Is a Car Cover Worth It?

Hendrix · 02-07-2007, 11:35 PM

I get my 335i Sedan in a few weeks and since the hail season is rough in Colorado (and the car will be parked outside), I was wondering if anyone had any info/experiences to share regarding the BMW car covers.

I tried searching but I've yet to find a thread which covered such a topic.

IMJUSS2NASTY · 02-07-2007, 11:48 PM

I'm definitely getting one for my car.

MacAttack · 02-08-2007, 12:10 AM

I use it when I store the car over a long period of time or during inclement (snow mostly) weather. Hell, I still use the one from my 330ci for the 335i. It works perfect. ...bottom line....it's worth it over time.

....and it does blow off during high winds so you do have to tie it down. What's 2-4 minutes putting it on/off?

Masheen · 02-08-2007, 04:26 AM

Here is my ar cover. OEM BMW

Masheen · 02-08-2007, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masheen

Here is my ar cover. OEM BMW

Not ar, but car of course. It's very easy to put on. comes in a bag aswell that is folded in the outdoor cover. Takes me about 25 sec to put it on

hav2flynow · 02-08-2007, 07:27 AM

I guess it depends on your situation. I park at the Airport for days at a time. My last car got bird $%@# stains, jet fuel, tree sap and someone keyed the right rear quarter panel. Ive had my new JB with car cover for 9months and the finish looks flawless. The only down side is rain. It leaves wax smudge marks and i carry a big plastic bag if the car cover is still wet when i take it off. But for sure worth keeping the finish nice.

Clem · 02-08-2007, 07:44 AM

I'll be taking PD delivery in less than two weeks and I'll be needing a cover. Car will not be driven daily and I'll park under a carport.

Masheen, your cover looks to fit nicely. How is it in the water resistance department? OEM is always my first choice (unless it's stupid expensive) but I've heard that some aftermarket cover are of better quality. Kinda like the OEM floor mats vs. aftermarket.

These are two that I'm considering:

http://www.bavauto.com/shop.asp

http://www.calcarcover.com/cover_find2.aspx

Is anyone familiar with these?

hav2flynow · 02-08-2007, 07:56 AM

Mine is OEM, got a nice discount from Morristown BMW and they shipped it. Make sure it has the holes on the side and get the cable lock so no one steals it. I have the new BMW accessories book and I dont see Masheens cover in there. Maybe you can only get that one in Europe.

valeram · 02-08-2007, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hendrix

I get my 335i Sedan in a few weeks and since the hail season is rough in Colorado (and the car will be parked outside), I was wondering if anyone had any info/experiences to share regarding the BMW car covers.

I tried searching but I've yet to find a thread which covered such a topic.

If it is a golf size hail, no cover can protect it unless it is inside a garage.

Clem · 02-08-2007, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hav2flynow

Mine is OEM, got a nice discount from Morristown BMW and they shipped it. Make sure it has the holes on the side and get the cable lock so no one steals it. I have the new BMW accessories book and I dont see Masheens cover in there. Maybe you can only get that one in Europe.

I just got quoted $197 for the OEM outdoor cover. He said it was all grey with the BMW logo on the hood and the elastic band at the bottom. This price is in line with the other two I am considering. Question is: which to buy!

I realize these outdoor covers are not going to keep all moisture out. I think I'm more concerned with fit and ease of use.

nmulax · 02-08-2007, 08:29 AM

Have any of you had issues with scratches when using a cover? I'm worried that if my car is anything but completely spotless; that the cover will drag dirt and grit across the paint.

LEDZEP · 02-08-2007, 09:19 AM

Car covers can be useful, but be realistic about what it will and will not do to protect your car. It will keep dust and dirt off, provide some weatherproofing, etc., but I doubt the padding would be enough to prevent hail damage.

After awhile, they become a PITA to put on and take off - AND if you don't keep your car extremely clean you can scratch it up with the cover - especially on windy days when the cover becomes an orbital sander all over your car.

bmwexecutive · 02-08-2007, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masheen

Here is my ar cover. OEM BMW

Looks like the material will scratch when putting it on and taking it off. Show me a microfiber car cover and I'll buy it.

Hendrix · 02-08-2007, 07:31 PM

Yeah, I'm worried about scratches when I take the cover on/off----Anyone actually have that happen?

ENINTY · 02-08-2007, 08:12 PM

I used them for both my old E30 and my wife's Z3 and hated it. I had good ones with the thick, breathable 4-season tan fabric. I ended up building a carport when I got my E90. I think covers are a PIA. They won't protect from hail anyway.

montreal_bimmer · 02-08-2007, 11:14 PM

my car is always protected.... its in the garage.... alarm on it and all
nothing can damage it.... hopefully

az335i · 02-08-2007, 11:20 PM

Dust and fine sand will eventually get between the cover and your paint. Over time, the movement of the cover from wind will slowly sandblast your paint job. This won't happen overnight, but it WILL happen! Better to keep it well waxed! Just my opinion.

Fester · 02-08-2007, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hendrix

I get my 335i Sedan in a few weeks and since the hail season is rough in Colorado (and the car will be parked outside), I was wondering if anyone had any info/experiences to share regarding the BMW car covers.

I tried searching but I've yet to find a thread which covered such a topic.

NO

777ER · 02-09-2007, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slammedbimmer

if i could go back, i would got something for $50 from walmart instead a cheaper one from BMW and paid $200 just for a huge roundel on my hood! IMHO

I just had to laught at this.

vkk · 02-09-2007, 09:22 AM

Will covers protect against door damage from other parked cars? That's my biggest worry when I park at work since because of the proximity of other cars.

ironic · 02-09-2007, 10:18 AM

^ i doubt it, best defense for that is finding a good pakring spot wher eu cna seperat yourself from the car next to you

E90T · 02-09-2007, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hendrix

I get my 335i Sedan in a few weeks and since the hail season is rough in Colorado (and the car will be parked outside), I was wondering if anyone had any info/experiences to share regarding the BMW car covers.

I tried searching but I've yet to find a thread which covered such a topic.

I heard covering your car with anything during hail is worse because it assists in absorbing the shock of the hail as it falls rather then bouncing off your car. Don't do it.

02-07-2007, 11:35 PM	#1
Hendrix The Rook 2 Rep 15 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	Is a Car Cover Worth It? I get my 335i Sedan in a few weeks and since the hail season is rough in Colorado (and the car will be parked outside), I was wondering if anyone had any info/experiences to share regarding the BMW car covers. I tried searching but I've yet to find a thread which covered such a topic.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

02-07-2007, 11:48 PM	#2
IMJUSS2NASTY Banned 22 Rep 579 Posts Drives: BMW 335I MONTEGO BLUE Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	I'm definitely getting one for my car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2007, 12:10 AM	#3
MacAttack Colonel 29 Rep 2,134 Posts Drives: fast enough Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Afghanistan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW [0.00]	I use it when I store the car over a long period of time or during inclement (snow mostly) weather. Hell, I still use the one from my 330ci for the 335i. It works perfect. ...bottom line....it's worth it over time. ....and it does blow off during high winds so you do have to tie it down. What's 2-4 minutes putting it on/off? __________________ 2007 E92 335i Coupe: Monaco Blue/Premium/Sports/Winter Package/Nav/CA/6MT/TT/Active Cruise/Active Steering/iPod/Rear Shade/Tint/Short Shifter/OEM Alum Pedals//
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2007, 04:26 AM	#4
Masheen Major 116 Rep 1,027 Posts Drives: 2016 M4 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: The Hills in Lyngen iTrader: (0)	Here is my ar cover. OEM BMW Attached Images __________________ BMW M4 2016. Sakhir Orange. M Performance.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2007, 07:27 AM	#6
hav2flynow Private First Class 9 Rep 172 Posts Drives: 2013 Mineral White 328i Sport Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 F30 328i Sport ... [0.00]	I guess it depends on your situation. I park at the Airport for days at a time. My last car got bird $%@# stains, jet fuel, tree sap and someone keyed the right rear quarter panel. Ive had my new JB with car cover for 9months and the finish looks flawless. The only down side is rain. It leaves wax smudge marks and i carry a big plastic bag if the car cover is still wet when i take it off. But for sure worth keeping the finish nice.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2007, 07:44 AM	#7
Clem Major 149 Rep 1,254 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 M3 AW/FR ESS VT2 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: MD iTrader: (4)	I'll be taking PD delivery in less than two weeks and I'll be needing a cover. Car will not be driven daily and I'll park under a carport. Masheen, your cover looks to fit nicely. How is it in the water resistance department? OEM is always my first choice (unless it's stupid expensive) but I've heard that some aftermarket cover are of better quality. Kinda like the OEM floor mats vs. aftermarket. These are two that I'm considering: http://www.bavauto.com/shop.asp http://www.calcarcover.com/cover_find2.aspx Is anyone familiar with these?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2007, 07:56 AM	#8
hav2flynow Private First Class 9 Rep 172 Posts Drives: 2013 Mineral White 328i Sport Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 F30 328i Sport ... [0.00]	Mine is OEM, got a nice discount from Morristown BMW and they shipped it. Make sure it has the holes on the side and get the cable lock so no one steals it. I have the new BMW accessories book and I dont see Masheens cover in there. Maybe you can only get that one in Europe.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2007, 08:29 AM	#11
nmulax Brigadier General 379 Rep 4,320 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 M Coupe Join Date: May 2006 Location: Metro-Detroit iTrader: (5) Garage List 2007 Z4M Coupé [7.66]	Have any of you had issues with scratches when using a cover? I'm worried that if my car is anything but completely spotless; that the cover will drag dirt and grit across the paint. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2007, 09:19 AM	#12
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 419 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	Car covers can be useful, but be realistic about what it will and will not do to protect your car. It will keep dust and dirt off, provide some weatherproofing, etc., but I doubt the padding would be enough to prevent hail damage. After awhile, they become a PITA to put on and take off - AND if you don't keep your car extremely clean you can scratch it up with the cover - especially on windy days when the cover becomes an orbital sander all over your car. __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2007, 07:31 PM	#14
Hendrix The Rook 2 Rep 15 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	Yeah, I'm worried about scratches when I take the cover on/off----Anyone actually have that happen?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2007, 08:12 PM	#15
ENINTY Banned 173 Rep 3,415 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Sport Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	I used them for both my old E30 and my wife's Z3 and hated it. I had good ones with the thick, breathable 4-season tan fabric. I ended up building a carport when I got my E90. I think covers are a PIA. They won't protect from hail anyway.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2007, 11:14 PM	#16
montreal_bimmer OEMconcept 174 Rep 5,593 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Canada \| USA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2006 325i [10.00]	my car is always protected.... its in the garage.... alarm on it and all nothing can damage it.... hopefully
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-08-2007, 11:20 PM	#17
az335i New Member 0 Rep 19 Posts Drives: 07 sedan slush box Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Arizona iTrader: (0)	Skip it1 Dust and fine sand will eventually get between the cover and your paint. Over time, the movement of the cover from wind will slowly sandblast your paint job. This won't happen overnight, but it WILL happen! Better to keep it well waxed! Just my opinion.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-09-2007, 09:22 AM	#20
vkk Private First Class 8 Rep 161 Posts Drives: bmw 328xi coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: seattle iTrader: (0)	Will covers protect against door damage from other parked cars? That's my biggest worry when I park at work since because of the proximity of other cars. __________________ ED Jan 29 2007, redelivery apr 14 2007 - 328xi coupe monaco blue/saddle brown sport premium cold nav step comfort access http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45881 http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=187322
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-09-2007, 10:18 AM	#21
ironic Major General 257 Rep 8,338 Posts Drives: Jet Black 335i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: San Francisco, Ca iTrader: (22)	^ i doubt it, best defense for that is finding a good pakring spot wher eu cna seperat yourself from the car next to you __________________ Widebody 335i Project Car BUILD \| PHOTOSHOOT
	Appreciate 0 Quote