Indoor versus Outdoor car covers ... - New 2009 2010 BMW Z4

lcheong · 01-30-2013, 10:41 PM

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All ...

It looks like the time is finally ripe for me to get a car cover for my E89. Now, most of the usage will be for inside a garage, but I probably want one that can be used outside as well, although that usage will be quite minimal (if at all).

But it seems to me that I definitely want an outdoor car cover as it would seem to be completely helpful indoors as well. While an indoor car cover either should NOT be used outdoors, or only sparingly.

And the funny thing is that the indoor car covers are at LEAST as expensive as the outdoor ones, if not more so.

I've had outdoor car covers in the past for other cars, but have never had an indoor one.

So, my guess is that the indoor car covers fit like gloves and look very, very sleek and professional while the outdoor ones are more heavy duty and therefore won't be as snug looking. But is there any other reason AT ALL that someone may want to buy an indoor car cover when it is more expensive than an outdoor one?

Thanks.

jparnes1 · 01-31-2013, 12:01 AM

Outdoor covers can be damaging to your paint if it gets whipped around by wind and rubs over and over on the surface. Will you need to park it outside for extended lengths of time? If not, I wouldn't bother. Just wash it when you get back, or better yet, leave it inside.

ChRR1000S · 01-31-2013, 04:20 AM

For indoor I use a cotton Bedsheet. I never park outside.

Here is why:

Even though you wash your car before you blanket it, there will be remaining dirt most of the time. This dirt pairs up with the cover and results in something like sandpaper.
Now you wont see this right away, but the more and more you take it on/off, there will be minor scratches etc.

So whenever I take the sheet off, I throw it right into the washing machine before putting it on again (That is if I park the Z longer than 1 week).

I think these outdoor covers do more harm than they do any good.

rking117 · 01-31-2013, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChRR1000S

For indoor I use a cotton Bedsheet...

I like this idea. I assume fitted

wparente · 01-31-2013, 05:52 PM

Indoor covers are seldom water proof which is good because you do not trap moisture. Outdoor covers, indoors do not breath which could trap moisture which could be argued is not good. Weather it really makes any difference I don't know!

01-30-2013, 10:41 PM	#1
lcheong New Member Drives: 2011 Black Sapphire 30i Z4, Bl Join Date: May 2012 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 17 iTrader: (0)	Indoor versus Outdoor car covers ... Featured on BIMMERPOST.com All ... It looks like the time is finally ripe for me to get a car cover for my E89. Now, most of the usage will be for inside a garage, but I probably want one that can be used outside as well, although that usage will be quite minimal (if at all). But it seems to me that I definitely want an outdoor car cover as it would seem to be completely helpful indoors as well. While an indoor car cover either should NOT be used outdoors, or only sparingly. And the funny thing is that the indoor car covers are at LEAST as expensive as the outdoor ones, if not more so. I've had outdoor car covers in the past for other cars, but have never had an indoor one. So, my guess is that the indoor car covers fit like gloves and look very, very sleek and professional while the outdoor ones are more heavy duty and therefore won't be as snug looking. But is there any other reason AT ALL that someone may want to buy an indoor car cover when it is more expensive than an outdoor one? Thanks.
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01-31-2013, 12:01 AM	#2
jparnes1 Captain Drives: 2006 525xi, 2012 Z4 35i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 993 iTrader: (0)	Outdoor covers can be damaging to your paint if it gets whipped around by wind and rubs over and over on the surface. Will you need to park it outside for extended lengths of time? If not, I wouldn't bother. Just wash it when you get back, or better yet, leave it inside. __________________ 2006 525xi, Orient Blue Metallic, Beige leather, Dark Poplar trim, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package 2012 Z4 35i, ED 2/24/2012, Melbourne Red Metallic, Black Leather, Carbon Trim, 6MT, ///M Sport, CW, PP, PS, NAV, CA, Alpine HID Angel Eyes, pedal covers, stubby antenna.

01-31-2013, 05:52 PM	#5
wparente New Member Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Stillwater, Mn Posts: 15 iTrader: (0)	Indoor covers are seldom water proof which is good because you do not trap moisture. Outdoor covers, indoors do not breath which could trap moisture which could be argued is not good. Weather it really makes any difference I don't know! __________________ Bill P. 2009 Crimson Z4 35i

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01-31-2013, 04:20 AM	#3
ChRR1000S Private First Class Drives: Z4 E89 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Home Posts: 130 iTrader: (0)	For indoor I use a cotton Bedsheet. I never park outside. Here is why: Even though you wash your car before you blanket it, there will be remaining dirt most of the time. This dirt pairs up with the cover and results in something like sandpaper. Now you wont see this right away, but the more and more you take it on/off, there will be minor scratches etc. So whenever I take the sheet off, I throw it right into the washing machine before putting it on again (That is if I park the Z longer than 1 week). I think these outdoor covers do more harm than they do any good.