Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Talk women (or men), politics, gripe about your 6er (or other ride), and speak your mind.

Moderators: GRNSHRK, ron, bfons

Post Reply
wattsmonkey
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1649
Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 2:58 pm
Location: Cheltenham, U.K.

Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by wattsmonkey »

Having spent far too long fixing my wife's car, it's obvious that I'm not going to get the project 6 completed this summer, so it's going to be biffed out of the garage so the M has somewhere cosy to stay over winter.

Could anyone recommend a decent outdoor cover?

Thank you,

Rob
"Most of it necessary; all of it enjoyable." LJKS
'84 635CSi, dogleg...itbs and supercharger????? Eaton Mess
User avatar
86_6series
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1069
Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2007 10:08 pm
Location: West Nyack, NY

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by 86_6series »

For the best protection for a little more money--consider a canopy.

I'm sure you could find them in the UK.

https://www.amazon.com/ShelterLogic-626 ... c+canopies

My daughter's 72 Buick has been in one for almost 15 years in New York snow storms and all --still in
great shape. It's on blacktop with a ground cloth for moisture.
86-635CSi
96-MB C220 SOLD
98-740i
71-Continental MK3
wattsmonkey
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1649
Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 2:58 pm
Location: Cheltenham, U.K.

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by wattsmonkey »

Thank you. This, or a proper "carport" would be ideal, but I need to be mindful of even more car crap in the garden, if you know what I mean!
"Most of it necessary; all of it enjoyable." LJKS
'84 635CSi, dogleg...itbs and supercharger????? Eaton Mess
User avatar
WelshBentleyBoy
Posts: 80
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2014 2:17 pm
Location: Cardiff UK

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by WelshBentleyBoy »

If you do not require regular access, How about an exterior Carcoon?
Paul
WelshBentleyBoy
wattsmonkey
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1649
Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 2:58 pm
Location: Cheltenham, U.K.

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by wattsmonkey »

Thanks Paul,

I haven't explained this properly: wife-related need to keep garden clear of cars! I'm guessing no one is a fan of car covers.
"Most of it necessary; all of it enjoyable." LJKS
'84 635CSi, dogleg...itbs and supercharger????? Eaton Mess
User avatar
sansouci
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1850
Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2013 10:52 pm
Location: Southampton NY

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by sansouci »

I've got the NOAH fabric version from Bavauto. Lasts about 4 years outdoors on Long Island including snow conditions.
Sansouci
84 E24 633Csi Auto, Bronzit/PearlBeige 6997510
93 E32 740il M60 Auto, Alpenweis/Ultramarine
60 528i M30 5-speed Green/Beige (crushed)
71 240Z 4-speed White/Blue (rusty & sold)
65 396 Chevelle 4-speed, Marina Blue/Black (stolen)
User avatar
WelshBentleyBoy
Posts: 80
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2014 2:17 pm
Location: Cardiff UK

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by WelshBentleyBoy »

It seems that the problem is the car cluttering up the garden no matter what you do .

I am OK for space at the moment but when I was pushed for somewhere to keep a spare car I used to chat up old ladies who had given up driving but still had a garage. I would tidy up the garage and pay a reasonable rent. It was ideal for them as it wasn't a case of someone accessing the garage on a daily basis but just spasmodic visits. One tip, make sure there is power in the garage.
Paul
WelshBentleyBoy
User avatar
sansouci
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1850
Joined: Mon Jul 08, 2013 10:52 pm
Location: Southampton NY

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by sansouci »

"Hot young thing seeks older woman with empty garage" hmmmmm
Sansouci
84 E24 633Csi Auto, Bronzit/PearlBeige 6997510
93 E32 740il M60 Auto, Alpenweis/Ultramarine
60 528i M30 5-speed Green/Beige (crushed)
71 240Z 4-speed White/Blue (rusty & sold)
65 396 Chevelle 4-speed, Marina Blue/Black (stolen)
User avatar
WelshBentleyBoy
Posts: 80
Joined: Mon Sep 22, 2014 2:17 pm
Location: Cardiff UK

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by WelshBentleyBoy »

sansouci wrote:"Hot young thing seeks older woman with empty garage" hmmmmm
Please send picture of garage.
Paul
WelshBentleyBoy
Ash635
Posts: 30
Joined: Sun May 05, 2013 12:02 pm
Location: London, UK

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by Ash635 »

Rob,

This is the company I used. I say used mine is still in the original carry case, yet to be opened.

https://www.cover-zone.com

Regards

Ash
1989 635csi Highline
dmac156
Posts: 75
Joined: Tue Mar 15, 2016 3:20 am
Location: Portland, Oregon

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by dmac156 »

You'd be better off to put a good coat of wax on it and leave it outside without a cover. The cover will trap moisture between the cover and the car, any dirt in between there will scratch the car. Not a fan of covers if the car is parked outside for an extended period of time.
User avatar
86_6series
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1069
Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2007 10:08 pm
Location: West Nyack, NY

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by 86_6series »

Just an FYI, most covers allow moisture to evaporate after the temperature change
from overnight. When it rains and washes a little dirt from the cover onto the car
is so fine, I can't see how it could scratch the painted surface even if you pull
and drag the cover off. Maybe a scuff, but certainly no scratches.
86-635CSi
96-MB C220 SOLD
98-740i
71-Continental MK3
Pod
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 4492
Joined: Tue Mar 16, 2010 8:32 pm
Location: usually in the barn, Kent, England.

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by Pod »

I've bought many of these over the years, all described as "weatherproof". In my experience, they never are, although some are better than others and achieve this aim for a few months. The main problem seems to be deterioration due to sunlight. I've come to the conclusion that rather than spending a sizeable sum on one supposedly "excellent" cover, its easier buying a cheaper example and not expecting it to last more than a year (at the most). So now I go for a lined and breathable cover which will hopefully keep the worst of the weather off.

You need to be careful that the cover is lined. I once purchased a "weatherproof" cover which was essentially a shaped waterproof plastic sheet. It did indeed keep all the water out, however, when I removed it, I found it had stuck to my Mach1's paintwork and left a residue which pretty much ruined it.

My most recent purchase was this one, which I have found to be pretty good for protecting the Turbo....http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-6-SERIES- ... SwrklVUKxd
User avatar
Da_Hose
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 3236
Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2008 8:15 am
Location: Santa Ana, CA.

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by Da_Hose »

I'm with Pod. A decent outdoor cover can be had at very reasonable pricing. I bought a Rain-X from Walmart last time.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Rain-X-Auto- ... e/23746161

I have previously bought the Budge branded, outdoor one for $40. You can walk into the store, and get the 7-year warrantied Rain-X cover for $60. Cost for replacement shipping of a Budge branded one was around $20 if I recall correctly. So I got two covers for $60 that lasted just over 3 years. The sun really is brutal on these synthetic covers, so I have also accepted that they just deteriorate and need replacement over time. I am much less bothered by replacing a low priced cover several times, than seeing a high priced cover fail once. I have toyed with the idea of pulling a polyethylene tarp over the cover during winter. I figure it would keep water totally off the car, but the cover should still breathe and it would extend the life of the cover.

Jose

Jose
1987 M6 - My dream car
JohnRogers
Posts: 445
Joined: Tue Jun 02, 2009 10:05 pm
Location: Richmond, London

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by JohnRogers »

I have owned my M6 for many years and it has always lived outdoors. Right from the beginning I have always used a Cover Systems cover.

See http://www.cover-systems.co.uk/car-covers/

They last 4 or 5 years and I am now on my 4th. The main problem keeping your car out doors is UV effects on the paint work - which is fully shielded by the cover.

I do not seem to have more rust problems than any other cars I have seen.

This will not be a popular suggestion.
wattsmonkey
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1649
Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 2:58 pm
Location: Cheltenham, U.K.

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by wattsmonkey »

Thanks chaps,

That's really helpful.

The project car needs a lot more protection: those Zender skirts have done the sills no favours at all, despite the rest of the car being really good!
"Most of it necessary; all of it enjoyable." LJKS
'84 635CSi, dogleg...itbs and supercharger????? Eaton Mess
wattsmonkey
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1649
Joined: Mon Jul 16, 2007 2:58 pm
Location: Cheltenham, U.K.

Re: Outdoor car cover recommendations?

Post by wattsmonkey »

JohnRogers wrote: Mon Aug 21, 2017 10:17 pm
See http://www.cover-systems.co.uk/car-covers/

This will not be a popular suggestion.
Popular with me! Thank you John, just ordered one.

Cheers,

Rob
"Most of it necessary; all of it enjoyable." LJKS
'84 635CSi, dogleg...itbs and supercharger????? Eaton Mess
Post Reply