Getting An '08 Ready For Winter

[Playnice]

Hey guys,

So this will be my first Canadian winter in my 135i.

Couple of things, I'm looking for advice on any preemptive maintenance to get the car ready for the coming winter months.

It gets probably as low as only -10 celcius here in Vancouver (sorry eastcoasters )

The thing is often, it will rain then freeze over night. This was a huge pain in the ass in my old e46, and my door handle would stick alot and other random shit.

I noticed the driver and passenger windows in the 135 automatically (click) after closing the door into place. Has anyone had any issues with that? Should I lube up the rubber seal every once in a while?

Thanks guys for your maintenance routines.

[6MT_Addict]

Originally Posted by Playnice

Hey guys,

So this will be my first Canadian winter in my 135i.

Couple of things, I'm looking for advice on any preemptive maintenance to get the car ready for the coming winter months.

It gets probably as low as only -10 celcius here in Vancouver (sorry eastcoasters )

The thing is often, it will rain then freeze over night. This was a huge pain in the ass in my old e46, and my door handle would stick alot and other random shit.

I noticed the driver and passenger windows in the 135 automatically (click) after closing the door into place. Has anyone had any issues with that? Should I lube up the rubber seal every once in a while?

Thanks guys for your maintenance routines.

What is your mileage at? If you're over 100,000km and on the factory water pump, swap it out along with the thermostat and flush the coolant (prior to removing the WP). The last thing you want is to be stranded with a waterpump failure in winter.

Other than that, fresh oil for the freeze/thaw, winter tires for the ice (I know many of you west coasters don't use winter tires often, but with the RWD it's worth it IMO), washer fluid with alcohol to prevent freezing (i.e. All year or winter) new wipers if yours are streaking, and a little lube on the seals. I've heard a light film of Vaseline works well as ice can't freeze to it, but I store my 1er in the winter. On my daily/winter I use some lube on the seals to keep it from sealing during ice/freezing rain/post car wash but these are traditional doors with framed Windows.

For general maintenance, check out Mike Millers schedule, PDF available via Google.

[drunkenup]

Battery in good shape? I know that is going to be on the list for my winter prep

[litebulb]

I've been driving my cab for 6 years as a DD, no issues in our winters. Even though we don't get much snow, I highly suggest winter tires, especially since your in North Van.

[Playnice]

Thank you guys for your input.

I do have winter tires so ill knock that off the list.

Great idea about the vaseline, will definitely be getting some.

Im taking my car in for a servicing this weekend, ill ask about a water pump.

Cheers!

[6MT_Addict]

Originally Posted by Playnice

Thank you guys for your input.

I do have winter tires so ill knock that off the list.

Great idea about the vaseline, will definitely be getting some.

Im taking my car in for a servicing this weekend, ill ask about a water pump.

Cheers!

If you would have a shop do the pump it may be best to wait, it's an expensive job in the shop but a relatively easy DIY job.