive it. Well I am driving it anyway as I don't have a choice. But honestly, if you wash it regularly it shouldn't rust. I believe there is a 12 year corrosion guarantee anyway.

12 year rust perforation warranty, so unless I can punch a hole thru rust within 12 years, I'm doomed.

[ChrisK]

Originally Posted by AchtungE30

Since the first snowfall here in NJ, my 135i has been under my $200 California Softweave car cover in my garage and I up till now refuse to drive my car untill enough rain and warmer weather (circa upper 40F) washes away the road salt. I am doing this primarily because I bought my 135i and intend to keep it beyond 5 years and after 5 years, to keep the under carriage components virtually rust free (bolts and hardware).

I do have access to warm water hose all 4 seasons of the year but am not convinced even with this will not be able to spray off any salt grime from the undercarriage.

So my question is this for you detailing nuts like me, should I keep storing my 135i till salt-free roads prevail or am I nuts and should be driving my car all year round without fear?

You are not the only one, my 135i is in the garage.

[Dave]

drive it to the meet
you know u want to!

[pit1]

BMWs are meant to be driven. A weathered BMW builds character and strengthens your relationship. I've driven all of mine through everything, have to get my money's worth. 5 years of average wear and tear on a BMW with kind owner is nothing.

[UR2SLOW1]

DON'T DRIVE IT You're not the only one who is committed to not driving their 1 till every last spec of road salt/brine has been washed off the roads by the spring rains. Every November I start to panic as I watch the weather and gauge when the first salting will take place. My storage facility is about 5 miles from my house and I refuse to drive the car if the roads have been salted. Those of us who are OCD about our cars have to stick together !!

[Tom K.]

Another issue is the tires. If you haven't mounted winter rubber (or at least have "all-seasons"), it's not a good idea to drive at below freezing temps. This is the main reason my 128i stays garaged - although I'm not anxious to get sand & salt on the underside either.
Tom

[AchtungF80]

Well today I decided to take it out of hibernation and drive it to work. The roads seemed to be a lot cleaner than they were a few days ago after we had some freezing rain. You could actually see the blacktop. The sun was shining and it is bittersweet. It's also supposed to snow again tomorrow here in the tri-state area. Also I'm getting my BMW performance exhaust installed today so its a win-win. But tomorrow, she re-enters hibernation.

[gnpower]

I have a lot of fun with my 1 with DSC and DTC off in the cold weather, it doesn't bother me at all. As soon as that snow hit the ground the car has been under my cover as well and for the same reasons. I do have a truck I can drive so I'm lucky in that respect, but man, I'm sure having 1 withdrawals. I'm spoiled.

[lambammm]

DRIVE IT! it's a car, it's meant to be driven. i threw some winter tires on mine and it does great. just wash it every so often, it should be fine. i hope to see you at the meet. but stay away from those salt spraying trucks!

[AchtungF80]

Originally Posted by lambammm

DRIVE IT! it's a car, it's meant to be driven. i threw some winter tires on mine and it does great. just wash it every so often, it should be fine. i hope to see you at the meet. but stay away from those salt spraying trucks!

Oh you'll see me...in a 135i or not, is the question lol.
I bought an old Jeep to brave those times I pass those salt spraying bastards!

[AchtungF80]

Originally Posted by squeak

STORE IT i would at least baby it if you have a choice!

hehe, I have been storing it so far. My 1 hasn't been driven since the roads have been coated in salt and I have already been called an elitist for it.

[ssabripo]

Lawlz!

[bman6074]

I heard that in the town i drive thru and work in has gotten some new salt that is supposed to be better for cars and not so damaging. Coudl this be true or just hear-say??

[Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!]

Originally Posted by achtungE30

Well today I decided to take it out of hibernation and drive it to work. The roads seemed to be a lot cleaner than they were a few days ago after we had some freezing rain. You could actually see the blacktop. The sun was shining and it is bittersweet. It's also supposed to snow again tomorrow here in the tri-state area. Also I'm getting my BMW performance exhaust installed today so its a win-win. But tomorrow, she re-enters hibernation.

How's the exhaust sounding??? I gotta hear it!

[AchtungF80]

Originally Posted by Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!

How's the exhaust sounding??? I gotta hear it!

Amazing...torture that the soonest I'll drive it will be my house closing in 49 days when we move.

[AtomiK]

Just think about it this way, if you don't drive it, you are paying for something you don't use. Not to mention, you are paying for insurance on a car you aren't going to drive for roughly six months out of the year. Simply put, that is a waste of money. It isn't like the car will spontaneously explode once it hits snow or the mag chloride on the ground.

Additionally, I don't understand why some view the 128i or 135i as a super car worthy of all awards and titles. It is a 1 series. Sure, it may be fast and fun compared to other cars, but it isn't the best car in the world.

/rant

[AchtungF80]

Originally Posted by AtomiK

Just think about it this way, if you don't drive it, you are paying for something you don't use. Not to mention, you are paying for insurance on a car you aren't going to drive for roughly six months out of the year. Simply put, that is a waste of money. It isn't like the car will spontaneously explode once it hits snow or the mag chloride on the ground.

Additionally, I don't understand why some view the 128i or 135i as a super car worthy of all awards and titles. It is a 1 series. Sure, it may be fast and fun compared to other cars, but it isn't the best car in the world.

/rant

Yeah but regardless of that fact, I'm making payments towards owning my car, and in the longer run, all of you "Just drive it already!" types will be envious of a lower mileage, well maintained, pristine 135i 5-10 yrs from now. I like the ability to be able to still see painted wheel well panels free of road gunk or debris in 5-7 years.

On the note about insuring my car for the period its in storage...Act of God type events are what I am protecting my car from. It could also get stolen or damaged in my condo garage by the maintenance people while I'm not there. Its also mandatory to have full coverage on a car when financing it.

Regardless of what went on in this thread, I already made the conscious decision to not drive my car till I move this spring largely based on the condition of the undercarriage of my e30. In replacing and revitalizing the drivetrain, i've had a number of bolts sheer off and or break due to corrosion and had a nice time using easy-out tools to remove these bolts. I also had to treat alot of parts with PB blaster and use brake cleaner liberally to remove years and years of road gunk, sand and debris.

I don't view my car as a super car worthy of all awards and titles. I just view my $37k depreciating asset as something that shouldn't be well, considered and treated like a disposable napkin.

Maybe you will feel differently once you actually have your 135i.

I'm surprised at the number of people in the Detailing / Washing / Waxing / Cosmetic Maintenance forum are pro-salt/pro-winter driving.

[MastaMind]

Originally Posted by achtungE30

Yeah but regardless of that fact, I'm making payments towards owning my car, and in the longer run, all of you "Just drive it already!" types will be envious of a lower mileage, well maintained, pristine 135i 5-10 yrs from now. I like the ability to be able to still see painted wheel well panels free of road gunk or debris in 5-7 years.

Yeah, that about sums it up. I don't drive mine in the snow, rain, etc. I plan on keeping the car for longer than 5 years, so I want to take care if it. I have a beater that I can drive in shitty weather and not worry about my 1.

It's not that the 1 is a super elite car that should never see inclement weather. Rather, it's something that I worked hard for and I want to take care of it.

[AtomiK]

Originally Posted by achtungE30

I just view my $37k depreciating asset as something that shouldn't be well, considered and treated like a disposable napkin.

By no means would I be treating my car like crap. I'm just saying I would drive it as I would do in any other season. Even though there are all the chemicals on the ground, it isn't something that I can't wash off.

The main thing is that I buy a car to drive it. Either way, the car will lose value over time, so why not get your money's worth out of it. But hey, different strokes for different folks.