Page 1 of 1

Unused E30. Any advice?

Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 11:19 am
by chewy320
My e30 has been off the road for quite some time now. It needs a few things to get it going as its not run for a while.

I will not be putting it back on the road for about a year and at the moment its sat under a cover soon to be moved to a friends garage.

Any advice regarding leaving a car for an extended period of time? I cannot bare to sell the thing!

Re: Unused E30. Any advice?

Posted: Tue May 13, 2014 11:49 am
by Speedtouch
Ideally, leave it jacked up (to prevent the tyres flat-spotting) with the handbrake off (to prevent it sticking on).

And obviously, try to shield it from the weather as much as possible. Install some bags of salt or silica gel in the interior and boot to keep mould and mildew at bay.

Remove the battery and leave it on a trickle-charger, or solar panel charger.

Turn the engine over on the starter periodically, and press the clutch and brake pedals in and out regularly (assuming manual). This prevents the clutch sticking to the flywheel and keeps the hydraulic cylinders working.

Ideally, drain the old hydraulic fluids out and replenish with fresh as it is hydroscopic and absorbs water.

Either wax-polish the bodywork or think about spraying Waxoyl or similar over any areas you think may be susceptible to corrosion.