Z4 Does this make sense?

Hello, I just picked up a 2005 bmw z4 just in time to store it for the New York winter, bought a car cover ,I don't have a battery tender but i do have a battery charger. Question is can i have the charger hooked up to the battery in the trunk and run the extention cord in the basement and once a month plug it in and just charge it for about 8 hrs or so? stupid or not! Thanks for any comments good or bad, and Happy New Year

You're much better off spending $20-$25 and get yourself a Tender or any other brand that floats the charge. Just plug it in and forget about it.

Absolutely above...get the tender. It will be a bit more than 25$ tho I suspect...but worth every penny. IF you use a charger, you then have to "tend" it...cannot leave it on too long, might forget it, and have more risk of over charging. I store all winter, hook up the tender, and it just keeps it right level. Don't even question it further--tender is ONLY way to relax and have the peace of mind.

This is my first winter with my Z4 in Ontario. I asked around and decided to just start it up every 1-2 weeks and let it run for 1/2 hour. I think it's good to also get the engine and transmission moving a little.

Get on the forums...bad idea to keep starting it up. Changemthe oil, put on a battery tender or similar and leave it alone.

I agree with awdonald.
Short starts will just fill your oil with sludge.
Sludge is oil mixed with condensed water.
Not a good thing.

I do not see any harm in that.

11 years in ND, stored boats, cars, etc. Disconnect the battery and wait till spring. Charge battery, start and drive. Main concern in your situation would be to condition the fuel. Sounds like your only storing few months. My vette used to sit 4-5 months. If you want to have fun, go to boat dealer and get "fogging oil" and with car running, spray mist into air intake (pull filter first) and let car almost stall or try to get it to stall. That will coat the guts of the engine with oil. I would never start an engine (as tempting as it was with my Harley) and let it run without driving it, more damage then good. IMHO of course.

I think its best to circulate the oil etc every couple of weeks. (I put fuel conditioner in.) I let it run for about half an hour to charge the battery. I don't like the idea of leaving it for 3 months without starting. Also have room in garage to roll it to a different spot on the tires. How can this be bad for it....it's very similar to how many people use a car like this all year round.

I live in Ohio and have many older MGs and my Z4 roadster/Z3 Coupe. A lot of people here "put there cars up" for the winter. I never have. Even in December, January and February in Ohio there are many days when there is sunshine and no precipitation and salt on the roads. I take advantage of these conditions and drive the cars during these periods and then put them back in the garage. Besides, I can't possibly go more than 2/3 weeks without driving my sports cars :-) It helps get me out of the winter mental funk too!

Best choice, Drive the Car once or twice a month.
Good Choice Fog the engine, condition the fuel, change the oil while hot, raise the car off the suspension. Remove the battery and place it on a good battery tender. (place battery on a Wood Block, not on concrete)
Poor choice is to run the engine and move the car about the garage.
BTW, I live in NorthWestern BC. Car has not been driven since late November. I did the "Good Choice"
Too much salt and gravel on the winter roads for my liking to drive it in the winter.

Hi. I live in Buffalo New york, my cars and boat spend more time in storage than out I typically remove the batteries and store indoors, and add a little fuel stabilizer, I've never had a problem in the spring. I'm sure you'll be alright!