BMW M3 Forum (E90 E92)

BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   M3Post - BMW M3 Forum > E90/E92 M3 Technical Topics > DIY Guides/ Discussions
 
BPM
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      01-07-2013, 07:46 AM   #1
DopeM3
M Power
DopeM3's Avatar
United_States
80
Rep
1,293
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NH

iTrader: (8)

DIY: How to propertly store you car

Hey Everyone,

I’ve been doing a lot of research on what to do to store your car away for the winter. There are probably other posts out there but decided to make my own post on how to store your car property so here goes:

Things you will need:

Sta-bil (To keep the fuel fresh) *Note: One year
Car cover (Get a good quality car cover)
Full tank of gas
Battery Tender Plus
Some plywood pieces

Let’s get one thing straight before hand.. Battery trickle charger VS. Battery tender charger. Essentially, you are better off with a battery tender because there is a self-monitoring system that knows when the battery needs to be charged. It shuts off automatically when the battery has been charged fully. The battery trickle charger will most likely fry the battery if you leave it connected for a long time (months) without any supervision.

So I included some pictures of everything. To start off, make sure your car is clean inside and out. A good layer of wax will do wonders. Clean and treat the leather.



Before filling up tank, start by putting in some Sta-bil. Then fill up your tank (helps to mix everything up).



Cut a few pieces of plywood. Drive up to the plywood. Make sure you get all 4 under the tires to prevent the tires from touching the cold concrete surface. Inflate your tires to 45-50’ PSI.





Next, put something under the wipers to prevent the rubber from sticking to the windshield.



Next, connect the battery tender charger to the car. Note* MAKE sure the positive clip of charger does not make any contact with the hood of the car.




Next, cover that beauty up with some nice, soft and breathable car cover.











Note* If you have a car cover that does not cover the exhaust ends up, get a piece of cloth and put them inside the exhaust to prevent insects and other animals from making nest inside.



Next, take a few pictures

Enjoy guys! If I missed anything or have any suggestions, please feel free to add a comment below.

Optional: Some people like to take the wheels off and leave the car in jacks. This is up to you.

Last edited by DopeM3; 01-18-2013 at 11:16 AM..
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 09:36 AM   #2
MSteve5036
Captain
125
Rep
713
Posts

Drives: 08/99 M3s
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: PA

iTrader: (1)

I like this a lot...its mostly common sense but sometimes thats what people lack, myself included
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 09:47 AM   #3
THE TECH
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
THE TECH's Avatar
307
Rep
13,093
Posts


Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Kansas

iTrader: (45)

Garage List
I'm wondering how necessary some of this is if you're car is in a garage? I understand the Stabil. Is there some concrete (no pun intended) evidence that the tires shouldn't touch the cement? Also, I don't see an issue with the wipers since a garage is insulated and should still keep temps way above what's going on outside. I'm new to having to store a car and haven't done a ton of searching in regards to it.
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 10:37 AM   #4
1MOREMOD
-
1MOREMOD's Avatar
United_States
11815
Rep
23,187
Posts

Drives: Race car->
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: check your mirrors

iTrader: (5)

what do you mean when you say make sure your car is inside and out.
__________________

02 Tiag e46 M3|6MT|GC plates|MCS c.o.|GC bars|GC race control arms|GC bushings|BW eng. & tran. mounts|subframe kit|BW race shifter|BW Jaffster|Euro header|BW exhaust|K&N c.a.i.|Epic race tune|Rouge pulleys|Seibon CF hood|CSL bumper|apr gt 250 & splitter|ST-40|XR-2|SS lines|half cage|Recaro profi|Profi 2 harness|BMWpedals|BW studs|
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 10:38 AM   #5
THE TECH
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
THE TECH's Avatar
307
Rep
13,093
Posts


Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Kansas

iTrader: (45)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by chriszeh View Post
what do you mean when you say make sure your car is inside and out.
Pretty sure he meant to say "clean".
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 10:53 AM   #6
BLACK OPS
Major
BLACK OPS's Avatar
United_States
108
Rep
1,102
Posts

Drives: E92 M3 6MT
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: CO, USA

iTrader: (1)

I needed to store my car for 9 months duration, I couldn't find much so it's good to have this DIY. My car was able to be started weekly but not driven (non manual driving caretaker).

I used:

Jack pads to put car on jacks
Stabil
Steel wool balls to plug exhaust pipes
Trusting wife
__________________

2011.75 Jet Black E92 ///M3: ZCP|6MT|FR|EVOLVE 600 SUPERCHARGER|DINAN|BBS|VORSTEINER|BMW PERFORMANCE|IND EDITION|TMS|LUX 5K|
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 10:54 AM   #7
THE TECH
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
THE TECH's Avatar
307
Rep
13,093
Posts


Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Kansas

iTrader: (45)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by BLACK OPS View Post
I needed to store my car for 9 months duration, I couldn't find much so it's good to have this DIY. My car was able to be started weekly but not driven (non manual driving caretaker).

I used:

Jack pads to put car on jacks
Stabil
Steel wool balls to plug exhaust pipes
Trusting wife
Why did you need to plug the exhaust pipes?
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 10:57 AM   #8
BLACK OPS
Major
BLACK OPS's Avatar
United_States
108
Rep
1,102
Posts

Drives: E92 M3 6MT
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: CO, USA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by THE TECH View Post
Why did you need to plug the exhaust pipes?
Read somewhere that bugs/spiders crawl inside, nest and cause problems. Who knows if that is true but it's an easy go to solution.
__________________

2011.75 Jet Black E92 ///M3: ZCP|6MT|FR|EVOLVE 600 SUPERCHARGER|DINAN|BBS|VORSTEINER|BMW PERFORMANCE|IND EDITION|TMS|LUX 5K|
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 10:57 AM   #9
THE TECH
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
THE TECH's Avatar
307
Rep
13,093
Posts


Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Kansas

iTrader: (45)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by BLACK OPS View Post
Read somewhere that bugs/spiders crawl inside, nest and cause problems. Who knows if that is true but it's an easy go to solution.
I would think that one start of the vehicle would take care of that.
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 11:04 AM   #10
BLACK OPS
Major
BLACK OPS's Avatar
United_States
108
Rep
1,102
Posts

Drives: E92 M3 6MT
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: CO, USA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by THE TECH View Post
I would think that one start of the vehicle would take care of that.
Haha. Good point! At the time of storage it was a very rush last minute project and these were the only solutions I could find on internet search so I just did it. Additionally it was very possible the car would sit there without any attention for months. I don't wish anyone to be away from their car this long.
__________________

2011.75 Jet Black E92 ///M3: ZCP|6MT|FR|EVOLVE 600 SUPERCHARGER|DINAN|BBS|VORSTEINER|BMW PERFORMANCE|IND EDITION|TMS|LUX 5K|
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 11:16 AM   #11
DopeM3
M Power
DopeM3's Avatar
United_States
80
Rep
1,293
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NH

iTrader: (8)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MSteve5036 View Post
I like this a lot...its mostly common sense but sometimes thats what people lack, myself included
Glad to help
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 11:20 AM   #12
DopeM3
M Power
DopeM3's Avatar
United_States
80
Rep
1,293
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NH

iTrader: (8)

Quote:
Originally Posted by THE TECH View Post
I'm wondering how necessary some of this is if you're car is in a garage? I understand the Stabil. Is there some concrete (no pun intended) evidence that the tires shouldn't touch the cement? Also, I don't see an issue with the wipers since a garage is insulated and should still keep temps way above what's going on outside. I'm new to having to store a car and haven't done a ton of searching in regards to it.
Everyone's situation is different. It's not mandatory for the plywood but it's only $2 bucks at home depot, doesn't hurt to have it there. I recommend wiper option in case you're planning to stuck your car for a long period (more than a year). Help prevent the rubber from sticking to the windshield (I've seen it happen before).
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 11:20 AM   #13
DopeM3
M Power
DopeM3's Avatar
United_States
80
Rep
1,293
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NH

iTrader: (8)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chriszeh View Post
what do you mean when you say make sure your car is inside and out.
Corrected that typo. Thanks!
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 11:23 AM   #14
THE TECH
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
THE TECH's Avatar
307
Rep
13,093
Posts


Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Kansas

iTrader: (45)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by AyooooJay View Post
Everyone's situation is different. It's not mandatory for the plywood but it's only $2 bucks at home depot, doesn't hurt to have it there. I recommend wiper option in case you're planning to stuck your car for a long period (more than a year). Help prevent the rubber from sticking to the windshield (I've seen it happen before).
While I understand that everyone's situation is different, I'm just trying to figure out why certain things are done and if there are any logic behind them. Yes, plywood is cheap but what is it's real purpose?
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 11:24 AM   #15
DopeM3
M Power
DopeM3's Avatar
United_States
80
Rep
1,293
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NH

iTrader: (8)

Quote:
Originally Posted by THE TECH View Post
I would think that one start of the vehicle would take care of that.
Always looking for the easy way out huh?

Think about it, how about if they crawl into the engine itself? You wouldn't want to risk it.
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 11:25 AM   #16
THE TECH
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
THE TECH's Avatar
307
Rep
13,093
Posts


Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Kansas

iTrader: (45)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by AyooooJay View Post
Always looking for the easy way out huh?

Think about it, how about if they crawl into the engine itself? You wouldn't want to risk it.
Either way, it's a simple fix without doing anything out of the ordinary.
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 11:27 AM   #17
DopeM3
M Power
DopeM3's Avatar
United_States
80
Rep
1,293
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NH

iTrader: (8)

Quote:
Originally Posted by THE TECH View Post
While I understand that everyone's situation is different, I'm just trying to figure out why certain things are done and if there are any logic behind them. Yes, plywood is cheap but what is it's real purpose?
I believe it's to prevent the flat spots from happening.
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2013, 11:28 AM   #18
DopeM3
M Power
DopeM3's Avatar
United_States
80
Rep
1,293
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NH

iTrader: (8)

Quote:
Originally Posted by THE TECH View Post
Either way, it's a simple fix without doing anything out of the ordinary.
Agree
Appreciate 0
      01-19-2013, 11:35 AM   #19
BLACK OPS
Major
BLACK OPS's Avatar
United_States
108
Rep
1,102
Posts

Drives: E92 M3 6MT
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: CO, USA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by AyooooJay View Post
I believe it's to prevent the flat spots from happening.
Maybe going along with what The TECH is saying, how does the weight of the car on plywood differ from concrete? My conclusion was a car on jacks solves the flat spot problem.
__________________

2011.75 Jet Black E92 ///M3: ZCP|6MT|FR|EVOLVE 600 SUPERCHARGER|DINAN|BBS|VORSTEINER|BMW PERFORMANCE|IND EDITION|TMS|LUX 5K|
Appreciate 0
      01-19-2013, 03:40 PM   #20
DopeM3
M Power
DopeM3's Avatar
United_States
80
Rep
1,293
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NH

iTrader: (8)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BLACK OPS View Post
Maybe going along with what The TECH is saying, how does the weight of the car on plywood differ from concrete? My conclusion was a car on jacks solves the flat spot problem.
Whatever floats your boat
Appreciate 0
      01-19-2013, 07:09 PM   #21
W///
Lieutenant General
W///'s Avatar
7436
Rep
12,293
Posts

Drives: F82GTS, E36/E92M3, Z4M
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SC

iTrader: (13)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BLACK OPS View Post
I needed to store my car for 9 months duration, I couldn't find much so it's good to have this DIY. My car was able to be started weekly but not driven (non manual driving caretaker).

I used:

Jack pads to put car on jacks
Stabil
Steel wool balls to plug exhaust pipes
Trusting wife
I wouldn't recommend starting it like that weekly. Never a good idea to leave the engine idling without the car being driven, especially if you aren't going to let the engine get warm. That takes forever on these S65's.

Look on Amazon for a Schumacher 1.5Amp battery maintainer. They are like $15 and I've had mine for 2 years with no problems.

Is there really no chance for anyone to drive it for a full 9 months?

Quote:
Originally Posted by THE TECH View Post
While I understand that everyone's situation is different, I'm just trying to figure out why certain things are done and if there are any logic behind them. Yes, plywood is cheap but what is it's real purpose?
I've seen people do this with styrofoam and card board. Makes sense to me. Spreads the weight a bit better because the material compresses. Might not help much though, but better than nothing.
__________________
Current:
16 F82 M4 GTS, Black Sapphire/Black, DCT
08 E92 M3, Sparkling Graphite/Bamboo Beige, 6MT
07 E85 Z4M Roadster, Alpine White/Red, 6MT
99 E36 M3, Techno Violet/Dove Grey, 6MT
Appreciate 0
      01-19-2013, 07:24 PM   #22
Kwando
Major
Kwando's Avatar
Canada
431
Rep
1,428
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i xDrive
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: London, Ontario, Canada

iTrader: (1)

Instead of plywood I use some soft foam on all four corners. But I've considered using jacks.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:15 AM.




m3post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST