Starting the E30 up again for the first time in a couple years...

[Gmas]

Long story short, I moved to the city and didn't have the space to bring the car with me.

I basically parked the car as-is and it's been sitting in a garage since.

It's been close to 2 years and I'd like to start driving it again. I was just wondering if there's anything I need to do before starting it up? Anything to check? Oil level I'd assume, but not sure what else.

I plan on taking it in to change the oil right away, but as long as the oil level is good, am I fine to start it up and take it for a spin.

Maybe I'm just being paranoid here, but figured I'd err on the safe side and check with you fine folks first.

Thanks!

[drumad]

fresh fuel would be good

enough battery juice

change the oil

[///digitalme]

^^^ what he said
definitely change the oil

[SlapDash]

I'm not sure how to do it, but I've heard that somehow you can crank the engine without actually starting it. This lets the oil slosh around all the dry bits before the engine fires.

Definitely fresh gas. A parts car I had only sat six months and the fuel smelled like varnish.

Good luck.

[BillBrasky]

I also usually unplug the fuel pump and the ignition coil, then crank it for about 3 seperate 20 second intervals to get the oil pumping through the engine.

[Gmas]

Thanks guys - much appreciated.

Am I ok to use the fuel that's in there and then just go top it up. Not sure how I'd go about draining what's already in there.

Also about oil - is it ok to drive to my mechanic as long as there's sufficient oil in there now?

Or are you guys suggesting these should be done before even starting the car up?

[AbsorbantNut]

to drain your old fuel theres an allen drain hole under the rear passenger side of the car. Its pretty close to the bottom of the rocker panel, just further twoards hte center of the car

[Adrian_Visser]

Athe very least pour a half a quart in to pre-oil the top end before you dry crank it. Even turning it over with the starter with the valvetrain dry isn't a good thing. The two year old oil in there probably has alot of water trapped in it from condensation as well making an oil change a good idea.

[325ix]

I would check all fluids, especially oil, replace it before driving and the fuel as well.

[Gmas]

Thanks guys - appreciate the feedback and advice.