Prepping for first winter storage

G

GNR1

Member
Hi All !
Almost a new Z4 owner. Final negotiations in next couple of days for Z4.

It is a southern car coming up to New England.
I would like to run it as much as possible until the evil snow flies.
My plan is to bring it to the storage facility, and power wash the whole underside and exterior ---GENTLY !!

Has anyone done this before putting to bed for a few months?

Thanks for the help !!
 
I'm a new Z4 owner myself but have been winter storing my fun cars for decades, if you are going to power wash the bottom just make sure the car has ample time to dry out completely before storing. Wash the exterior of the car well and apply good coat of wax, to avoid that musty smell when you first open the doors in the spring I buy a bag of real hardwood charcoal (Not briquettes) open the top and set it on the seat.
The charcoal soaks up moisture and any smells, quality charcoal like Kingsford should not have a smokey smell to it.
Depending on what kind of storage facility you use it might also be a good idea to to block up the intake and exhaust with some old T-shirts to keep the critters out. Once the smell of mouse pee gets into your it is almost impossible to get it out.
 
You don’t say which generation of Z4 but battery maintenance is a key issue if you are planning to store it up for the winter.

If you have power then keep the battery on float charge with a modern charger.

If you haven’t got power and you don’t mind leaving the boot open then depending how cold your winter is, just discounting the battery and charging it mid winter or take it somewhere warmer and charge it once or twice.

As others said , don’t jet wash and store in damp conditions otherwise the discs n calipers will rust up.

Ideally a fresh oil change before storage is the pro approach.

Enjoy the car :thumbsup:
 
Thanks, B21.

2007 Z4 3.0i. Car should be up here in MA next week . I plan on taking the battery home, and charging periodically during the winter, as long as removal doesn't scramble it's brains --which according to what I've read will not.

My trick is to run it up until it looks like snow is imminent, storing before they salt the roads. Will plan on washing undercarriage
leaving enough time for thorough drying. My intended storage area is about 10 minutes away.

Will covering in storage encourage critters? Don't want mice chewing through my nice leather upholstery ! Maybe better off leaving uncovered and giving a good wash in April.

All suggestions welcome !

Thanks again all !!
 
B21 said:
If you haven’t got power and you don’t mind leaving the boot open then depending how cold your winter is, just discounting the battery and charging it mid winter or take it somewhere warmer and charge it once or twice.
Click to expand...
That's not something I've ever encountered with my vintage cars, so if I remove the battery for the winter in the Z4 I have to leave the trunk open?
 
grannyknot said:
B21 said:
If you haven’t got power and you don’t mind leaving the boot open then depending how cold your winter is, just discounting the battery and charging it mid winter or take it somewhere warmer and charge it once or twice.
Click to expand...
That's not something I've ever encountered with my vintage cars, so if I remove the battery for the winter in the Z4 I have to leave the trunk open?
Click to expand...

I was referring to the E89…I think the E85/E86 has a conventional boot lock..? :thumbsup:
 
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