Moving to Germany, what should I do with my baby

[NTP_JC-Z4]

Hi guys,

I just can't seem to get off this forum, I love this stuff. Anyways, I got a question that is somewhat unrelated to detailing but definetely related to car-care and I'm hoping to get some suggestions. I'm from Vancouver, Canada and I recently got a offer for a research position from the Human Genetic Institute at the University of Wurzburg from May to December this year. I think this is a great opportunity and I've decided to take it. But now I'm left wondering, what should I do with my car? I thought about taking my car to Germany with me, as the famed autobahn is very tempting. Does anyone here know how much it costs to ship a car over and what is the insurance rate like in Germany? I have been quoted from aprrox. $2000USD to about $7000USD for shipment.

Since I'm only going for 8 months, I doubt it will make sense to bring the car over, just a silly dream of mine. So back to reality, and I am wondering if you guys can help me answer this question. How do I properly store a car for 8-9 months? It's a 2003 BMW Z43.0 that has been babied since the first day. I currently live in an apartment and I probably have to rent a storage to keep it. Or would it be better that I leave it with a friend and ask him to start her up every now and then? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated and I'm sure there are many of you with the proper knowledge out there. Thanks in advance!

[Jimmy Buffit]

Storage is the answer. I know the miata.net "Garage" section has copius information on storage tips for enthusiasts. I'm sure the Roadfly.org site does also.

Americans on short term assignments to Germany are nothing new, just check with the US military community! Check local papers in the vicinity of major US installations.

Neat enthusiast cars are constantly available from rotating troops, sometimes at 'distressed pricing'.

Buying and selling short term may cost you a few thousand in value, but probably much less than the transport charges. Plus, I shudder to think what might happen to the finish of your Z during back and forth shipping.

Enjoy the experience abroad! Take full advantage of the German twisties!

Jim

[NTP_JC-Z4]

anymore suggestions?

[reevis]

I'd definitely go Storage (climate controlled if possible). Barring, the storage facility being set on fire or falling down there's very little to worry about.

I'd be leary of letting a friend watch it...with it being a Z4, I could safely say my friends would be out joy riding everywhere. I'd be in a constant state of panic until I got home.

[nineback]

I recently spent 3 years in Germany. I agree with what others have said. I would store the car. You will probably be living in a place without a garage. That means your car will be parked outside. The German weather is not very kind to auto finishes. Almost always wet and damp not to mention the snow and ice. Also except of for the major road networks I did not find the German roads all that good. Often narrow and certainly limited parking.

Havning said all that I had friends who shipped cars for less that $1500 each way.

As someone pointed out there is always reliable though not very pretty cars avialable around the military bases for $1000 or so. Wurzberg has a large military base.

Tom

[luke667]

well think of it this way...buying a new bmw from germany will be ALOT cheaper than america....i reckon. I would sell it, and buy a new one

[teamvegas]

Im not sure in this but dont you have to get a German license? I thought I read somewhere that it is very expensive for that. Just wondering. Sorry if this is off the topic.

[Frank F.]

I have stored Porsches for 6 to 8 months at a time. My formula. Overinflate the tires by 10 psi. Park on tire cradles. www.tirecradles.com. This will prevent the tires from flat spotting.
Add a stabilizer to the fuel tank. www.tweeks.com. Put several silicate dry bags in the car. Lubricate all the seals on the trunk and hood and doors. If there are mice in the storage area, put lots of moth balls under the car and put Bounce (fabric softening cloth) in the car. Hook up a battery keeper. Do not allow anyone to start the car.

This is my formula. It works for me.

[hawkfish]

I follow pretty close to what Frank suggested above.

Since I bought my TA, I store it for 4-6 months every year during winter with no ill effects.

Before I put it away:

I give the car a full tank of gas and then add Stabil fuel stabilzer to the tank.

I detail the entire car, inside and out.

I treat all rubber parts around the doors, hatch and t-tops to keep them soft.

I put a big bag of silica gel in the back seat on a towel.

I then cover it with a soft car cover.

Again like Frank said, depending on where your store it, make sure that you keep animals and rodents from getting in to your exhaust pipes by putting the car cover over the pipes or placing a ball of stealwool in the pipes. Also try to block off any air intakes or ducts under hood to keep the rodents out.

The only thing that I do different is that I start mine every 3-4 weeks since I am not using a battery keeper.

[NTP_JC-Z4]

thank you all for the great advices, I can now leave Germany with confidence

[jimwh]

NTP_JC-Z4 -

If you do decide to take your baby to Germany, I wanted to offer a fellow Autopian some assistance.

My wife is a freight forwarder and ships all over the world. She has over 7 years experience in the chaotic Miami market and has shipped pretty much anything you can imagine.

All of the points raised above may be valid, but if you want to ship your car, I'll make sure that you get the best service at a very competitive price (since you're a fellow Autopian!!).

If you'd like, E-mail me at jim@jimhummel.com.

[NTP_JC-Z4]

Jimwh,

Once again, people like you demonstrate the excellence of this forum!! Thanks for coming out of your way and making this offer! I would love to take the car to Germany, but I was wondering, I live in Vancouver and you mentioned that your wife is in Miami. Should I still send her an email?