BMW: If my BMW is not driven for more than two months..., 1995 bmw 540i, bmw 540i

Question
Hello,

Good to have found you.

I have a 1995 BMW 540i in pretty good condition (and 111,000 miles) which I have not driven since February 10, 2005 because I left the USA temporarily for Europe to join my spouse. The car is parked on the street at my friend's house.

I wonder what happens if the car stays not driven for so long (and it will stay like this for likely another month)?

Is is true that it is not good for the car to stay un-drivem for so long? (apart from losing the charge of the battery? what might happen?)

Any rust or loss of lubrication is to be expected?

What should I do before starting it up again after so long?  

What can happen and how can I take care of it when I will return?

I plan to probably ship the car to Europe when I will get back here. What is your advice on this?

Do you happen to know a good shipping company (I know this may be out of the frame of this forum, but maybe you can help with a hint) ?

Thank you very much.

All the best, Alex.

P.S. are you a Romanian by any chance? (cause I am...).

Answer
Alex,

Hi how are you. Da sint romin! Pare BINE!

As far as your car not being used... It wont be a problem if the car sits for a few months, in the worse case, you will have to replace your battery. However if the car sits over a year or so you could have a few problems. I would recommend that you have your friend turn it on for like 2min every month or so. this way the engine turns , and the oil lubricates the components.

As far as shipping, there are a ton of companies out there, I can imagine shipping it would take longer but will be much cheaper then flying over the car.

Where are you from if u dont mind me asking, I was born in Resita Romania and live in Atlanta, Ga.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Manu