Interesting, I own a 545i garage queen which gets stored in winter and hooked to a battery tender 1 or twice a week. I'm in ski country so winter is roughly Nov - April/May and never had a problem with the long down time.

I also own (and my wife has confiscated as her own) a 2003 V6 Sport edition 4x4 4runner. Except for about 40 more ft/lbs there is no real difference between the V6 & V8 (later versions of the V-8 increase the delta in hp/tq). It is a GREAT winter vehicle with a fantastic 4WD system (V-6 is able to switch between 4WD and RWD - V8's are fulltime 4WD). Sport editions has a cross linked suspension system (XREAS) which improves the handling. The truck is sold world wide as the Land Cruiser Prado and is essentially the same as a Lexus GX470 (w/V8). On highway in 2WD mode I can get 22-23 mpgs. My wife drops hints about wanting a luxury SUV to replace the 4Runner, but it is too capable and superior to other lux SUV's for me to consider it.

 

I too have a 2008 550i, and she is my weekend man-cation! I have a daily driver, 97 toyota camry that still runs like a champ! I've had no issues with storing my bimmer during the week and most times longer due to the east coast winters. I hope to continue this process of using the bimmer as a weekend driver, but I have really heard duals messages on this question. I don't have a battery tender and the car is just fine, but maybe I just should go buy one today since I have been made aware. Can't wait until the spring to unleash the beast!

 

All good to know. Although I love the car, I want to keep its appearances on the streets exclusive. Keep my relationship with it fresh and lustful lol

I'm going to test drive a 2000 4 runner this afternoon. I really prefer the body style on the 200-2002 but will check out an 03/04 before I do anything

 

i know what you mean i had 2 super clean ones a 96 manual and an 02 automatic
heres a pic of the 02 it wa in such nice condition but the 550i made it undriveable i swear lol