My MCS is my funmobile and I usually keep my funmobiles in the Garage for the winter. (Road grime, salts, gravel etc).

Now the questions arise since this is my first winter with an MCS.(A 2004)
1) Ok...keeping the gas tank as full as possible (with Stabil) is probably a good idea to keep moisture from condensing in the tank. Fresh oil chg may be in order.
2) possibly spray the outside of the engine with wd40 which should burn off in the spring...
AND then what? (it is usually not to damp here in the desert...except during our few snow storms)

The Mini will be in an unheated garage for the winter. I am concerned about not running it until normal operating temps are reached, for several reasons including the seals drying out.

Disconnect and store the battery (It is a new one as of June this year)??? A big question in the Mini!

Dealers seem to never have trouble keeping all their cars on the lot during ther dead of winter...they just roll out a portable battery charger to demo...Ugggh

ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED. Will be using my Honda Element all winter as an everyday driver

I am inclined to run it for a a bit each week at least to get it up to operating temps! If we have a heavy snow season that idea is OUT!

 

Thats to bad your not driving it in the colder weather because the car wakes up the colder it gets

Your battery will die, most likely never to be revived again if you dont drive the car. In fact, if you don't drive it at least 10K miles/year, they will not give you a replacement battery under maintenaince (I know this for a fact as it happened to me). The car is MEANT to be driven ... everyday.

I think the dealers do more than just jump start them. I was told they turn off the electronics, the computer, etc which are Always drawing some current. You can get one of those battery maintainers that are not to expensive (or just start it up a couple of times/week).

 

Thanks...if you mean a Float charger...I have one ( I am more concerned with things like seals)...There must be people that do not use their Minis every day....Especially with the low mileage ones I have seen for sale. (as was mine ). As far as getting a new Mini Battery if I do not drive 10,000 mi per year...that would iritate me but I would not lose sleep over their battery...IMHO it is not of high quality anyway and I have my eye on an Optima down the road anyway.

Had a 911 SC Porsche that I stored that way....just took it out on the nicest of days, A friend has a newer one (2005) and he is able to store it in his garage (NO DRIVING) without any damage (last year anyway)..
I am amazed that any manufacturer would put a stipulation on 10,000 mi per year anyway. there are those that do not drive that amount and only use their cars to go to work and back (I live in a smaller city)

It would appear out of the ordinary that you could not keep a Mini in the garage for 3-4 months but if that is the case...I can take it out a few times per week! (and call for roadside service when it gets stuck in a snow drift)