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because of some issues with the title, the 535i has not been cranked in over 4mths. What should I do/look for?

I would: change the oil, check coolant level (top off as needed), charge (replace) battery, remove and inspect plugs (couldn't hurt to squirt a drop or two of oil in each cylinder), drain the fuel tank, fill with fresh gas, route the return line from the fuel pressure regulator into a bucket, jump the fuel relay to engage the pumps, purge the fuel system of old gas, (30 sec. or so), and try to crank it.


[Edit by booker535 on [TIME]1110251866[/TIME]]

I did this last month with my 535 which hadn't been started since 2003. I changed the oil, removed the rocker cover and poured the final qt for the oil change over the cam. Then removed the spark plugs and fuel pump fuse(s?), and cranked the engine until oil pressure was built. Then put the plugs in and it fired right up after a few seconds of cranking(fuel had to get to the injectors I'm assuming). Its been running prefectly ever since.

Hmmm....I guess my approach was a little different after the car sat for three years. It needed a fresh battery, topped up the oil with a can of Sea Foam, and a bottle of Lucas gas treatment to about a 1/3 tank of fresh gas. Pulled the coil wire and let it crank a bit to get the oil where it needs to be. Re-attached the coil wire and it started on the first try. I ran the 1/3 tank down, filled it with gas and added another bottle of the Lucas gas treatment and then changed the oil. It's running like a champ and passed emissions without a hitch.

The Sea Foam idea came from the auto parts guy. I was going to change the oil, run it a couple of weeks, and then change it again. But, he said this was a better approach as it would clean any varnish and sludge. He also said that he's put it in his gas with good results.

Damon in STL

I wouldn't worry about it too much if it's been sitting for only 4 months. I've always stored my car during the winter, it normally sits from mid-November to April 1 or so. Make sure the battery is charged, check the fluid level, look around under the hood to make sure everything looks OK (i.e. no mouse nests in the air cleaner or anything like that) and start it up. Change the oil if it wasn't done before the car was parked. My M535i always starts right up, no problems. I let it warm up good, and then take it for a short drive around the neighborhood to get everything limbered up. You'll probably have some surface rust on the brake rotors but that will disappear after a few stops.

I've been doing this with my summer cars for thirty years now with no ill effects on any of them. Now, if it had been sitting for a year or two it would be different, but in my experience a few months isn't going to make any difference.

Thanks for the advice. The paper work should be in soon and I'll post the results. Got to get her ready for 5er fest.