Car Care

5 Long-Term Storage Considerations for Classic BMWs

Proper storage is one of the most important responsibilities of owning a luxury vehicle. You need to protect your classic BMW from the elements and unwanted attention by housing it in a secure facility. You also need to address several mechanical factors before putting a vehicle away for an extended period.

Here are five tips to consider for your classic BMW’s long-term storage.

1.     Detail the Car First

You want to send your car into storage in the best shape possible, so you need to give it a thorough detailing inside and out. Make sure you remove all food and garbage from the inside to avoid attracting pests, and remember these essential tasks:

  • Add a protective wax finish.
  • Inflate the tires.
  • Clean and dress the wheels.
  • Lubricate the door and hood hinges to keep them from sticking.

Your car’s exterior needs sufficient protection to remain in pristine condition during storage. These measures ensure the paint will remain undamaged, and the tires, wheels and doors will be ready for action when you get the BMW back on the road.

2.     Refill the Fluids

You also need to refill or change your classic vehicle’s fluids before shutting it down. This critical step prevents moisture from rusting the tanks and keeps the seals from drying up. All of these fluids should be full and fresh:

  • Gasoline
  • Oil
  • Antifreeze
  • Transmission fluid
  • Brake fluid

When you park the car, remove the spark plugs and give the cylinders one last lubrication to ensure their long-term health. If you want to be extra careful, hold on to the spark plugs to prevent anyone from jumpstarting your vehicle and stealing it. Reinstall them when you return and drive off in a full, healthy BMW!

3.     Find a Trustworthy Storage Location

Location is the most important part of storage. While outdoors is manageable, it has many challenges and is more likely to damage your classic car. You want to find an indoor storage facility with the following features:

  • Paved floors
  • A clean, dark and dry environment
  • Secluded parking spaces or storage units
  • Security devices (cameras, motion sensors, alarms, etc.) around the property

A paved surface is better than grass or gravel because it prevents tire wear. The other traits ensure that your BMW stays out of the elements and doesn’t attract attention. Ideally, no one but you and the property owner should know your car’s location. This secrecy will help you sleep easier.

4.     Include Extra Protective Measures

A closed-off storage space will do most of the work, but you can add numerous other finishing touches to make your BMW even more secure. Consider including these protective measures:

  • Hide the vehicle with a cloth car cover (not plastic, as plastic traps condensation which leads to rust).
  • Close all internal vents.
  • Block off the exhaust with steel wool or aluminum foil to deter pests.
  • Place a box of baking soda inside to absorb odors. Other air fresheners won’t be powerful enough to keep your car smelling fresh for a long timeframe.
  • Elevate the car on jack stands to take the pressure off the tires and suspension.

You can’t be too careful with a classic BMW. They’re expensive enough to maintain without major mechanical issues, so why leave anything to chance? Go the extra mile to give your car the protection it deserves.

5.     Check Up on Your Vehicle

You don’t want to put your car away and forget about it for several months. Check up on your BMW every few weeks and see if you can spot any changes. Look for these signs of activity in particular:

  • Fluid leaks
  • Foul odors
  • Dents, scratches and other markings
  • Animal nests, droppings, etc.

Car enthusiasts are divided about starting the engine while in storage. Some argue that periodic oil and gas circulation prevents corrosion in the fuel tanks, while others believe starting a cold vehicle after a long time can expose the engine to moisture and contaminants. You know your BMW better than anyone, so do what you think is best.

When the time finally comes for you to take your car out of hibernation, check the fuel levels, tire pressure and other vital signs before driving. All the prep work you did several months earlier will pay off and you can drive off the lot in confidence.

Do Your Classic BMW a Favor

Storing luxury vehicles for long periods is a tough pill to swallow. On one hand, you understand that they aren’t built for rough weather and need protection from the elements. On the other hand, sending a beautiful car into hiding always hurts.

Do your classic BMW a favor and lean on the side of caution. Detail it, store it in a secure location and do everything in your power to keep it safe until you can drive it again.