A recent poll by classic car valuers Hagerty has found that Millennials and Gen-Xers are taking the wheel when it comes to classic car buying and driving, compared with older generations. If you’re new to classic car ownership and have a BMW 2002 proudly standing on your driveway, congratulations. As you will no doubt be aware, classic cars require just as much, if not more, care as modern cars, so it’s important to read up and be prepared to look after your car’s all round health, from regular engine oil changes to spotting signs of wear and tear before they turn ugly.
BMW Best Practice
The AA report that half of the 3.4 million call-outs it attends annually are caused by poor maintenance. To avoid joining those statistics, manufacturers recommend servicing your car every 12,000 miles or 12 months; whichever comes first. While some modern cars are fitted with a self-diagnostic system that flag potential issues, you’ll need to be more proactive with your classic BMW. If something doesn’t sound or feel right, you can check your car at home or take it into a specialist for a quick inspection before any major problems build up.
Keeping an Eye Out
Try to get into the habit of inspecting your BMW 2002 regularly before you get in; this should be no great hardship since it’s a joy to look at. In a recent poll of British millennials, nearly 75% couldn’t change a tyre; since you’re a car enthusiast, the chances are that you’ve already mastered this basic, but it’s best to check tires visually on a regular basis anyway. Cast your eye over your wipers and paint too, and if possible, check the lights at the front and rear. It’s worth keeping the classic car inspection checklist to hand to ensure that you don’t forget any important aspects.
Beautiful on the Inside
When it comes to interior checks, as well as checking the condition of your seats and interior lights, you will also need to check the mechanics of your engine oil and battery. The average lifespan of a modern battery is five years, but much will depend on how the car has been driven and looked after. It’s worth checking for corrosion or build up; if you’re confident, you may be able to clean battery terminals at home using baking soda and water, but always seek professional advice if you’re at all unsure.
Keeping it Sweet
Aside from regular maintenance checks, the best way to care for your classic BMW is to drive it regularly. Enjoy the open road (or at least, not the M25) and listen to the engine purr. Clean your car regularly to remove mud, bugs and splashes, and ideally store it in a well ventilated garage.
As more millennials begin to discover the joy of classic car ownership, it will become more important to get hands-on with regular maintenance. Unlike modern cars, your classic BMW won’t be able to tell you where the trouble spots are, so it’s important you really get to know the look, feel and sound of your car so that you can be on the front foot. If you’re choosing a standout car like a BMW 2002, you’re clearly not one to follow the crowd; don’t fall into the hapless millennial stereotype either.