Winterization

strokeoluck · 03-01-2013, 08:42 AM

I will admit I am longing for a drive in my Z4MR. I bought it in August of '12 purely as a fun toy and instantly fell in love. It's stock now, but once I wake it up from it's Minnesota slumber I plan on having EC-7's put on, new spark plugs, along with RPI exhaust and a short shifter knob. To say I am eager to get this thing back on the road is an understatement.

Which leads me to the question. For you "up north" owners who tuck it away for the winter, what is your criteria for getting her out of the garage? The two main reasons I put it away were: 1) didn't want to drive a low clearance RWD sports car in the snow...plus it's not my DD so there's no need, and 2) salt. I should also note that I want to keep this thing in great shape. Yes, I drive it hard on the street now and then, but I don't plan on getting rid of this in a few years. I envision driving this in 10-20 years, or perhaps handing down to my son some day.

Now that we're getting closer to the 40+ degree days of spring and the salt trucks will be seen less and less as we get through March, when is it appropriate to take her out? Should I wait for a few rains to get most of the salt off the roads? At the very least I need to get it to the shop a few weeks before prime driving season to have the work done. So when that first 50+ degree day comes along, I can put the top down and let her fly.

For all of you that live in the sun belt and/or drive 'em year round, I already know you're lucky fellas...no need to rub it in. :-) Just looking to hear from the snow guys.

ANUSTART · 03-01-2013, 09:14 AM

This is the first year I have tucked the Z4 away, but in past with my motorcycles, the rule is after the first good rain that washes the salt away and you don't see the white crust on top of the road. Some friends say after the second, but I'm too antsy for that.

elwesso · 03-01-2013, 09:25 AM

I'm going through the EXACT same thing right now. My family owns a marina, and during the winter months I'm able to tuck my Z4 M inside one of our boat storage buildings so it's out of sight and out of mind, under the OEM cover. Anyway, I'm thinking of getting the car out this weekend.. I bought my M in December, and have only driven it really about 3 times.

I'm going to bring it out of the building and probably park it in my garage, the bummer is that my D.D (Infiniti) will have to live outside for a while. Small price to pay, especially since it basically sits outside all day anyway while I'm at work..

I called my insurance agent and had my full coverage put back in effective today, so I can't back down now!

I want to have my car ready for those nice 40+ and sunny days even in March. Even if there's dry salt on the road, I don't think that really hurts anything.. In my opinion, it's the salty slush and the constant freezing/thawing that really does the damage..

Even if we get snow, it will still sit in the garage until it's nice enough to drive. With summer tires and low ground clearance, it's about as useful as a candle in a hurricane, in the snow.

GammaZeta · 03-01-2013, 09:35 AM

I am planning on taking it out first week of April.

My biggest concern is road salt and we use ALOT of it around here.

Usually, when it's warm enough and I don't think it will snow anymore, I wait for a good, solid 1 or 2 days of heavy rain to wash the road salt away.

The other big obstacle with early spring is the pothole fixing, or cold patch, that a lot of places use. Basically it's just rocks put into a pothole.

Most hot patch doesn't come out until later in the month.

Huz-Z · 03-01-2013, 11:13 AM

You definitely want to wait for one or two good rains as folks have said. And be sure that when you drive, the salt has been washed away and there is no salt crust on the pavement.

In my Canadian driving experience, the effects of salt can be quite horrific. Consider. I once had a 1997 Honda Accord. Last year I saw one here in town and it was rusted to bits. Also last year, I was in Las Vegas for a week and saw the same vintage Accord and it looked pristine, almost showroom. The difference? Salt.

MinneapolisJeff · 03-01-2013, 11:14 AM

salt and potholes concerns, same as everyone else

usually I aim for the end of March, depends on how warm the weather has progressed...and it seems like this year is gonna be below ave temps

GammaZeta · 03-01-2013, 12:52 PM

PRO TIP: To remove salt and debris from your undercarriage, or for a quick washing without killing your back, use a garden sprinkler placed under your car.

ANUSTART · 03-01-2013, 01:16 PM

^ Good idea, unfortunately my garden hose is frozen into a donut that won't let loose for another few weeks.

Huz-Z · 03-01-2013, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GammaZeta

PRO TIP: To remove salt and debris from your undercarriage, or for a quick washing without killing your back, use a garden sprinkler placed under your car.

Good idea!!!

Do you think my garage-hating neighbor will mind me parking my car on his lawn next time he's got the sprinkler out?

silverfishZ4M · 03-01-2013, 02:24 PM

potholes are my biggest concern. i live in michigan and they are just terrible here. i need a lift kit on the z4.

G80indy · 03-01-2013, 03:30 PM

^^^^ all of the above, regarding salt, potholes and road grime/rocks from the roads getting chewed up by snowplows.
If it happens in March it's a bonus. Otherwise April is the official start to driving season.

That first drive-day will be at least mid 40's or 50's, rain washed roads.
Prior to heading out I verify the fresh oil level, no drips underneath, moisturize the leather, check the air in the tires, unplug the tender.
Start her up, top down (always) and gingerly cruise in the neighborhood while the oil circulates. Once I get some temp readings in the oil I head out on main roads.
The first drive will be for at least a 2 hour deal, to fully heat up the fluids. I plan the trip for minimal stops (no ignition shut off) usually on a Saturday or Sunday AM where the roads aren't so busy.

ahh, that fresh air. can't wait

GammaZeta · 03-01-2013, 03:42 PM

Also, since you filled your gas tank to the top prior to storage, you should run your car almost to empty to get rid of all the older fuel before filling up. If you fill up before, you're just mixing the bad fuel with the good.

inTgr8r · 03-01-2013, 04:15 PM

couldnt drive mine now if I wanted too.
...its in pieces all over my garage & basement

Caddyshk · 03-01-2013, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

Good idea!!!

Do you think my garage-hating neighbor will mind me parking my car on his lawn next time he's got the sprinkler out?

3point0 · 03-01-2013, 09:25 PM

Even here in BC, where we only had snow a couple days, mine is in hibernation for another few agonizing weeks, two maybe three. For me it's a combo of salt, summer tires on icy roads, excessive rain and idiots who can't drive on snowy / icy / wet roads.

strokeoluck · 03-01-2013, 11:45 PM

Terrific info guys, thanks. I'm going to do my best to wait until it rains once or twice. I "may" need to take it out earlier to get it to the shop to have the mods done, but if I do that I'll be sure to wash the under-carriage.

BMW Maniac · 03-02-2013, 10:03 AM

Due to my E30 blowing a motor, my Z4M has seen winter duty this year. I can't wait to give it a good detail. I plan to jack up the car and get under there with a pressure washer. The bottom of the car is actually pretty well 'sealed' in my opinion, for lack of a better term.

GammaZeta · 03-02-2013, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

Good idea!!!

Do you think my garage-hating neighbor will mind me parking my car on his lawn next time he's got the sprinkler out?

Do not mock my PRO TIP.

elwesso · 03-02-2013, 12:45 PM

Got my car out today... Took the cover off and let it idle for about 15 mins, then took it for about a 10 mile drive..

Aries326 · 03-02-2013, 10:38 PM

I'm jonesing bad to take my car out for a spin. I've got it stored at my brother's place so I can't even start it up and sit in it. I'll probably take it out after a good rain washes away all the salt. Probably wont happen until end March or early April. I've got some new parts to install so the car won't be ready until then anyway. I can't wait. The new grills and AFE Intake are in. Just have to wait on the H&R Coilovers!

Huz-Z · 03-03-2013, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GammaZeta

Do not mock my PRO TIP.

I am not mocking it, in fact, I'll probably use it myself.

However, it was a great segue into making a dig at the dipsticks next door!

ANUSTART · 03-03-2013, 05:51 PM

Huh, he said "pro tip."

03-01-2013, 08:42 AM	#1
strokeoluck First Lieutenant 23 Rep 325 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW Z4 M roadster Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Minnesota iTrader: (0)	Winterization - why/when to end? I will admit I am longing for a drive in my Z4MR. I bought it in August of '12 purely as a fun toy and instantly fell in love. It's stock now, but once I wake it up from it's Minnesota slumber I plan on having EC-7's put on, new spark plugs, along with RPI exhaust and a short shifter knob. To say I am eager to get this thing back on the road is an understatement. Which leads me to the question. For you "up north" owners who tuck it away for the winter, what is your criteria for getting her out of the garage? The two main reasons I put it away were: 1) didn't want to drive a low clearance RWD sports car in the snow...plus it's not my DD so there's no need, and 2) salt. I should also note that I want to keep this thing in great shape. Yes, I drive it hard on the street now and then, but I don't plan on getting rid of this in a few years. I envision driving this in 10-20 years, or perhaps handing down to my son some day. Now that we're getting closer to the 40+ degree days of spring and the salt trucks will be seen less and less as we get through March, when is it appropriate to take her out? Should I wait for a few rains to get most of the salt off the roads? At the very least I need to get it to the shop a few weeks before prime driving season to have the work done. So when that first 50+ degree day comes along, I can put the top down and let her fly. For all of you that live in the sun belt and/or drive 'em year round, I already know you're lucky fellas...no need to rub it in. :-) Just looking to hear from the snow guys.
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03-01-2013, 09:14 AM	#2
ANUSTART Captain 35 Rep 956 Posts Drives: Z4 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	This is the first year I have tucked the Z4 away, but in past with my motorcycles, the rule is after the first good rain that washes the salt away and you don't see the white crust on top of the road. Some friends say after the second, but I'm too antsy for that.
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03-01-2013, 09:25 AM	#3
elwesso Second Lieutenant 25 Rep 299 Posts Drives: Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Indiana iTrader: (1)	I'm going through the EXACT same thing right now. My family owns a marina, and during the winter months I'm able to tuck my Z4 M inside one of our boat storage buildings so it's out of sight and out of mind, under the OEM cover. Anyway, I'm thinking of getting the car out this weekend.. I bought my M in December, and have only driven it really about 3 times. I'm going to bring it out of the building and probably park it in my garage, the bummer is that my D.D (Infiniti) will have to live outside for a while. Small price to pay, especially since it basically sits outside all day anyway while I'm at work.. I called my insurance agent and had my full coverage put back in effective today, so I can't back down now! I want to have my car ready for those nice 40+ and sunny days even in March. Even if there's dry salt on the road, I don't think that really hurts anything.. In my opinion, it's the salty slush and the constant freezing/thawing that really does the damage.. Even if we get snow, it will still sit in the garage until it's nice enough to drive. With summer tires and low ground clearance, it's about as useful as a candle in a hurricane, in the snow. __________________ - Wes 2007 BMW M Coupe 2016 VW GTI
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03-01-2013, 09:35 AM	#4
GammaZeta Captain 59 Rep 862 Posts Drives: 1 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ma iTrader: (1)	I am planning on taking it out first week of April. My biggest concern is road salt and we use ALOT of it around here. Usually, when it's warm enough and I don't think it will snow anymore, I wait for a good, solid 1 or 2 days of heavy rain to wash the road salt away. The other big obstacle with early spring is the pothole fixing, or cold patch, that a lot of places use. Basically it's just rocks put into a pothole. Most hot patch doesn't come out until later in the month.
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03-01-2013, 11:13 AM	#5
Huz-Z Brigadier General 852 Rep 4,058 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	You definitely want to wait for one or two good rains as folks have said. And be sure that when you drive, the salt has been washed away and there is no salt crust on the pavement. In my Canadian driving experience, the effects of salt can be quite horrific. Consider. I once had a 1997 Honda Accord. Last year I saw one here in town and it was rusted to bits. Also last year, I was in Las Vegas for a week and saw the same vintage Accord and it looked pristine, almost showroom. The difference? Salt. __________________ Huz-Z BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster. Montego Blue Metallic. Premium and Sport Package.
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03-01-2013, 11:14 AM	#6
MinneapolisJeff First Lieutenant 8 Rep 328 Posts Drives: 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Minneapolis/St. Paul iTrader: (0)	salt and potholes concerns, same as everyone else usually I aim for the end of March, depends on how warm the weather has progressed...and it seems like this year is gonna be below ave temps __________________ the stable: 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander SE 2021 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
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03-01-2013, 12:52 PM	#7
GammaZeta Captain 59 Rep 862 Posts Drives: 1 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ma iTrader: (1)	PRO TIP: To remove salt and debris from your undercarriage, or for a quick washing without killing your back, use a garden sprinkler placed under your car.
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03-01-2013, 01:16 PM	#8
ANUSTART Captain 35 Rep 956 Posts Drives: Z4 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	^ Good idea, unfortunately my garden hose is frozen into a donut that won't let loose for another few weeks.
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03-01-2013, 02:24 PM	#10
silverfishZ4M Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 247 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Coupe Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: US iTrader: (0)	potholes are my biggest concern. i live in michigan and they are just terrible here. i need a lift kit on the z4.
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03-01-2013, 03:30 PM	#11
G80indy Save the Manuals 1714 Rep 2,937 Posts Drives: Z3, E46, G80 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Indy iTrader: (0)	^^^^ all of the above, regarding salt, potholes and road grime/rocks from the roads getting chewed up by snowplows. If it happens in March it's a bonus. Otherwise April is the official start to driving season. That first drive-day will be at least mid 40's or 50's, rain washed roads. Prior to heading out I verify the fresh oil level, no drips underneath, moisturize the leather, check the air in the tires, unplug the tender. Start her up, top down (always) and gingerly cruise in the neighborhood while the oil circulates. Once I get some temp readings in the oil I head out on main roads. The first drive will be for at least a 2 hour deal, to fully heat up the fluids. I plan the trip for minimal stops (no ignition shut off) usually on a Saturday or Sunday AM where the roads aren't so busy. ahh, that fresh air. can't wait __________________ 2023 G80 6MT, CCBs 2002 330i Dinan, 5MT 2000 Z3 Conforti, 5MT
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03-01-2013, 03:42 PM	#12
GammaZeta Captain 59 Rep 862 Posts Drives: 1 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ma iTrader: (1)	Also, since you filled your gas tank to the top prior to storage, you should run your car almost to empty to get rid of all the older fuel before filling up. If you fill up before, you're just mixing the bad fuel with the good.
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03-01-2013, 04:15 PM	#13
inTgr8r Lieutenant General 2434 Rep 11,668 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (10)	couldnt drive mine now if I wanted too. ...its in pieces all over my garage & basement __________________ '21 M2C Hockenheim Silver '18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold) '13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold) '07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)
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03-01-2013, 09:25 PM	#15
3point0 Lieutenant 27 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 2005 z4 3.0 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 Audi S4 Avant [0.00] 2005 BMW Z4 [5.67]	Even here in BC, where we only had snow a couple days, mine is in hibernation for another few agonizing weeks, two maybe three. For me it's a combo of salt, summer tires on icy roads, excessive rain and idiots who can't drive on snowy / icy / wet roads. __________________ 2005 Z4 3.0 steptronic \| TiSilver on Black \| sport & premium package \| 108s \| Msport seats \| wind deflector OMP strut bar \| blacked out emblems \| de-french-fried \| sound gen \| DIY aux input \| custom speedo logos \| stubby antenna \| polished exhaust tips
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03-01-2013, 11:45 PM	#16
strokeoluck First Lieutenant 23 Rep 325 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW Z4 M roadster Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Minnesota iTrader: (0)	Terrific info guys, thanks. I'm going to do my best to wait until it rains once or twice. I "may" need to take it out earlier to get it to the shop to have the mods done, but if I do that I'll be sure to wash the under-carriage.
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03-02-2013, 10:03 AM	#17
BMW Maniac Lieutenant 22 Rep 428 Posts Drives: Former Z4M coupe owner Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (1)	Due to my E30 blowing a motor, my Z4M has seen winter duty this year. I can't wait to give it a good detail. I plan to jack up the car and get under there with a pressure washer. The bottom of the car is actually pretty well 'sealed' in my opinion, for lack of a better term. __________________ 1997 /// M3 Coupe Arctic Silver CES STAGE IV (651rwhp/615rwtq) 1999 /// M3 Convertible Techno Violet
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03-02-2013, 12:45 PM	#19
elwesso Second Lieutenant 25 Rep 299 Posts Drives: Z4 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Indiana iTrader: (1)	Got my car out today... Took the cover off and let it idle for about 15 mins, then took it for about a 10 mile drive.. Attached Images __________________ - Wes 2007 BMW M Coupe 2016 VW GTI
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03-02-2013, 10:38 PM	#20
Aries326 Lieutenant Colonel 195 Rep 1,530 Posts Drives: 2008 Z4 3.0si, 2013 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2013 E92 M3 [0.00] 2008 BMW Z4 3.0si [9.00]	I'm jonesing bad to take my car out for a spin. I've got it stored at my brother's place so I can't even start it up and sit in it. I'll probably take it out after a good rain washes away all the salt. Probably wont happen until end March or early April. I've got some new parts to install so the car won't be ready until then anyway. I can't wait. The new grills and AFE Intake are in. Just have to wait on the H&R Coilovers! __________________
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03-03-2013, 05:51 PM	#22
ANUSTART Captain 35 Rep 956 Posts Drives: Z4 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: IL iTrader: (0)	Huh, he said "pro tip."
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