Snowbound Z - what's the best thing to do

[SpaceCoyote]

My Z has been sitting on the drive since Friday night and is covered in snow. I've just been out to clear the snow from the fabric roof and then idled it on the drive until it was up to normal running temperature. Is this a good idea or would I better off just leaving it alone until the snow has gone and I can drive it normally?

 

[Anonymous]

Don't think it makes much difference unless there is loads of snow on the roof lol

 

[mmm-five]

Don't start it up unless you're going to properly drive it as all you'll do is create more condensation in the oils and reduce their effectiveness when you do come to use it properly.

BTW, by properly I mean a good hour's drive.

 

[SpaceCoyote]

Thank you, that's exactly the sort of answer I was looking for. Didn't realise that oil could get condensation in it. I'll leave it alone until the white stuff has vanished

 

[RTDGlobetrotter]

Also, the battery is continually being drained and strained in the cold. The security system is a continual draw on the battery. In cold weather, the battery has less power to turn the motor over for a start, and also will recharge slower. I'd estimate a full recharge could take up to an hour of driving in cold weather. In warmer weather, this will shorten. Therefore, a few cold starts in a row and no good run, the battery will go flat requiring a jump start. Note, this is not to be confused with a dead battery that is not recharging under normal use and needs replacing.

So, in short. Best let it sit, the battery will probably go flat eventually. But running it and ticking over will only hasten this. If security is not an issue, you could disconnect the battery to prevent it going flat. But please consult the manual and make your own call on the security.

 

[Hark]

Also, the battery is continually being drained and strained in the cold. The security system is a continual draw on the battery. In cold weather, the battery has less power to turn the motor over for a start, and also will recharge slower. I'd estimate a full recharge could take up to an hour of driving in cold weather. In warmer weather, this will shorten. Therefore, a few cold starts in a row and no good run, the battery will go flat requiring a jump start. Note, this is not to be confused with a dead battery that is not recharging under normal use and needs replacing.

So, in short. Best let it sit, the battery will probably go flat eventually. But running it and ticking over will only hasten this. If security is not an issue, you could disconnect the battery to prevent it going flat. But please consult the manual and make your own call on the security.

Or just leave a triclkle charger on it while your in over the weekend or something?

 

[GAZA62]

As above leave well alone i left mine for 5 weeks Feb 2009 when we had the really heavy snow fall i was in OZ/NZ so she just sat on the drive when i came back she started first time been out and cleared the snow of the hood today as it was getting a bit high but thats it.

 

[Blue]

The battery should not go flat in such a short space of time, if it does then it's knackered anyway.

I left my old TF in the garage with the interior light on for 4 days and that still started, just.

My dad's Z4 stands for weeks on end and never fails to start, except for the time that the condensation in the oil froze and seized the engine solid!

 

[ferrelscent]

My Z has been sitting on the drive since Friday night and is covered in snow. I've just been out to clear the snow from the fabric roof and then idled it on the drive until it was up to normal running temperature. Is this a good idea or would I better off just leaving it alone until the snow has gone and I can drive it normally?

I think I read somewhere in the owners manual that (regardless of weather conditions) it's not a great idea to let the engine warm up through idling alone, ..much better to warm up while driving. But I don't know why.

 

[SpaceCoyote]

My dad's Z4 stands for weeks on end and never fails to start, except for the time that the condensation in the oil froze and seized the engine solid!

Gulp

 

[Greytay]

Snow.....What snow.......clear blue skies and roof down driving ......Come to sunny Devon...oops just seen a flake. :roll:

 

[Darren M]

I think I read somewhere in the owners manual that (regardless of weather conditions) it's not a great idea to let the engine warm up through idling alone, ..much better to warm up while driving. But I don't know why.

Think it's to do with heat spread and hot spots if those are the correct terms. You want all the compoents and fluids to warm up together (ie, gearbox, clutch, complete engine). If you just start the engine and let it idle without moving it that won't happen. Also, varied use will make it warm quicker. The quicker all the components come up to normal operating temperature the better I think, obviously without putting too much strain on the car though (ie, not over revving it during the warm up process).

 

[GAZA62]

[/quote][/quote]

(ie, not over revving it during the warm up process).[/quote]

Like the salesman did when i went to view my Z Started the car and blipped the throtle in a big way my mate who came with me is a BMW Tech and he cringed at the time

 

[Ewazix]

You won't have damaged anything doing this once, but as previously said it does no good to for the engine & battery, and will leave water in the exhaust and catalyst etc, again not fatal the once but not a good idea to keep doing it.

My old trickle charger was knackered so I'm awaiting delivery of a new CTEK XS 3600 unit for £39 delivered, they make the chargers for BMW etc who ask a lot more so seems a good price and should save the battery.

 

[mason storm]

You won't have damaged anything doing this once, but as previously said it does no good to for the engine & battery, and will leave water in the exhaust and catalyst etc, again not fatal the once but not a good idea to keep doing it.

My old trickle charger was knackered so I'm awaiting delivery of a new CTEK XS 3600 unit for £39 delivered, they make the chargers for BMW etc who ask a lot more so seems a good price and should save the battery.

Interesting read this as I now have a second car with winter tyres on I am leaving my Z tucked up in the garage and wondered how long till the battery goes flat. I think I may investigate a trickle charger depends how long the snow hangs around for

 

[teamemmenracing]

personaly I think you should dig it out, clear the pathway - start the engine and get it up to operating temp - then get out on the road for an hour and hoon about sideways enjoying how well the Zed drives in the snow :lol ....... do this everyday .......