[james4321]

Hi Guys,
I've got problem... it's not that simple, as I thought.
I have to go on the vessel, cause I'm seaman. And my car will stay on the garage, for 4 months. There is nobody, who could drive around my car.
Here stays just a older woman, and she can turning on engine in garage sometimes. I'll be there for 120 days.
What will be better for my car? And why?
Sometimes turn on engine for 5-10 minutes (at least once a month)? Or don't touch him for 4 months?
Please help, cause I have to go away on monday.

(Sorry for my Eng)

-James

[muncie21]

Put a battery tender (charger) to maintain the battery and leave it alone. Fill the gas tank completely full before you leave.

Starting for only a few minutes will generate condensation as the engine won't get hot enough to burn the water off.

I do this for my car that only gets driven in the summer. I put the car in storage around Oct/Nov and get it out in Apr/May.

[r4dr]

I did something similar to store my car over the winter. Like muncie21 said, battery tender. Full tank of gas w/ fuel stabilizer. I've heard some people say deflate your tires slightly, but I didn't bother.

I would get some fresh oil in there once you take it out of the storage. If the storage environment isn't on the dry side, a bucket of that dehumidifying stuff would be a good idea (place it in its own tray, don't want it to break and spill everywhere).

Good luck at sea.

[bradsm87]

Do NOT have somebody run the car in the garage. That does way more harm than good. All it needs is a trickle charger on the battery.

[jjbmuu]

Battery tender, inflate tires to 50psi or use jack stands, best thing to do would be to drain the oil out completely after warming it up to full operating temp and keep the key hidden with a do not start sign lol. Non humid environment is always good too like mentioned, but a bit extreme depending on where you live. I also wouldn't fill it up with a full tank of gas unless you use fuel stabilizer, but even then just burn it off until the gas light comes on and when you get back get a 5 gallon or so fuel jug and fill it up with fresh gas, that's definitely the best option.

This is what I would do and nothing else.

[james4321]

Thanks for answers! And nice words.
I wanted to know, cause I called to my BMW Dealer, and He said that I have to start engine at least twice a month. That somebody have to go to garage, and start engine for 5-10 minutes. Now I don't know what I have to do...
Well:
1. Unmount battery
2. Full tank of gas (what is fuel stabilizer?)
3. I have got new oil (change 600 miles ago)
I can't drain oil - It will be harm?
I had always diesel engines... and that was always turning on, once a month.

-James

[E30 Racer]

1. Clean the car, make sure the brake rotors are dry and rust free (briefly driving the car will help insure this)
2. Store under a cover
3. Use a Battery Tender
4. Use Stabil
5. Use Damprid (one in the car, one in the trunk)
6. Use a bar of Irish Spring or Coast cut in half and placed at two locations in the engine bay to deter mice.
7. DO NOT DRAIN THE OIL! Huge risk if someone starts the car accidentally!
8. Starting the car is fine if you can let it run for 15-20 min (until the condensation burns off), but you should be fine if this is not feasible.

I've been successfully storing cars for tens of years with this method.

[NightStalker]

Stabil is very important. Regardless if you top off fresh gas. It will keep your fuel fresh for upto 12months.

Gasoline usually starts to degrade in about three weeks time gradually

Id also keep check of tire pressure

[bradsm87]

Absolutely no need to drain the oil. That myth was busted when somebody did a used oil analysis on some oil that had been sitting in the sump of an unused vehicle for 20 years and it was as new!

[james4321]

Thank You very much mates!
Now I'm sure, that I can go and be calm.
I wonder, why dealer says, that I have to start engine...
I'll do this on tuesday, and leave my car without starting for 4 months.
It is a pity that I can't take my car with me.
But, when I come back, what I supposed to do? (I don't know, start engine and leave working for XX minutes, or add some stabil? Or start the car and just enjoy the driving? )
Happy Easter - If You celebrating.

[E30 Racer]

You should be able to drive it as you always do, but I'd check the tire pressures and wouldn't hammer it until everything is properly warmed up, but you do that anyway, right?

[james4321]

Originally Posted by E30 Racer

You should be able to drive it as you always do, but I'd check the tire pressures and wouldn't hammer it until everything is properly warmed up, but you do that anyway, right?

Yes, I always wait for right oil temperature (210F, about 10-15 miles), until drive more than 3000 rpm.
Ok, well on tuesday I'll be fight with my 335i.
Thank U very much for helping me.

[james4321]

Ok, last question. Can I unmount battery from car and take it home?