Car cover for my Z4 Roadster

[philpa]

I have a 2007 Z4 Roadster. I am concerned (since I have no garage) that if I put a cover on/off 3x a week and the car is not spotless, it will simply transfer the dirt from the car to the cover, and back to my vehicle from the inside of the cover itself. At best, it simply makes the clean car dirty. At worst, it could scratch the car. Also, how would you keep the tire gel from getting on the inside of the cover, then getting all it smeared all over the car finish itself? Finally, who wants to remove the antenna every time you put it on and I have found NONE that have a hole for the antenna. At best, you have to cut your own and use some kind of plastic piece which will scratch the car. Does a car cover cause more problems then it solves?

[updmst]

I know some people only have positive experiences with them. But,
based on my experience with motorcycle covers, car covers scare me.

Here why I don't use a car cover:
1 - The car needs to be clean - preferably just washed - or the car
will get scratches.
2 - If you drag (roll the cover on and off) the cover across the
paint, the car will get scratches.
3 - No dirt/stones/debris can ever find it way inside the cover or the
car will get scratches.
4 - The cover must fit well, or wind buffering will scratch the car.
5 - Unless the cover can breath, trapped moisture promotes rusting/
corrosion.
6 - When used in strong sunlight, the covers have to be replaced ever
couple of years.

On an infrequently used, clean car stored in a garage, I would use a
"dust" cover. As I don't have a garage, the daily driven car of my
dreams (2000 M coupe) is protected by frequent washes and Zaino.

[Acz4]

I use mine more as a dust cover when I don't use the car for a period of time. I'm lucky enough to be able to have it in a garage. As for the antenna I just cut a small hole in the cover where the antenna is and that works fine. The evolution fabric won't rip.
One noted fact above is that you don't want to cover a dirty car or dusty one. So when I use mine the car ha been washed or carefully dusted and detailed before it goes on.

[shipkiller]

I have a very nice car cover for my Zed. I bought it in Nov. It works really well and does have a hole for the antenna. I'll have to dig up the manufacturer..

I don't use it any more since I now can keep the Zed in the garage.

[cruisingdog]

I've got a really good cover for mine Z4 too. I use it when I go places and want to protect it from dust storms and the like. It also works to keep it out of prying eyes.

Generally I keep mine in a garage. If I use the cover, I lock it underneatht he car with a cable lock and padlocks. The main reason is that I don't want someone stealing my cover (and believe me it happens!).

I tend to keep my car clean so I don't think it will cause too much harm to the paint in the way of scratches. Just make sure that you get a cover that is a snug fit and has a soft underside you should be OK.

[Ridgeway]

I've used BMW's Z4 cover for ~2 yrs now.
updmst nailed it I think.

I only cover it when clean, but have still noticed some small scratches. So unless you just washed it I'm not sure if it does more harm or more good. My intention was to prevent damage & fading to the top and the interior leather (previous Z3 had the issue of the extended leather peeling ostensibly due to heat/sun).

BTW the antenna can be removed/installed in just a few seconds. Seems like a hassle @ first but it's really not a big deal.

[gokartmozart]

I got the OEM Z4 cover (made by Noah) as a gift from the dealership. No problem with the stubby antenna. Unfold on car as per instructions on a clean car, watch for brake dust on bottom edges where they touch wheels.