California Convertible Car Cover

[e30tron]

Recent e30 black convertible purchase. With fresh paint.

I live in Sunny Southern California.
This car will be outdoors 24/7.
El Nino might be a thing this winter, if its anything like the previous El Nino its gonna rain alot. But who really knows.
Otherwise its always sunny here.

I'm getting mixed reviews about what kind of covers to use.

Any 24/7 outdoor convertible owners want to shed some light and share their experiences with covers?

Do you wash your car, and car cover often before putting on? Any basic 101 car cover do's and don'ts also requested.

Also WTB hardcover, message me or link me if you have one FS.

Thanks!

[reelizmpro]

I'd try to find a nice rain proof cover as the fabric ones will saturate and allow water/residue/dirt to dry on the car. I don't have one so I don't know first hand how effective the rain proof covers are but I do have several BMW fabric (Noah) covers that are water repellent but not waterproof. The added benefit is it'll keep the water from leaking into the cabin as well. If you choose not to use a cover, I would clean/treat the top with scotchguard or something to get it to repel water and add a tarp or garbage bag over the window areas for heavy rains.

[UlrichFennec]

If I ever put a car cover on, I like to put a towel on the hood and on the trunk in case hail happens.

Otherwise, I don't use a cover. Raggtop and the plastic window cover I have are my best friends.

[aegul44]

plastic window cover

What do you mean by plastic window cover.

OP, if you want to cover your whole car, your option would be waterproof and breathable fabric that fits tight to car with no gaps.
Non-waterproof= big no
non-breathable = results in moisture between paint and cover and may cause rust and water marks
If the cover doesn't have fitted ends, all the dust from outside can get trapped between and scratch your paint. So you need real waterproof and breathable car cover that fits great on the car.

Putting dirty car cover on dirty car is big no unless you want scratches on your finish. I suggest you to stay away from full car cover unless you will have the car stored for long term. Otherwise its to much work to cover the car everyday.

Assuming you want to prevent leaking from softop, your best friend is something like this.

[UlrichFennec]

What do you mean by plastic window cover?

I use it whenever it snows and I have to leave the car for a bit, so when I come back, I can shake it off and not worry about a frosted plastic window.

[aegul44]

ohh you mean snowshade /sunshade. Got it dude.

[UlrichFennec]

ohh you mean snowshade /sunshade. Got it dude.

Yeah, I didn't know what to call it. I picked it up at a junkyard for 5 bucks and didn't know what it was until I put it to my window. It's pretty nice to have.

[e30tron]

thanks!

what is this called and do they make one for e30's?

[UlrichFennec]

thanks!

what is this called and do they make one for e30's?

They sell it on BavAuto as a "Interior Cover for Convertibles." 90 bucks for E30s and I think E36s too.

[aegul44]

thanks!

what is this called and do they make one for e30's?

bavauto part number: IC3009 .Put it in search box.As the ulrichfennec said its only $90

[e30tron]

awesome thanks for the part #

what about this window cover? was this oem? where can i get one?

[101]

^^^ yes, that is a BMW OEM item. Part #51431943740 - Cover.

They show up for sale occasionally in the "FOR SALE" section. No idea if they are still available new or not.

[e30tron]

thanks so much guys, you really delivered !

[UlrichFennec]

^^^ yes, that is a BMW OEM item. Part #51431943740 - Cover.

They show up for sale occasionally in the "FOR SALE" section. No idea if they are still available new or not.

Apparently they are avaliable new, but quite pricey. Around $150. I got super lucky at that U-pull U-pay.

[Das Delfin]

^ I saw one on here for like $40 a few months ago.

You guys really think the bav auto cover is quality? I mean it's bavauto...