How cold is too cold for top down?

Jayda · 10-31-2011, 06:16 AM

Hello- This was my first weekend with my car. I live in SC where we have our share of delightfully warm weather. However, we do have a winter and that time is fast approaching. Yesterday the high did not 61 until very late in the day. That seemed way to cold to me to ride with the top down. I am a freeze baby girl! I tend to be cold when others are not. My question is how cold can it be and you still have the top down? Are there strategies for staying warm? I know the heated seats and steering wheel probably help. I think 70 degrees would be my limit. Just curious what others tolerate/enjoy in terms of cooler weather "top down" rides.

X3n0 · 10-31-2011, 06:22 AM

I used to regularly drive my e85 with the top down in 40 degree weather @ night. Cold clear nights really bring the stars out. You can turn up the heater and activate your seat heaters and obviously dress for the occasion, but I'd say the one thing that really made the difference for the e85 was the windscreen.

Without the windscreen, the cabin won't retain any heat because of all the heavy drafts that swoop in from behind the headrests. I'm guessing that e89 has a similar wind profile.

jparnes1 · 10-31-2011, 09:00 AM

I too have driven with the top down as low as 40 degrees. Here's what you do:
windows up, heat cranked to max, air stratifier turned to hot, cold weather package (heated seats and steering wheel) on if you have it. No Problem!

Memphis1 · 10-31-2011, 09:25 AM

Ditto, Wind deflector up, windows up, heater up, seat heater on, a scarf or jacket with mock neck.

Mind you i am out and about with just a sweater in 40 degree weather...

ZheHbKa · 10-31-2011, 10:11 AM

good question, around town i keep it around 70 on the highway without wind deflector a more comfortable temp is close to 80

F87LUV · 10-31-2011, 12:36 PM

Id say 60-65 is the lowest Id drop it and thats with the windows up, some heat on if theres no sun out. I dont have a wind screen either.

Wiles · 10-31-2011, 04:31 PM

Being from the midwest I enjoy the top down in weather down to the 50's

I have a north face jacket which is excellent wind properties. With Cold weather package pkg, the heated steering wheel keeps my hands warm, seat heaters keep my body warm.

Now my uncle from Florida would be cold in the low 70's, so it all depends on you.

Enjoy

STOOF · 10-31-2011, 05:11 PM

Until i can see my breath.

Jayda · 10-31-2011, 05:19 PM

Pretty sure the top will not be down if I can see my breath! I'm a Southern girl and have thin blood!

Dr Stig 2 · 10-31-2011, 05:52 PM

Here it ranges from -2 C to about 45 C across the year.
(28 to 115 F)

The only time I put the roof up is when it rains, I have to park it in a public place or I have to drive on a dusty road.

On the coldest mornings I just wind up the windows and wear a light spray jacket.
On the hottest days I wear a hat and sunscreen.

I find the a/c does a great job keeping it close to 22C in either extreme.

richard in NC · 10-31-2011, 07:13 PM

My general thought is 70 and above. Mornings in the summer and afternoons spring and fall. I have driven it top down in the high 50s/low 60s but that's rare and country road speeds. I did have the heated seats and wheel on and heater turned up.

Jayda · 11-01-2011, 06:06 AM

Weather forecast says temps will be in the 70s and sunny on Novemeber 7th. Guess that first top down ride will have to wait.

Spin around the neighborhood (top down) yesterday at a slow speed with temps in the 60s told me I need it much warmer for an extended drive (unless I wear a winter coat and hat, which sort of ruins the convertible experience in my opinion). Strange it will be very cool for us this whole week. Remember cold is relative! PLUS I know I need to get a windscreen. I'm looking at the one from roadster solutions, just can't shell out the cash for the OEM one from BMW, that one seems ridiculously priced.

teezee · 11-01-2011, 10:53 PM

The manual states not below 14 degrees F

marcw · 11-02-2011, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayda

Remember cold is relative!

Very true. A friend of mine grew up in Alaska. For him everything above 32F is t-shirt weather. This is also the guy who informed me that jeans stop bending in the knees at -70F.

mstevens · 11-02-2011, 01:21 PM

I typically have the top down around town if it's sunny and at or above freezing.

Last week I drove to Montreal at 85mph at 45F. I'll put the top up on the highway if it's much colder than that. I also use the top at night or on cloudy days above freezing.

As others have said, the seat and steering wheel heaters help. So does defrost - heat off the windshield will help keep your ears warm. The wind deflector makes a big difference as well.

TurboHank · 11-02-2011, 09:16 PM

Unless its raining or blizzard out there, I just go top down. Granted when I was in the San Francisco Bay Area, it barely get's below 50. So it was a breeze with the winter package. I didn't wear a hat, but did have turtle neck.

richard in NC · 11-03-2011, 05:33 PM

I just did the drive home at 65F and sunny. It included interstate cruising so it was about the coolest I "enjoy" the top down.

EDIT: I noticed no one else had the top down at all. Including a white Z4 30i and a black 650i.

35iDriver · 11-03-2011, 06:14 PM

50 degrees

Jayda · 11-03-2011, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard in NC

I just did the drive home at 65F and sunny. It included interstate cruising so it was about the coolest I "enjoy" the top down.

EDIT: I noticed no one else had the top down at all. Including a white Z4 30i and a black 650i.

I have only seen one other 2009-2011 hardtop Z4 here in Columbia, SC since I really started looking for one about two months ago. The newer ones still seem rare here. Being one state South of you, I thought about top down to drive home from work but still thought it was too chilly for me in the 60s. I see some temps in the 70s next week which seems more to my liking!

mstevens · 11-04-2011, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayda

it was too chilly for me in the 60s.

You're killin' me!

cdeslandes · 11-04-2011, 10:17 PM

Top goes up below 45F. And above 90F.

cdeslandes · 11-04-2011, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcw

Very true. A friend of mine grew up in Alaska. For him everything above 32F is t-shirt weather. This is also the guy who informed me that jeans stop bending in the knees at -70F.

These Alaska folks are crazy. One told me he got in his truck one morning, it was so cold the seat shattered!

10-31-2011, 06:16 AM	#1
Jayda Lieutenant 41 Rep 509 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: SC iTrader: (0)	How cold is too cold for top down? Hello- This was my first weekend with my car. I live in SC where we have our share of delightfully warm weather. However, we do have a winter and that time is fast approaching. Yesterday the high did not 61 until very late in the day. That seemed way to cold to me to ride with the top down. I am a freeze baby girl! I tend to be cold when others are not. My question is how cold can it be and you still have the top down? Are there strategies for staying warm? I know the heated seats and steering wheel probably help. I think 70 degrees would be my limit. Just curious what others tolerate/enjoy in terms of cooler weather "top down" rides. __________________ 2009 Z4 35i, alpine white with beige leather and all the goodies (new to me with 4,500 miles in October, 2011) Last edited by Jayda; 10-31-2011 at 07:00 AM..
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10-31-2011, 06:22 AM	#2
X3n0 New Member 1 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 35i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: nyc metro iTrader: (0)	I used to regularly drive my e85 with the top down in 40 degree weather @ night. Cold clear nights really bring the stars out. You can turn up the heater and activate your seat heaters and obviously dress for the occasion, but I'd say the one thing that really made the difference for the e85 was the windscreen. Without the windscreen, the cabin won't retain any heat because of all the heavy drafts that swoop in from behind the headrests. I'm guessing that e89 has a similar wind profile. Last edited by X3n0; 10-31-2011 at 07:01 AM.. Reason: typo
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10-31-2011, 09:00 AM	#3
jparnes1 Colonel 243 Rep 2,387 Posts Drives: 2016 340i, 2012 Z4 35i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	I too have driven with the top down as low as 40 degrees. Here's what you do: windows up, heat cranked to max, air stratifier turned to hot, cold weather package (heated seats and steering wheel) on if you have it. No Problem! __________________ 2016 340i XDrive, EBII/black, 6 MT, M Sport, Track Handling, Cold Weather, Tech, Lighting, Driver Assistance Plus. 2012 Z4 35i, ED 2/24/2012, Melbourne Red Metallic, Black Leather, Carbon Trim, 6MT, M Sport, CW, PP, PS, NAV, CA.
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10-31-2011, 09:25 AM	#4
Memphis1 Lieutenant Colonel 90 Rep 1,838 Posts Drives: Z4 SDrive 35i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	Ditto, Wind deflector up, windows up, heater up, seat heater on, a scarf or jacket with mock neck. Mind you i am out and about with just a sweater in 40 degree weather... __________________
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10-31-2011, 10:11 AM	#5
ZheHbKa Lieutenant Colonel 78 Rep 1,793 Posts Drives: the Wind Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 335 Xi [10.00]	good question, around town i keep it around 70 on the highway without wind deflector a more comfortable temp is close to 80 __________________ 2014 F30 335 X-Drive \| 6-MT \| Alpine White/Coral Red \| ZMM ZDH ZDA \|
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10-31-2011, 12:36 PM	#6
F87LUV Lieutenant General 3689 Rep 15,081 Posts Drives: '16 M2, '23 GT4 Join Date: May 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (4) Garage List 2023 Porsche GT4 [5.00] 2016 BMW M2 [8.66]	Id say 60-65 is the lowest Id drop it and thats with the windows up, some heat on if theres no sun out. I dont have a wind screen either. __________________ IG: Trackinheels
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10-31-2011, 04:31 PM	#7
Wiles Private First Class 53 Rep 178 Posts Drives: Z4 3.5i MSport manual, 2020X3M Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Midwest USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW Z4 [0.00]	It depends on the individual. Being from the midwest I enjoy the top down in weather down to the 50's I have a north face jacket which is excellent wind properties. With Cold weather package pkg, the heated steering wheel keeps my hands warm, seat heaters keep my body warm. Now my uncle from Florida would be cold in the low 70's, so it all depends on you. Enjoy
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10-31-2011, 05:11 PM	#8
STOOF Sunburned 238 Rep 1,097 Posts Drives: '16 F83 M4 Convertible 6MT Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Staten Island, NY iTrader: (2) Garage List 2013 BMW 535i [0.00]	Until i can see my breath. __________________ 2016 M4 Convertible 6MT - SO/SO 2013 535i 6MT MSport - Retired 2011 Z4 SDrive35i 6MT- Retired
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10-31-2011, 05:19 PM	#9
Jayda Lieutenant 41 Rep 509 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: SC iTrader: (0)	Pretty sure the top will not be down if I can see my breath! I'm a Southern girl and have thin blood! __________________ 2009 Z4 35i, alpine white with beige leather and all the goodies (new to me with 4,500 miles in October, 2011)
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10-31-2011, 05:52 PM	#10
Dr Stig 2 Criminally Insane 53 Rep 1,464 Posts Drives: Like a Demon! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW Z4 35is [10.00] 2013 BMW X5 30d [0.00]	Here it ranges from -2 C to about 45 C across the year. (28 to 115 F) The only time I put the roof up is when it rains, I have to park it in a public place or I have to drive on a dusty road. On the coldest mornings I just wind up the windows and wear a light spray jacket. On the hottest days I wear a hat and sunscreen. I find the a/c does a great job keeping it close to 22C in either extreme. __________________ Dr Stig 2010 Z4 35is 2011 X3 30d M Sport Australia
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10-31-2011, 07:13 PM	#11
richard in NC Colonel 1229 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	My general thought is 70 and above. Mornings in the summer and afternoons spring and fall. I have driven it top down in the high 50s/low 60s but that's rare and country road speeds. I did have the heated seats and wheel on and heater turned up. __________________ 2020 X3M non-comp, Alpine White over black : Exec Pkg, ventilated M Sport seats, 20"s 2020 M2 Comp, Sunset Orange/Blk: Orange stitching, DCT, exec pkg, bicolor rims Gone '18 M550i, '16 X4 M40i, '15 M5, '13 X3 35i, '12 335is, '11 X5 50i, '09 Z4 35i, '08 550i, 06 X3, 06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i
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11-01-2011, 06:06 AM	#12
Jayda Lieutenant 41 Rep 509 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: SC iTrader: (0)	Weather forecast says temps will be in the 70s and sunny on Novemeber 7th. Guess that first top down ride will have to wait. Spin around the neighborhood (top down) yesterday at a slow speed with temps in the 60s told me I need it much warmer for an extended drive (unless I wear a winter coat and hat, which sort of ruins the convertible experience in my opinion). Strange it will be very cool for us this whole week. Remember cold is relative! PLUS I know I need to get a windscreen. I'm looking at the one from roadster solutions, just can't shell out the cash for the OEM one from BMW, that one seems ridiculously priced. __________________ 2009 Z4 35i, alpine white with beige leather and all the goodies (new to me with 4,500 miles in October, 2011)
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11-01-2011, 10:53 PM	#13
teezee Freude am Fahren 35 Rep 383 Posts Drives: E89 Z4, E46 325iT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Here,There and Everywhere iTrader: (0)	The manual states not below 14 degrees F Attached Images __________________ 2011 E89 Z4 M Sport (Euro Delivery, Performance Center redelivery), Extended Nappa leather, Eisenmann Sport Exhaust 2003 E46 325i Touring
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11-02-2011, 01:21 PM	#15
mstevens Lieutenant 119 Rep 512 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M4Misano Blue Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Hampshire & Cozumel, Mexico iTrader: (0)	I typically have the top down around town if it's sunny and at or above freezing. Last week I drove to Montreal at 85mph at 45F. I'll put the top up on the highway if it's much colder than that. I also use the top at night or on cloudy days above freezing. As others have said, the seat and steering wheel heaters help. So does defrost - heat off the windshield will help keep your ears warm. The wind deflector makes a big difference as well. __________________ 2004 E85 Z4 3.0 Sport - Sold to brother \| 2004 E83 X3 xDrive3.0i - Gone \| 2011 E89 Z4 35is - Gone \| 2011 F25 X3 xDrive35i - Gone \| 2014 E89 Z4 E89 35is - Gone \| 2014 F25 X3 xDrive 30i X3 - Gone \| 2017 F83 M4 Cabriolet - Gone \| 2017 F25 X3 xDrive30i - Gone 2020 G29 Z4 M40i Misanoblau \| 2020 G01 M40i Phytonicblau Casa Suzana, vacation rental villa in Cozumel, Mexico
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11-02-2011, 09:16 PM	#16
TurboHank Private 10 Rep 94 Posts Drives: 2011MY Z4 35i M sports pkg Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0)	Unless its raining or blizzard out there, I just go top down. Granted when I was in the San Francisco Bay Area, it barely get's below 50. So it was a breeze with the winter package. I didn't wear a hat, but did have turtle neck.
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11-03-2011, 05:33 PM	#17
richard in NC Colonel 1229 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	I just did the drive home at 65F and sunny. It included interstate cruising so it was about the coolest I "enjoy" the top down. EDIT: I noticed no one else had the top down at all. Including a white Z4 30i and a black 650i. __________________ 2020 X3M non-comp, Alpine White over black : Exec Pkg, ventilated M Sport seats, 20"s 2020 M2 Comp, Sunset Orange/Blk: Orange stitching, DCT, exec pkg, bicolor rims Gone '18 M550i, '16 X4 M40i, '15 M5, '13 X3 35i, '12 335is, '11 X5 50i, '09 Z4 35i, '08 550i, 06 X3, 06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i
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11-03-2011, 06:14 PM	#18
35iDriver Private First Class 4 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	50 degrees
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11-04-2011, 10:17 PM	#21
cdeslandes Captain 27 Rep 676 Posts Drives: 2010 Z4 s35i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 Jeep Wrangler ... [0.00] 2013 Volvo XC90 [0.00] 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35i [8.67]	Top goes up below 45F. And above 90F. __________________ 2010 BMW Z4 s35i 2014 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2013 Volvo XC90
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