Love my soft top even at 18F

[legend700]

Drove abt. an hour early this morning on I26 towards Asheville NC and the temps had dropped to 18 during the night. The radio mentioned a record low. There are absolutely no air leaks; tight as a drum! I never change the climate control to anything but 70. Nice and toasty. I did change the center air valve to 'one red dot' from 'one blue dot', though. Even the inner liner did not radiate any cold air.

[johnlew]

Originally posted by legend700
Drove abt. an hour early this morning on I26 towards Asheville NC and the temps had dropped to 18 during the night. The radio mentioned a record low. There are absolutely no air leaks; tight as a drum! I never change the climate control to anything but 70. Nice and toasty. I did change the center air valve to 'one red dot' from 'one blue dot', though. Even the inner liner did not radiate any cold air.

I agree, but I really like my hardtop.

http://home.wi.rr.com/bmw330cic/index_files/image008.jpg

And the picture of it on YOUR car convinced me to buy it!

[legend700]

Originally posted by johnlew


I agree, but I really like my hardtop.

http://home.wi.rr.com/bmw330cic/index_files/image008.jpg

And the picture of it on YOUR car convinced me to buy it!

Because of mild winter I never installed my hardtop. I agree, the HT is gorgeous.

[JST]

Originally posted by legend700


Because of mild winter I never installed my hardtop. I agree, the HT is gorgeous.

The hardtop is very nice, both the on the E36 and E46. This winter has been ridiculously mild, but even a harsh winter in DC offers only a very brief period where a hardtop would be desirable; other times it would just prevent me from impulsively putting down the top when the temp. hits 50 degrees.

Ultimately, I'd really like a folding hardtop like the SLK. Best of both worlds.

[legend700]

Originally posted by JST


The hardtop is very nice, both the on the E36 and E46. This winter has been ridiculously mild, but even a harsh winter in DC offers only a very brief period where a hardtop would be desirable; other times it would just prevent me from impulsively putting down the top when the temp. hits 50 degrees.

Ultimately, I'd really like a folding hardtop like the SLK. Best of both worlds.

Understand that BMW is looking at a folding hardtop, but are struggling with 50/50 weight distribution. I like at least 60 degrees before driving top down for any extended period of time. Do you use a wind deflector?

[johnlew]

Originally posted by JST
Ultimately, I'd really like a folding hardtop like the SLK. Best of both worlds.

AND HERE IT IS! (http://retractable.free.fr/)

I had an SLK, the top is great! Even in a mild winter, like we're having, I can only think of once that I'd have lowered the top. Car just feels better in cold weather with the HT. Also, I will run thru the touchless wash with the HT but when it's warm enough for the ragtop I wash the car myself. I wash the car often in winter to remove the salt.

[JST]

Originally posted by legend700


Understand that BMW is looking at a folding hardtop, but are struggling with 50/50 weight distribution. I like at least 60 degrees before driving top down for any extended period of time. Do you use a wind deflector?

Nope, just butt warmers and (if necessary) a jacket. When I lived in Michigan, I used to use 40 degrees as my threshold (for short trips, anyway), but my blood has thinned somewhat since then.

[legend700]

I should install a winch for keeping the HT stored under the 12 ft garage ceiling. The HT nicely tightens up and quiets down the ride. It's like actually having two distinct cars. Would be great to have the choice.