Problems with car sitting for one year?

[Rina120@yahoo.com]

I'm looking at a 525i, manual, with 90K miles.

when I went to look at the car, the battery was dead so I coudlnt' start it or anything. They said it was going in for a new clutch, new inspection, and a new battery. I took a look under the hood and said tha it needed new belts as well.

Anyhow, I got the carfax last night, and the thing has the EXACT SAME mileage on it when the car was given to the dealer over one year ago.

Wouldn't there be some issues concerning the head gasket and other seals that have not been lubricated in this amount of time? NOt to mention the tires look dry rotted and will have to be replaced (BY THE DEALER or take money off).

What other issues could there be?
Oh and one other thing...I've been to this dealer before. I can't take it to my mechanic caiuse it's too far, he will only let me take it to local mechanics...no BMW specialists there.

[632 Regal]

I dont think you have anything to worry about with a car sitting for a long time except bad fuel and battery like you mention. Tires are a given, When you go for a test ride explain it to that dealer that you want it inspected by an Indy of YOUR choice, after all the car hasnt gone anywhere in a year they shouldnt have an issue over an hour or so. Dont let them pressure you and dont but it without having it inspected!

[Sweetwater]

I dont think you have anything to worry about with a car sitting for a long time except bad fuel and battery like you mention. Tires are a given, When you go for a test ride explain it to that dealer that you want it inspected by an Indy of YOUR choice, after all the car hasnt gone anywhere in a year they shouldnt have an issue over an hour or so. Dont let them pressure you and dont but it without having it inspected!


Agreed that vehicles can sit for prolonged periods without damage, but much depends on the climate and whether it's ever started. Piston rings exposed to a freeze/thaw cycle can form a layer of rust on the cylinder wall creating that dreaded erosion and blow-by. All dealerships that I know would prevent this by starting their cars on a regular (bi-weekly) basis. I'd also be concerned about sun exposure and the resulting brittleness of some parts....

Where I come from, it's always BUYER BEWARE or AWARE.

[Paul in NZ]

if the car has been sitting inside it should be ok,but there can be conditions where condensation can form on the inside of the engine. I had the opportunity to buy an alpina 535 imported grom the UK.Paperwork issues meant that the car had sat somewhere ffor a year...I passed.

[632 Regal]

Nikasil or Alusil blocks shouldnt be severly adversly effected from moisture however the valves could spot a bit (no concern) and maybe the rings could leave a rust stain But I'm not sure if thats going to be a long term issue.

[winfred]

fuel and cooling system is the main worry, fuel turns to **** and gums up and the cooling system just rots to pieces, i resurected a 92 525 a couple years ago that had been stored a year or so, start up was fine and after it warmed up the aluiminum radiator core let go so completely and quickly it looked like someone just dumped a bucket of water on the ground, it popped like a baloon

[632 Regal]

Never thought about the corrosion if never replaced, you make a VERY valid point here!