Advice Needed: Leaving Car Outside for 2 Months in Open Parking

[e90Jeet]

Hi everyone,

I hope the community doesn't mind me asking a question that may have been answered before.

I am a new owner of 2018 X5 50i m-sports - Sapphire Black Metallic. Due to some unavoidable circumstances, I have to leave my car alone for about 2 months. It will be parked in an open parking space (no garage) in Palm Beach, FL.

Can you please suggest any advice on how to keep the car outside for 2 months? Unfortunately, I do not have anyone who could come and start/drive it once in a while for me. It will simply be staying put without being run or powered on.

I've read some posts on this topic - some mentioned keeping the fuel tank full to avoid condensation. I've also ordered windshield sunshades, but I'm unsure about using a car cover. Some members here have complained that car covers can damage paint rather than protect it. More on, do I have to make special arrangements for the battery?

Any suggestions or advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

[andrewmr]

Put it in a storage unit. Plug it in with a battery tender. All will be good when you get back.

[m4forum]

I would suggest fill up the task as you said. If can hook a battery tender great if not just disconnect the negative pole from battery so it avoids any potential battery discharge assuming the battery is in good condition.

[Tomcat_F15_STL]

I would avoid a cover - and avoid leaving it under anything where birds might congregate.

+1, disconnect the battery.

[Qsilver7]

Just an FYI in case you haven't thought it through...if you do disconnect the negative battery cable...also know how to manually unlock the vehicle. And how to manually open the tailgate because there is no exterior lock cylinder to open the tailgate when there's no power.

When the negative cable has been removed to power down the vehicle...you can manually unlock the driver's door (using the metal keyblade in the remote fob)...then you can pop the hood and supply 12volts to the jump start terminals in the engine bay (using another car, or a battery charger etc)...then use your remote fob or the interior tailgate release to power open the tailgate so that you can then put the negative terminal back on the battery.

Also cover the negative cable in a glove, sock or rag to prevent it from shorting out if it somehow moves and touches metal.

[XxBBVTMxX]

Dude, find an inside place to put it. If you live somewhere near water, leaving it outside like that… God knows what may happen. Ask a buddy to help you out.

You can also try the solar battery tenders they use at the dealerships if you can manage to get one.

[e90Jeet]

Originally Posted by XxBBVTMxX

Dude, find an inside place to put it. If you live somewhere near water, leaving it outside like that… God knows what may happen. Ask a buddy to help you out.

You can also try the solar battery tenders they use at the dealerships if you can manage to get one.

Thank You all. I guess the best course of action is to find a storage unit and take care of battery.

Appreciate all your suggestions.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by andrewmr

Put it in a storage unit. Plug it in with a battery tender. All will be good when you get back.

Echoing the same. Leaving the vehicle outside considering the current social climate isn't a good idea.