[davyk31]

I have bought a winter runaround and as I am using it a lot I tend to leave the 335d in the garage more. Tend to take it out once a week or so to keep the battery up but get annoyed because then its dirty and needs a couple of hours cleaning again.

I'm sure it could sit for more than a week, anyone know how long its ok to leave it. Also what about some of these battery conditioners/ trickle chargers or whatever they are called. Anyone tried any of these and would not want to be spending a forture.

[Bee Pee]

Originally Posted by davyk31

I have bought a winter runaround and as I am using it a lot I tend to leave the 335d in the garage more. Tend to take it out once a week or so to keep the battery up but get annoyed because then its dirty and needs a couple of hours cleaning again.

I'm sure it could sit for more than a week, anyone know how long its ok to leave it. Also what about some of these battery conditioners/ trickle chargers or whatever they are called. Anyone tried any of these and would not want to be spending a forture.

Ctek 3600

Optimate 4

Both abt £50

[RagingKileak]

You won't need a trickle charger for 2-3 weeks mate. All you need to do is choose a decent day and make sure you give the car a proper run not only for the battery but also to promote DPF regeneration.

I used to leave my Boxster for that long and it didn't lose all charge - consider how notorious Boxsters are for drain issues and you should be able to take confidence.

Matt

[kaishang]

Don't worry about it. I've left the car for a few months at a time when overseas and didn't do anything. Started first time when I got back.

[rich1068]

Keep the tyres in mind though. You can get 'flat spots' even when parked at Gatwick for a couple of weeks.

[AlwynMike]

My 5er has lived outside for the past 5 years with no problems until this summer when the original 2004 battery gave up the ghost. I have left it for 6 weeks in the winter and it never failed to start easily, even with the glowplugs on. My 3 will be subjected to the same abuse and I fully expect it to be the same.

Wife has one side of the garage for her car, so she doesn't have to chip her way into it in the winter, and my MG lives in the other side. Why, oh why didn't we build a bigger garage????

Mike

[parapaul]

Would you worry if you were going on holiday for a couple of weeks?

Unless your battery is dead, it will be fine.

[MERLIN335i]

+1 for Optimate, I have 12V & 6V versions, years of continual use, no problems.

[dxb335d]

Ive left a car once for 6 months. It had 176000 miles on it and it was fine. Then again 3 months

[M3-FAST]

I use an optimate on my track car, keeps the battery in tip top condition by cycling the charge.

Once a battery has gone flat it's never the same IMO.

[davyk31]

Sounds like it should be ok, I just wondered because of the cold temps if it would run down. Having said that I have never had any hint of a laboured battery after letting it sit for up to 10 days. Will just need to keep taking it out now and again, had planned to drive it today but a bit icy and frosty here so best to leave it a day or two.

[rsmallwo]

Before anyone else says it.....

Winter tyres, winter tyres, winter tyres.

My 335d + winter tyres = beats any normal car hands down

my winter tyre package = £480