Winter Storage

integraworks · 10-21-2011, 03:10 PM

It's getting close to the time when I put my Z down for the winter. Should I be adding stabilizer to the fuel? It is stored in a heated garage, and I do start it up every few weeks and run the engine up to temperature, but I am wondering about stabilizing the fuel to protect from the hygroscopic effects of E10 (ethanol).

The benefits of fuel stabilization are obvious, but are there any drawbacks in terms of effect on the fuel system?

jparnes1 · 10-21-2011, 03:46 PM

It can't hurt to add stabilizer. There is no need to start the car up every few weeks. In fact it can be bad. Just hook it up to a trickle charger so the battery won't drain and you're good to go.

az34 · 10-21-2011, 04:01 PM

fuel stabilizer is a must.always give me peace of mind for a few box I agree whit JPARNES dont start it let it sleep til autumn.

Mr. ///M3 RD · 10-21-2011, 04:16 PM

I asked this exact question of my very experienced SA when I drove the Z4 30is, he drives a Porsche and also stores it in the winter time.

His advise was ... Increase air pressure all around by 4 to 5 PSI above recommended and remove the battery.

I did exactly that and again the next winter on my Z4 35i and all was well. However, on the Z4 35i I could not resist and take her out here and them on dry days in order to do it I did purchase a set of winter rims and tires.

It will be difficult to hide such a fine car under a winter cover

az34 · 10-21-2011, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by az34

fuel stabilizer is a must.always give me peace of mind for a few box I agree whit JPARNES dont start it let it sleep til autumn.

of course you know I mean spring.

cdeslandes · 10-21-2011, 10:13 PM

1. Use fuel stabilizer
2. Keep tire pressure high
3. Use a battery trickle charger
4. Don't start the engine unless you intend to drive the car
5. Wash it, wax it then cover it
6. Watch for rodents; put mothballs or rat poison under the hood; plug the exhaust

jparnes1 · 10-21-2011, 10:32 PM

If you still have RFT's on your car it's unnecessary to increase tire pressure. There's no concern about developing a flat spot because the sidewalls are so stiff.

mstevens · 10-23-2011, 10:53 AM

I typically store it overnight in the barn and drive it during the day all winter.

BMWZ4 · 10-24-2011, 08:09 AM

and...DON'T remove the battery. Just hook-up your trickle charger. If you disconnect the battery, you'll lose all your current settings. PITA to reset everything the way you had it (seats, mirrors, anything in iDrive etc).

And no need to increase tire pressure for your run-flats. If you have non-runflats, buy yourself some tire cradles; picked up a set last year and they work great.

Dave

copperplate · 10-24-2011, 08:25 AM

Do you guys prefer to connect your trickle charger to the battery directly or to the jump start points under the hood?

jparnes1 · 10-24-2011, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by copperplate

Do you guys prefer to connect your trickle charger to the battery directly or to the jump start points under the hood?

Under the hood is far easier, but I guess it really doesn't matter if you want to open up the battery compartment.

BMWZ4 · 10-24-2011, 12:18 PM

I'm pretty certain it's recommended to hook-up the trickle charger to the terminals in the engine bay.
Dave

fisherman · 10-24-2011, 12:31 PM

Last year was my first season of winter storage in an insulated, but not heated, garage. I used a trickle charger connected to the terminal in engine bay, and also used fuel stabilizer . Worked perfect, and car was good as new in the spring- started right up with no problems.
I also covered the car with a cheap cover to keep the dust and dirt off.

flpnout · 05-05-2013, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jparnes1

Under the hood is far easier, but I guess it really doesn't matter if you want to open up the battery compartment.

I found the positive under the hood, where is the negative or ground? I need to store my cars since I will be in Europe for 6 months. I found it in the M3, but I can't seem to find it in the Z4.

flpnout · 05-05-2013, 11:43 AM

Nevermind - I just found the negative post. lol

nicknaz · 05-06-2013, 12:44 AM

I used to store my mc in the winters... One other thing I would do is change the oil. Probably an "old wives' tale" kind of thing but I was told by motorcycle mechanic that "impurities" in the oil should not be allowed to sit in the engine all winter.

Personally, I do everything suggested above but when possible I drive the car up to full operation temperature, top up gas and add more stabil. I've had less problems in spring when I ran the bike a few times than when I let it sit all winter

TitanTim · 05-06-2013, 05:39 AM

There is no need to do anything if storing over winter its only a couple of months, just make sure you don't put the car away wet and watch for rodents as a friend had a family of mice make their nest in his Z3Ms engine bay and spent the winter eating the wiring. Give the Zed a good run before storing,

I had the Z4 stored from beginning of November until end of March, hooked up to a CTEK charger and just leave the EPB off and chock the wheels. The fuel and fluids will be fine unless your leaving it over 12 months or more.

Worst thing to do is go starting the engine and leaving it to idle as you will get water in the exhaust and cylinder head etc.

Tim.

10-21-2011, 03:10 PM	#1
integraworks Private 17 Rep 88 Posts Drives: 2010 Z4 s35i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	Winter Storage It's getting close to the time when I put my Z down for the winter. Should I be adding stabilizer to the fuel? It is stored in a heated garage, and I do start it up every few weeks and run the engine up to temperature, but I am wondering about stabilizing the fuel to protect from the hygroscopic effects of E10 (ethanol). The benefits of fuel stabilization are obvious, but are there any drawbacks in terms of effect on the fuel system?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-21-2011, 03:46 PM	#2
jparnes1 Colonel 241 Rep 2,387 Posts Drives: 2016 340i, 2012 Z4 35i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	It can't hurt to add stabilizer. There is no need to start the car up every few weeks. In fact it can be bad. Just hook it up to a trickle charger so the battery won't drain and you're good to go. __________________ 2016 340i XDrive, EBII/black, 6 MT, M Sport, Track Handling, Cold Weather, Tech, Lighting, Driver Assistance Plus. 2012 Z4 35i, ED 2/24/2012, Melbourne Red Metallic, Black Leather, Carbon Trim, 6MT, M Sport, CW, PP, PS, NAV, CA.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-21-2011, 04:01 PM	#3
az34 Major 54 Rep 1,014 Posts Drives: 2009 z4sdrive35i 2008 x5 3.0i Join Date: May 2011 Location: montréal iTrader: (0)	fuel stabilizer is a must.always give me peace of mind for a few box I agree whit JPARNES dont start it let it sleep til autumn.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-21-2011, 04:16 PM	#4
Mr. ///M3 RD Happy Camper 612 Rep 7,869 Posts Drives: C63 AMG & 280 SL on Weekends : Join Date: May 2010 Location: GTA, Ontario - Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 1969 Restored Merce ... [7.50] 2011 M3 Coupe TRADED [7.34] 1987 BMW 535is [1.00] Cars from the Past [6.50] The ///M3 Engine S65 [9.59]	I asked this exact question of my very experienced SA when I drove the Z4 30is, he drives a Porsche and also stores it in the winter time. His advise was ... Increase air pressure all around by 4 to 5 PSI above recommended and remove the battery. I did exactly that and again the next winter on my Z4 35i and all was well. However, on the Z4 35i I could not resist and take her out here and them on dry days in order to do it I did purchase a set of winter rims and tires. It will be difficult to hide such a fine car under a winter cover __________________ Cheers, Rolf-Dieter Life will take us to some interesting places, fortunately The ///M3 will too with a many of us know this very well, now my C6.3 AMG with 487 HP does it too ---> Click here for some good stuff I found
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-21-2011, 10:13 PM	#6
cdeslandes Captain 27 Rep 676 Posts Drives: 2010 Z4 s35i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 Jeep Wrangler ... [0.00] 2013 Volvo XC90 [0.00] 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35i [8.67]	1. Use fuel stabilizer 2. Keep tire pressure high 3. Use a battery trickle charger 4. Don't start the engine unless you intend to drive the car 5. Wash it, wax it then cover it 6. Watch for rodents; put mothballs or rat poison under the hood; plug the exhaust __________________ 2010 BMW Z4 s35i 2014 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2013 Volvo XC90
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-21-2011, 10:32 PM	#7
jparnes1 Colonel 241 Rep 2,387 Posts Drives: 2016 340i, 2012 Z4 35i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	If you still have RFT's on your car it's unnecessary to increase tire pressure. There's no concern about developing a flat spot because the sidewalls are so stiff. __________________ 2016 340i XDrive, EBII/black, 6 MT, M Sport, Track Handling, Cold Weather, Tech, Lighting, Driver Assistance Plus. 2012 Z4 35i, ED 2/24/2012, Melbourne Red Metallic, Black Leather, Carbon Trim, 6MT, M Sport, CW, PP, PS, NAV, CA.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-23-2011, 10:53 AM	#8
mstevens Lieutenant 119 Rep 512 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M4Misano Blue Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Hampshire & Cozumel, Mexico iTrader: (0)	I typically store it overnight in the barn and drive it during the day all winter. __________________ 2004 E85 Z4 3.0 Sport - Sold to brother \| 2004 E83 X3 xDrive3.0i - Gone \| 2011 E89 Z4 35is - Gone \| 2011 F25 X3 xDrive35i - Gone \| 2014 E89 Z4 E89 35is - Gone \| 2014 F25 X3 xDrive 30i X3 - Gone \| 2017 F83 M4 Cabriolet - Gone \| 2017 F25 X3 xDrive30i - Gone 2020 G29 Z4 M40i Misanoblau \| 2020 G01 M40i Phytonicblau Casa Suzana, vacation rental villa in Cozumel, Mexico
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2011, 08:09 AM	#9
BMWZ4 Major General 1908 Rep 5,102 Posts Drives: '23 X1/'23 Allroad Progressiv Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	and...DON'T remove the battery. Just hook-up your trickle charger. If you disconnect the battery, you'll lose all your current settings. PITA to reset everything the way you had it (seats, mirrors, anything in iDrive etc). And no need to increase tire pressure for your run-flats. If you have non-runflats, buy yourself some tire cradles; picked up a set last year and they work great. Dave __________________ '11 Z4 30i (retired);'11 X3 28i (retired); '15 M235i Stage 1 Dinan (recalled & crushed); '16 M235i Stage 3 Dinan (retired); '15 X3 28i (retired); '14 328i (retired), 2019 X3M40i (retired); Loaded '18 X1 (retired); Loaded '20 X3MC DG, Black/Tan Merino (retired); Loaded '23 X1 Cape York green and Red/Black interior; '23 Audi A4 Allroad Progressiv
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2011, 08:25 AM	#10
copperplate New Member 2 Rep 14 Posts Drives: 4 Wheels and an Engine Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Do you guys prefer to connect your trickle charger to the battery directly or to the jump start points under the hood?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2011, 12:18 PM	#12
BMWZ4 Major General 1908 Rep 5,102 Posts Drives: '23 X1/'23 Allroad Progressiv Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	I'm pretty certain it's recommended to hook-up the trickle charger to the terminals in the engine bay. Dave __________________ '11 Z4 30i (retired);'11 X3 28i (retired); '15 M235i Stage 1 Dinan (recalled & crushed); '16 M235i Stage 3 Dinan (retired); '15 X3 28i (retired); '14 328i (retired), 2019 X3M40i (retired); Loaded '18 X1 (retired); Loaded '20 X3MC DG, Black/Tan Merino (retired); Loaded '23 X1 Cape York green and Red/Black interior; '23 Audi A4 Allroad Progressiv
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-24-2011, 12:31 PM	#13
fisherman Private 2 Rep 92 Posts Drives: 2011 sDrive 30i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: RI iTrader: (0)	Last year was my first season of winter storage in an insulated, but not heated, garage. I used a trickle charger connected to the terminal in engine bay, and also used fuel stabilizer . Worked perfect, and car was good as new in the spring- started right up with no problems. I also covered the car with a cheap cover to keep the dust and dirt off.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-05-2013, 11:43 AM	#15
flpnout Major 81 Rep 1,264 Posts Drives: 2010 Dinan S3 Z4-35i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA iTrader: (8) Garage List 2010 E89 Z4 [7.83]	Nevermind - I just found the negative post. lol __________________ 2015 BMW i3 REX
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-06-2013, 12:44 AM	#16
nicknaz Lieutenant General 3187 Rep 10,509 Posts Drives: C6Z Join Date: May 2008 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	I used to store my mc in the winters... One other thing I would do is change the oil. Probably an "old wives' tale" kind of thing but I was told by motorcycle mechanic that "impurities" in the oil should not be allowed to sit in the engine all winter. Personally, I do everything suggested above but when possible I drive the car up to full operation temperature, top up gas and add more stabil. I've had less problems in spring when I ran the bike a few times than when I let it sit all winter
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-06-2013, 05:39 AM	#17
TitanTim Private 3 Rep 86 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 sDrive 2.0 M Sport Join Date: May 2012 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	There is no need to do anything if storing over winter its only a couple of months, just make sure you don't put the car away wet and watch for rodents as a friend had a family of mice make their nest in his Z3Ms engine bay and spent the winter eating the wiring. Give the Zed a good run before storing, I had the Z4 stored from beginning of November until end of March, hooked up to a CTEK charger and just leave the EPB off and chock the wheels. The fuel and fluids will be fine unless your leaving it over 12 months or more. Worst thing to do is go starting the engine and leaving it to idle as you will get water in the exhaust and cylinder head etc. Tim. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote