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      12-10-2011, 07:49 AM   #1
kaisersoesa
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545 sitting for years; any suggestions?

I'm going to buy a 2004 545i that has been sitting untouched in a driveway for over three years; never started, never moved that whole time, and nothing done to it to prepare it for that type of long-term storage. Should I change oil/drain gas tank before trying to start for the first time? Any other suggestions/thoughts as to what I would be in for? Would it be a mistake to try jump starting it first just to see if it starts up before changing the oil/gas?
Thanks for any help.
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      12-10-2011, 07:41 PM   #2
elias
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Before I buy the car I want to know why it was sitting for three years and I would want R&M records. This could be a money pit, these cars aren't cheap to maintain so if its been sitting, there may be a lot of maintenance that needs to be caught up on. I would be very leary if I was you and do your due diligence, don't rush into anything, it could cost you lots of money down the line!
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      12-11-2011, 06:07 PM   #3
BMW BRAD
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elias View Post
Before I buy the car I want to know why it was sitting for three years and I would want R&M records. This could be a money pit, these cars aren't cheap to maintain so if its been sitting, there may be a lot of maintenance that needs to be caught up on. I would be very leary if I was you and do your due diligence, don't rush into anything, it could cost you lots of money down the line!
^^^^^ This is some great advice! ^^^^^ Talk to a very experienced BMW mechanic BEFORE you try to start it! Let us know what happens! Goodluck!
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      12-12-2011, 06:48 AM   #4
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Wow, this is a tough one. Do you feel lucky?

IMO, the biggest issue will be the fuel- esp in Cali- no way it is still usable after four years. YOU MUST DRAIN AND FLUSH!!!! Try to get what you can out of the lines as well. Add a bottle of Techron and then fill it up. Trans is likely OK. Engine oil should be changed- if it was mine, I would open the drain plug and let it sit for 24 hours, then change filter and re-fill with an inexpensive synthetic. Run to operating temperature, then change oil and filter again, fill with the good stuff. Tires may be toast- will be flat spotted for sure from sitting that long without use- figure on replacing those right away. Then there are the brakes. Flush lines, turn rotors and replace pads- I know you are in SOCAL, but the risks are too great to ignore. Last, pay some attention to the cooling system- I would change the coolant and take a hard look at the drive belt and hoses- belt may have bonded itself to a pulley or two.

Good Luck!
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