E46 B3 Car Covers

[music]

Hi Folks. My E46 B3 Cabrio (now with hard top on) could find itself spending a few nights outdoors this winter. I've been looking at multi layer breathable outdoor tailored car covers but am undecided. Has anyone any thoughts / comments / recommendations? Do they damage paintwork? What's the best lining? Should I leave the windows down a touch to aid ventilation? Can humidity affect the soft top? What are they like under snow? etc. etc. Many thanks.

[Norrie]

Although now garaged for the last 4 years and the car is not a soft top, I did have to leave mine in a outside parking space over one winter. I put coconut mats with a rubber mat on top under the wheels this helped stop flat spots.

I warmed the car up and then locked the doors and windows before covering with a breathable soft cover. I then covered this with a BMW supplied waterproof cover.

When the weather was dry I removed both covers, the paintwork was still fairly dry. I would take the car for a warm up of about 20-30 miles and then wash the car and add some polish and wax the wheels.

[B10BRW]

When storing or not using your Alpina for while, don't forget to leave the handbrake off.