Car parked for extended length of time

[deanuk75]

I'm currently enjoying the delights of Riyadh in high summer, which means my E60 M5 is sadly sat at home not being driven. I've been here for two weeks already, and could quite possibly be here for another two weeks before I get back to the UK.

Am I likely to be greeted by a flat battery when I get back or is it still likely to start after standing for that length of time? Mrs. Deanuk75 doesn't drive so it won't get driven until I get back.

The battery itself was replaced just over a year ago.

I'd be interested to hear if anyone has been in a similar situation and has more of an idea what to expect.

[sherman]

As long as it was driven regularly before you parked it up there should be no issues at all in leaving it for such a short length of time.

[deanuk75]

Thanks - yes, it was driven regularly prior to my trip

Fingers crossed it's nothing to worry about.

[TrickyTrevM5]

Dean

get the good lady to start it and leave it running for a few mins each week - that should help avoid the dreaded flat battery issue, and i would ask her to do it now.

If the car wont start, you can have the good lady order the BMW assist folks to come out before you return, and re-charge the battery for you!

Cheers

Trevor

[E30M3SE]

^^^

Don't do that, you'll take more out of the battery than you'll put in if it's only leave at idle for a few minutes.

Unnecessary cold starts as well............

4 weeks in summer should be fine if you battery was fit when it was parked up and there are no excessive drains.

For the future, buy yourself a battery conditioner, Ctek or Optimate.

[ecain63]

Engine has to be running at road speed to be charging the battery. Idle will only drain it down.