Thoughts on car covers?

[JimS]

I assume some of you have car covers for your Z's.
The recent showers (nay hail/thunderstorms) have made me think about an outdoor full cover and maybe also a top cover for daily summer use.

I just wondered what you guys use and do you think they are worth the trouble and possible paint damage?

 

[Althulas]

It’s the wind that causes the rubbing damage. I’ve had mine under cover for about three years and had caused some to the corners which I knew it would but have new panels to replace. In the short term ok but not a long term solution. If you have a dedicated place for car parking you could get one of those metal framed cocoon ones which you drive into and fold over with nothing touching the car.

 

[t-tony]

My car generally lives in the garage, but, I'm seriously thinking about a full car cover because I do a bit of wood butchery in there and it would keep the car cleaner. At present I cover the majority of the roof with an old curtain but the bodywork does get covered.

Tony.

 

[JimS]

So, probably not a good idea for regular use outdoors then, unless in a very sheltered position. I notice that most indoor covers are fleece or cotton lined and not ventilated, whereas the outdoor ones generally aren't lined and are ventilated, strange that.

I have looked at temporary garages, but you need to be able to site them where there is hard standing and access and where they are not an eyesore. I don't have such a position currently. I don't think Mrs S would appreciate one in front of the lounge window!

I may still get a hood cover for summer, just for the UV protection of the fabric.

 

[Mad2718]

My z3 lives on my drive and I use a storm
Force full cover on her and it seems
To protect the car very well. This of course is my opinion others may have different views

 

[Dakar Z3]

I was fortunate to have a car cover bought for my birthday by family, a genuine BMW Z3 specific cover, fits the car like a glove with air vents and elasticated corners, complete with storage bag, it’s great for both indoors and outdoors, however when They told me the price I nearly had cardiac arrest, £180, excellent quality but vastly overpriced, there will be just as good quality out there for probably half the price I’m sure.

 

[Mad2718]

The storm force cover is designed for the z3

 

[Dakar Z3]

The storm force cover is designed for the z3

Hello Mad2718,
There will be many covers out there specifically for the Z3, I hope you paid a lot less than my wife paid for ours!

 

[mrscalex]

Indoor covers to keep the dust off yes. Outside no. As has been said the wind gets under and rubs the paintwork. Unless someone has managed to overcome this problem with a design.

 

[OhioZ4]

I have always had luck with the California Car Cover Co. My brother had a 3rd gen RX7 that sat outside for a couple years , covered , when he did remove it , it was slightly dirty but not what youd expect . Im, not sure what type cover it was , but it was blue , I do know that much. I have had a few of my own but they have stayed in the garage . I like them because they are made to fit , I was even able to get one for my Isetta.

 

[IainP]

I have one from

BMW Z3 Half Covers

Fully tailored for the BMW Z3 High Quality PU Coated Polyester Easy To Fit Waterproof & UV proof Free storage bag

www.ukcustomcovers.com

My hood leaks and the car now sits outdoors. Come in a little bag and I think it’s wonderful, very impressed with it. Cheaper on eBay than their website, especially if you put it on your watchlist and they discount it


Fully waterproof, being in Scotland I need that.
The only downside is I’ll need to be really careful grinding anything, the sides use magnets. Magnets just love grinding dust, it travels quite a distance, and removing it is extremely difficult.
Once this cover is on, it can’t be stolen, locked on by boot lid and bonnet.

 

[AntStark]

Just bought one of these as I have the same issue with a leaking roof. As Iain says cheaper on ebay than their website and another £5 off if you add to your basket and wait 10 minutes. Bought yesterday, arrived today, really nice quality item for the money (£75). I guess if you wanted to use one of these all year then it might be worth getting one that is breathable.

 

[bombur]

Ive got the same half cover, not used yet and have booked in for new roof at Jack Trimmers on 16th Dec so may be offloading it once fitted.

 

[IainP]

We’ve had some veritable monsoons over the last few days, about an inch of standing water in the garden beside the Z at one point.
Completely dry inside the car though.
Well chuffed, saved a load of hassle.
Iain

 

[ktnez99]

Ive got the same half cover, not used yet and have booked in for new roof at Jack Trimmers on 16th Dec so may be offloading it once fitted.

Why the 16th December?!? That’s an age away!

 

[Nodzed]

I have a canvas magnetic half cover which I mainly use to keep the dust off the soft top in the garage but it is brilliant in the rain too. And no issues with paint damage, wind hasn't budged it yet. Also have a full storm force for the Z4, I don't use it much as it causes more scratches putting in on and off unless the car is very clean, better letting the dust settle and washing it. Full cover is a PITA in my opinion.

A quality half cover is my advice.

 

[bombur]

Why the 16th December?!? That’s an age away!

Thats was the next date they had available- very busy, long waiting list

 

[PKRS]

As a former owner of these such covers. I have found both impractical and inefficient. First problem to be aware of is that there is a strap that goes under the belly of the car ( fine if dry and free of dirt ). Secondly the cover I had a felt interior to protect the car from scratches which was great, however left lots of fibres on my soft top. Thirdly it didn’t take in effect of the antenna on the back wing, this would need to be removed and replaced every time. I found out the hard way by breaking the whole unit. Another replacement required.
my recommendation is keep well a wide berth.

 

[t-tony]

I would entertain just a roof cover but that's all.

Tony.

 

[AntStark]

I just have a soft top cover ..mainly because my roof leaks a bit..UK custom covers (it’s excellent) …the body has round the clock protection by messrs Auto and Glym