Are the cars in the BMW museums still drivable?

BAMxi · 10-05-2011, 10:15 AM

So I\'m sure this has been mentioned in the comments section of some of the EDs and other articles, but every time I see pics of the Welt or that awesome trip through the ///M division (where an example of every M car is stored), I wonder if the cars are just sitting there wasting away, or if they\'re started up/driven occasionally. I was looking at some pics of an E46 M3 CSL at the Welt (and wishing I could drive it), and it just seems like a shame to see such beautiful, mint condition cars sitting in a museum, never being used for their intended purpose. So what do you think? Properly maintained? Better to preserve them forever in the museum or subject them to the perils of the outdoors?

dfjaws · 10-05-2011, 01:12 PM

I would guess that they are drained of fluids and probably don't have batteries in them but other than that, they should be good to drive.

cptcrunch · 10-06-2011, 01:49 PM

I agree. Should be drivable after adding fluids, getting the air out of the systems, etc.

E90 87ss · 10-06-2011, 06:35 PM

Gaskets, tires, and other rubbers dry out. Metal is good though. Rust usually isn't a factor in museum cars.

Edjay · 10-06-2011, 07:07 PM

Easier and cheaper to keep it in running condition, and run it and service it every so often. Not good to let any car sit long without starting and servicing.

10-05-2011, 10:15 AM	#1
BAMxi Lieutenant 30 Rep 487 Posts Drives: E90 328xi Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Columbia, MO iTrader: (3) Garage List 2007 328xi [10.00]	Are the cars in the BMW museums still drivable? So I\'m sure this has been mentioned in the comments section of some of the EDs and other articles, but every time I see pics of the Welt or that awesome trip through the ///M division (where an example of every M car is stored), I wonder if the cars are just sitting there wasting away, or if they\'re started up/driven occasionally. I was looking at some pics of an E46 M3 CSL at the Welt (and wishing I could drive it), and it just seems like a shame to see such beautiful, mint condition cars sitting in a museum, never being used for their intended purpose. So what do you think? Properly maintained? Better to preserve them forever in the museum or subject them to the perils of the outdoors? __________________ Eibach Pro Kit \| 19" Avant Garde M341 \| BMS PBX
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10-05-2011, 01:12 PM	#2
dfjaws Lieutenant 57 Rep 535 Posts Drives: E90 M3 / E86 M Coupe Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Des Moines, IA iTrader: (5)	I would guess that they are drained of fluids and probably don't have batteries in them but other than that, they should be good to drive. __________________
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10-06-2011, 01:49 PM	#3
cptcrunch Captain Crunch 168 Rep 548 Posts Drives: 2016 340i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (0)	I agree. Should be drivable after adding fluids, getting the air out of the systems, etc. __________________ On Order (in transit): BMW iX 50, Oxide Grey Retired: BMW Welt Delivery 4/14/16: European Delivery - 2016 340i EBII/Saddle - ZMP \| ZCW \| ZDA \| ZLP \| ZTP \| M Adaptive \| Rear Shades \| MPPSK Before and After Dyno Retired: 2011 335D Space Grey/Black - ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| 6FL \| Sat Radio \| Nav \| $600 Base Audio Upgrade
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10-06-2011, 06:35 PM	#4
E90 87ss Captain 37 Rep 608 Posts Drives: ! Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NJ/Philly iTrader: (1)	Gaskets, tires, and other rubbers dry out. Metal is good though. Rust usually isn't a factor in museum cars.
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10-06-2011, 07:07 PM	#5
Edjay First Lieutenant 4 Rep 350 Posts Drives: 08 E90 AW, 76 2002 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Sacoftomatoes Ca iTrader: (0)	Easier and cheaper to keep it in running condition, and run it and service it every so often. Not good to let any car sit long without starting and servicing.
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