Hardtop on or off??

[BuxtonZ3Guy]

Hello everyone.

Some advice please.

At the end of November I will be taking my Z3 off the road for the winter. I have a factory hardtop. The car will be stored outside under a storm proof cover. My question is this. Should I store the car with the hardtop on or off? Will the soft top get damaged from being stowed in the down position for 4 months?

Cheers.

Andy.

 

[andyglym]

Hi mate, there should be no issue with having your roof down over winter with the hardtop on. Just ensure you cover the screen to prevent marking.

 

[Althulas]

I would not use a cover on the car long term whatever the claims. I have and have a new batch of panels to replace so my existing ones where sacrificial. Over a period of time there has been some rub on the bonnet but being replaced anyway but might polish out. The only reason I’ve used a cover was due to leakage I’m sure from the rear seal which will be addressed with the soft top change. If I had been in knowledge at the time I would have settled with a half cover with frequent washes and wax over the season but also I worked off shore so not a option for me really. Apologies for the ramble but if your at home just stick the hardtop on and give the bodywork a good application of wax and keep a good maintenance over winter Better that than potential damage from a cover over long term bare in mind mine being under for s*** nearly 5 years I need to pull my finger out.