[Citizen Patriot]

Our plans to get our home built in FLorida have been delayed a bit, so "Maude" is resting comfortably - covered - in the garage.

Although we haven't had any significant snow, we are beginning to experience some pretty low temps - in the teens at night. After living most of her life in Texas, she's never experienced a Michigan winter.

I usually uncover her and crank her up once a week, let her run long enough to reach operating temperature, back her out of the garage to admire her awhile, then she goes right back in, under cover. No way in hell I'm going to subject her to the salty slush of Michigan roads in winter.

The snow *may* hold off for another week or two, but I know it's just a matter of time before we get blasted. I'm considering taking her over the local indy shop for a coolant flush, since I do not know if this has ever been done.

Should I be doing anything different to "winterize" her as we await the arrival of spring ? Thanks in advance !

 

[Kajtek1]

The engine will never get to full operating temperatures while idling.
So unless you take her for few miles drive on warm day, the procedure can do more harm triggering condensation and accumulating cold start residues than good.
I own RV for decades and have engines not started even for 2-3 years. On carburated engines I shut off the fuel and run it dry , then disconnect the battery and let it sit.

 

[Citizen Patriot]

Well, I'll do what I can, when I can. Thanks for the insight !

 

[Tubers]

I understand the desire to shield Maude from the elements, but I think the team of fine engineers in Germany would encourage you to drive this wonderful car and enjoy it.

As for winterizing, I haven't had to do that for 18 years since I moved to the desert and would not even know where to begin.

 

[Citizen Patriot]

I wonder if those fine engineers in Germany considered the crappy, pot-hole laden, salted slush that pass for roads around here ?

 

[Tubers]

Indeed they did! That's why there's a parts counter and service bays at the dealership.

 

[Variance Doc]

Do not let the car idle - it will never get to operating temperatre to burn off the condensates that will accrue. Get the marine version of Stabil fuel stabilizer and follow the mixture directions and fill the gas tank completely. It's OK if you over treat the gas.

This will prevent condensates in the tank and stabilize the crappy US gas (with corn biproducts - don't get me started!)

Over fill the tires by about 5psi. Do not put the car on jack stands.

In the spring, remove the valve cover and pour the reccomended motor oil over the valve train (just enough to "wet" them), replace the cover and fire'er up.

Take her on a long drive, making sure she is up to a sustained operating temp. This will clean out the 'webs and burn off any accumulated moisture.

I have stored a beautiful 1989 e30 325is (a BMW - God's chariot) over the winters for 15 years this way.

 

[Citizen Patriot]

Do not let the car idle - it will never get to operating temperatre to burn off the condensates that will accrue. Get the marine version of Stabil fuel stabilizer and follow the mixture directions and fill the gas tank completely. It's OK if you over treat the gas.

This will prevent condensates in the tank and stabilize the crappy US gas (with corn biproducts - don't get me started!)

Over fill the tires by about 5psi. Do not put the car on jack stands.

In the spring, remove the valve cover and pour the reccomended motor oil over the valve train (just enough to "wet" them), replace the cover and fire'er up.

Take her on a long drive, making sure she is up to a sustained operating temp. This will clean out the 'webs and burn off any accumulated moisture.

I have stored a beautiful 1989 e30 325is (a BMW - God's chariot) over the winters for 15 years this way.

Good common sense tips, all - thank you. I forgot to mention that I've been using the StaBil Marine formula for the last few tanks of fuel.

The members here at BenzWorld continue to impress with helpful tidbits....

 

[Citizen Patriot]

Update

"Maude" went out for a 20 mile jaunt this afternoon, and all went well. A 50/50 combo of city traffic and freeway speeds, up to 90 MPH for a short stretch on I-696 (our local Autobahn). She purred like a kitten, and I'm sure she enjoyed the ride as much as I did. Operating temp only got up to around -/+ 140 degrees, presumably due to the freezing cold outdoor temperature. At least the roads were clear & dry !

I "exercised" all the vacuum-operated vent flaps and even remembered to turn on the "EC" shortly before arriving home Weather permitting, our next outing will be to the local indy shop for a coolant flush to get her through the winter. Tires are up, all fluids look good, and she is once again resting comfortably under her cover in the garage.

Thanks again for all the helpful pointers. BenzWorld ROCKS !

 

[2000 C280 Sport]

W210 in the winter time.

Best thing you can do with your E in the winter is to make sure you give it the attention needed. Use it! Drive it up to operating temperature and allow all the fluids to cycle along with warming up the exhaust. If not the condensation will help cause rust and that leads to the famous rattle exhaust some W210's are noted for. Take it on a joy ride when the roads are nice and clear. Salt roads will destroy a pre face lift W210. Unless you plan on washing it every time you drive it best to keep it away from those sanding/salting trucks. Check the tires, the fluids, keep it clean. Depending on how long you start it maybe keep it on the charger for those cold -10' nights. Keep a full tank of fuel in it as well. Put her back in the garage and tuck her into bed

I just put away 3 of the cars for the winter and we are all ready here for the storm. Got to love the snow:crybaby2:

 

[EFSiR]

Over fill the tires by about 5psi. Do not put the car on jack stands.

I was under impression that when storing the car, you want to take some of the weight off the shocks so you place the car on four jack stands under the proper jacking points, with weight off the wheels but not hanging above the ground and you leave the parking brake off. I would also seal the exhaust tail pipe with cling wrap to prevent moisture from entering the exhaust. Don't forget about some mothballs on the floor to keep out bugs or mice.
About the tire pressure, when the wheels are off, you want to deflate the tires down to about 20psi.

 

[MeMySelfundIch]

get yourself old tires and rims for maude, and let her sit those into squares.

before you store her, drive her nice and long, so she is nice and warm when you place her (DRY) into the garage. Full Tank, Fuel Stabilizer have already been mentioned. You should also have fresh oil in the Car. "used" oil has acids that might/will harm the metals, and/or might cause the oil to degrade over time.

if you have a garage, keep the windows cracked a bit, and place a dehumidifier into the car.

Don't start up and let idle.. That harms the car ALOT. Also if possible: attach a trickle charger to the battery