Outdoor cover

[sjeupie]

The search doesn't work today so hopefully I do not make a double post. But I'm looking for a outdoor cover. I know BMW sells one for about 250 Euro. Any experience with that one or another?
Is a cover usable if I still use the car frequently (scratches from dust and sand?). Cause a part from protecting the car against dirt and UV, there are some animals in the area the keep climbing on the car, leaving scratches from their nails

[tranquility]

Bumping this to see if any members bought a good one?

[cuddapah]

I am using one for my Z4. I always cover the car when not in use. It protects the car from sun/rain and animals. You can find it cheaper on eBay sold by some BMW dealerships.

[tranquility]

You have a custom fit one for our cars or just a generic one?

[cuddapah]

The cover BMW sells fits perfectly (Part# 82112157090) ! I replaced the standard long rod antenna with BMW Sport Antenna (Part# 65-20-2-179-726, around $25). So I don't have to remove the antenna to cover the car. Cable and lock (Part # 82111467081, around $13) sold separately by BMW.

[tranquility]

Tx, buddy, w/ such a detailed post! So any tangible quality differences w/ the shorter antenna? That is so stupid BMW gave us that long nasty OEM one. Where does the cable loop around?

[cuddapah]

Here are more pics of the cable and how it loops under the car. The cable is plastic coated and doesn't scratch the paint on car. It helps holding the cover in hurricanes ... trust me, it helped in the recent hurricane Matthew. Back of the cover has a transparent piece of plastic to show the license plate. The cover also has a bag stitched inside (made with the same cover material). You can fold the cover, tuck it into the bag, put it in the trunk and drive away.
Except giving a sporty look, there is no difference between the standard long rod antenna and sport antenna.

[tranquility]

So you just throw the wire underneath the car to the other side? It seems a bit difficult? Tx.

[cuddapah]

Cable makes it easy (less than a minute) compared to fabric fasteners most other brands come with. Unless there are heavy winds or going out on vacation, I don't use the cable.
I cover my DB9 with Aston Martin custom made cover. It has fabric fasteners and it is very hard to pull these under the car.

[rikwynnpa]

I have this same cover and its great. Fits incredibly well. Bought it on the web from a BMW dealer for about $150. Sheds rain, doesnt move around on the car.

[bigendbob]

I have a cover that looks just like that (non BMW brand) bought here in UK for about £100, if anyone in the is UK looking.

[fmorelli]

I don't understand why one would use the cable. For those that are doing this outdoors and think the cable is a hold-down, I'll share that with enough wind your cover becomes a whip that beats against the paint. I've seen finishes damaged by covers. I'd rather have it blow off than beat the h*ll out of my car.

One other thing with the cover, car should be perfectly clean. Any dirt or residue becomes sandpaper ... even better, gets lodged on the inside of the cover so it is permanent sandpaper (until the cover is washed).

IMHO if outdoors, let the cover blow off if it has to. If the wind is that violent, you don't want anything being beaten that hard against the finish.

Filippo

[NoQuarter]

Yes. No Outdoor cover for me.

[cuddapah]

The cable is plastic-coated and doesn't scratch the paint. I have been using the same cable for 10 years and is still in excellent condition. No scratches to the car paint.
Attaching instructions that came with the cover.