Z4 Hiatus Already

M

mal_by

Member
 Westminster, London
I woke up this morning very sad.

After less than 2 months of wonderful Z4 fun, I'm going to have to take a 5 month break from driving him as I'm being shipped off to the States for work where I'll have to settle for some silly American muscle to keep me entertained. :(

The car is currently parked on the street in Central London, so the question is do I leave him there, where I can use it instantly for the odd weekend I'm back home :driving: , or do I take it up to my parents' house in Lancashire, where he can stay safe off-road but I won't be able to drive him as easily should I pop back...?
 
I would take it to your parents place i wouldnt leave it in the street in London if i had the choice
 
Parents every day of the week as the car will be safer and they might even turn the engine over for you every few weeks.

Also some plus points if you do pop back you get to go to your parents who will;
1) Think you are great for visiting them (only you will know the real reason you are there!)
2) Will cook you a proper Sunday lunch
3) There are some great roads in Lancashire to enjoy

Enjoy the muscle car and big open roads
 
Hahahah, like the last response.

Obviously not in London ...
 
Austin said:
Parents every day of the week as the car will be safer and they might even turn the engine over for you every few weeks.

Also some plus points if you do pop back you get to go to your parents who will;
1) Think you are great for visiting them (only you will know the real reason you are there!)
2) Will cook you a proper Sunday lunch
3) There are some great roads in Lancashire to enjoy

Enjoy the muscle car and big open roads
Click to expand...

3 equally great points there!

Anybody got any thoughts on whether it's worth getting a car cover or will that do more harm than good?
 
Austin has a pretty solid argument there.

Really can't argue with it (especially number 2)! :lol:
 
mal_by said:
Anybody got any thoughts on whether it's worth getting a car cover or will that do more harm than good?
Click to expand...
If it was a soft-top, I'd say stick a half cover on it to protect the fabric from the elements but, as it's an E89, I'd just get a decent layer of protection (wax or sealant) on it and then wash & top-up the protection when you're visiting your parents
 
I had a similar dilemma except I went to the USA for a year. I decided to sell the car (wasn't a zed) as I didn't want to take
the hit on depreciation and maintenance issues while I was away.
 
dr_john said:
I had a similar dilemma except I went to the USA for a year. I decided to sell the car (wasn't a zed) as I didn't want to take
the hit on depreciation and maintenance issues while I was away.
Click to expand...

That must've been a fairly tough decision, did you buy again once you returned?
 
5 months means empty battery, corroded brakes (possibly seized).

I would garage it, and I would look for something to protect the brakes at least.

It's also not good to have the whole weight on the same point of the tire for so long.
 
Keep it at your parents connected to a battery tender, that way you know it will still start on your return.
Regards
 
Austin said:
Parents every day of the week as the car will be safer and they might even turn the engine over for you every few weeks.

Also some plus points if you do pop back you get to go to your parents who will;
1) Think you are great for visiting them (only you will know the real reason you are there!)
2) Will cook you a proper Sunday lunch
3) There are some great roads in Lancashire to enjoy

Enjoy the muscle car and big open roads
Click to expand...



You know this makes sense. :thumbsup:

As suggested. Trickle charger, tyres inflated to 50psi as per owners manual. Leave out of gear handbrake off and chock the wheels.
 
mal_by said:
dr_john said:
I had a similar dilemma except I went to the USA for a year. I decided to sell the car (wasn't a zed) as I didn't want to take
the hit on depreciation and maintenance issues while I was away.
Click to expand...

That must've been a fairly tough decision, did you buy again once you returned?
Click to expand...

Yes I thought hard about it, but given the circumstances it was the right decision for me at the time. 4 year old Volvo (!), 12 months away in Ohio. I had a garage to leave it in but understood that leaving it standing for a year could badly affect battery, tyres, brake hydraulics, etc etc.

I guess for 5 months it's different, and given that you could leave it with your parents and get Dad to drive it around every week or so it will be fine. I definitely wouldn't leave it parked on the street for weeks at a time.

Yes I bought again once I got back, my company were very good with rental cars for a couple of weeks until I found something.
 
I stored my cars at my parents' house when I lived in Sydney for a year. They were safe and dry in their garage and driven once in a while. I certainly wouldn't leave your car on a London street unattended for weeks to months at a time.
 
The thought of my pride and joy being on a London street when I am thousands of miles away fills me wth horror.

It's got to be at your parents' house.

You already have been supplied with brilliant additional benefits of this.

I would get you Mum and/or Dad insured so that they can take it out periodically. It it was my Dad he would be more appreciative of having the use of a Zed that seeing me!

I narrowly missed the opportunity to work in San Fancisco a few years ago and still regret that it couldn't be made to work, so make the best of being with the crazy guys out there!
 
I doubt very much the car would still be there when you got back if left on the street. Once the local fraternity twig it been left for a long period it will be nicked or stripped of parts in no time.

Tim.
 
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