long term auto storage/635CSi

["ra rabmw" <rabmw@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

        KAZ...
                IN regards to storing your 1989 635CSI for 3to5 years,this 
can be done in two different ways.One is much more expensive.If you have no 
insurance, there is at least liability insurance covering the driver from 
their own policy,but not the car's value.Assuming you have someone, or more 
than one,person who can run the car about once every 90-120 days or so 
briefly, you may save considerable money.Have the car run at a standstill 
for several minutes at 1500/2000r.p.m.,using accessories to keep them usable 
in future.Then,have it driven a short distance,constant shifting,and hit 
brakes constantly to wear off rust coating,pumping as well.Whole deal should 
run 25/35 minutes for whoever is there.If the car sits 6/8 months every 
third or fourth trip, you may be alright,but try for regular visits.Before 
the car is started after 6/8 month sit,pulling coil wire briefly to pump oil 
to top of engine is recommended.Leave thin weight oil in to lube better.If 
car isn't in heated garage,bring battery inside,and atleast three or more 
times a year put a teeny trickle charger on it.DO NOT put battery on 
concrete...it will drain dry and dead.Change trans. and diff.gear oil to 
REDLINE if not done already..doesn't sludge like BMW stuff.Leave gas tank 
about 1/3 full, so a little fresh fuel can be added every year;gas can go 
stale.All I can think of for stage one.

                Second option doesn't require as much work for storage,but 
could be VERY expensive when you get home.If your Hydraulics are not close 
to new,(brake system,clutch,power steering,etc.) whole systems may need 
replacement within 30 days of driving, if not when car is started up and 
driven.Radiator may not make it.All belts,hoses,and hydraulic lines will be 
suspect,and all may need replacement.If car is not to move for 3/5 years,you 
need to.......Drain radiator and cooling system;remove spark plugs and 
squirt in motor oil,replacing plugs to seal.(turn engine once or twice to 
coat pistons so they don't freeze up.);remove and lube every bulb 
socket,replace bulbs;leave windows 1/4inch down so motors don't form dead 
spots at full up you use when driving;same on sunroof;lube fuse sockets and 
elec.relay pins;put ATE "superblue" brakefuid in,doesn't hold as much water 
as some absorb;if car is left on the ground,chances are tires will flatspot 
and go square, so relieve suspension and put car on blocks,removing wheels 
or leaving lugnuts loose so they don't weld to the car;leave yourself a note 
they're loose.whew! I missed some, but others will remember for you...good 
luck.                                                                        
                       "RA" / Bob G. bmwcca# 5217

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End of bmw-digest V9 #1443
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