Leaving the Car for Long Periods of Time

M

MikeyC

Member
Are there consequences for leaving the M sitting without turning over the engine for weeks on end?

So far it's been a month and I still have another month before I'll be able to push the clutch pedal. Do I take the risk and give the girlfriend the keys? Worrying while she tries to manoeuvre it out the carpark then worrying more when she tries to reverse park it again!
 
First, if at all possible, store the vehicle indoors in a cool, dry environment. And make sure, whether it is indoors or outdoors, that the vehicle is impeccably clean. An indoor setting is the ultimate protection.One of the best ways of preventing the interior destruction of the engine is by making sure all of the fluids are fresh and full. For long periods purchase a fuel stabilizer, which prevents petrol breakdown (causing damage to the engine and fuel line) and allows you to keep the tank relatively full, which keeps out extra airspace. Airspace can lead to moisture and rust.

Take out the spark plugs and line the cylinder housings with oil. Again, this measure prevents corrosion. Change the oil and oil filter. Old oil has all sorts of by-products and acids that can cause damage.If the vehicle is left for extended periods take additional precautions. First, take the battery out and make sure to clean all of the connections. You might also want to jack the vehicle up onto axle stands and add about 10 pounds of pressure to each tire (if they are to remain on). This prevents flat spots. A good waxing will add extra durability to the paint finish.

Finally, take the wipers off so they do not become a permanent attachment to the windshield.The last thing you want is to get the vehicle back on the road, only to find that it's a home for rats, and mice. However, even though it is difficult to seal every crack a mouse could crawl through, it's easy to cover the noticeable holes (such as the tailpipe). If no one is taking the vehicle out for the occasional spin, drop moth balls around the outside for added protection.

(This from a colection of comments from various websites)
 
You think it is ok to disconnect the battery for long periods of time? I would assume that a trickle charger would be a better idea to keep the electronics ticking over.
I leave my car in the garage for about 3 months at a time -
I just give it a good clean, drw, wax
Clean and dry the brakes
over inflate the tyres a bit
fill the fuel tank up to the top
- get the girlfriend to run it for about 20/30 mins every two weeks.
I don't have power in my garage so just leave the battery on.
Chock the wheels and leave the brakes off.
I have had no problems yet! I would consider fuel additive however if leaving for much longer.
 
I do more or less the same as Ben, I also cover up the Z and stuff rags into the tailpipes and have a small heater on a timer that comes on 4 times a day to take any damp out of the garage. The battery is on a trickle charger when out of use for a while, as a just incase.
 
i have an air chamber, my z3m lved in it for five years as my garage is a timber building with a tin roof that condensates a lot, my mate left his z3m with me sometimes an his, in the half of the garage that has no airchamber would be covered in water beads, mine was alwys bone dry. i sold my 3m for 8100 and pd 9100 five years before, an air chamber maintains value, and protects your investment, the guys at airchamber are really helpful, aftersales is first class, i had a fan stop after 18 months and another was sent foc the next day, give them a call today. :D , ps air chamber is now stuffed full of carbon black z4m coupe :thumbsup:
 
consequenses i have noticed , a n increasing desire to get out there and kick its arse down a twisty fast A road!!! :evil: :thumbsup:
 
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