Daily Driver

[davidmaz]

Hello everyone, I am currently strongly considering buying a used Z4 (2019 onwards) and just need to get a feel for a couple of areas.

I would be parking this outside, 24/7 365, as i do not have access to a garage. Do people think this is ok or does it really need to be garaged? I have had 2 seaters before but they were hard tops so a fabric roofed convertible is new to me.

How do people find the road noise with the roof up at 70? Ive a number of reviews that mention the soundproofing has come on a great deal in recent years so was interested in people's experiences. This wont be my main use scenario but is of interest to me.

Thanks for your help

 

[Special Kay]

Hey David, welcome to the forum. I'm afraid I can't contribute to your concerns, as I don't drive a z4 convertible. I do use a rather older bmw convertible as a daily, and often travel at 70 with the roof open (weather permitting) and closed when the weather is typically British. I find both experiences equally pleasurable with no issues. As for keeping the parking outside with any desirable car it will always be a cause for concern.
Hopefully, some of the other members will be along soon to offer a greater insight into their experiences and your concerns. Good luck

 

[rdm05z4]

For outside parking if you keep the soft top clean and with a good protectant on it should be ok. (Clean off bird, tree sap etc droppings soon as possible0. Might also invest in a cover just for the fabric top to help. As for the car body common sense is try to keep clean and a good wax application few times a year should help. Good luck.

 

[Ledg]

me and my wife have had our 2020 z4 for about 2 and a half years, its been my wife's daily driver and my weekend toy. its lived outside in all weathers since we have had it with no problems at all. As for the road noise, we really can't tell its a soft top when the roof is up and you're going 70+ mph. On a resent trip in Germany we was cruising around 120mph and still not a problem. id say go for it, ours is only the 30i, but it suits us just fine specially as it is my wife's only car, if it was a second car then maybe we would have looked at the 40i. edit**** I do wash ours regularly and wouldn't leave bird s**t etc on the roof to long before ive washed it off

 

[Nanu]

I suspect many on here will park there soft top cars outdoors and will be able to assure you that it is OK as long as you keep it clean and protect it with some product of which there are many recommendations on here also. (I use Gtechiq)

As for outside road noise with the roof up above 70mph, sorry cannot help as never go above speed limits :wink:

 

[Z4monster]

Mine is outside 24/7 and is my daily driver. Just keep the roof clean with a regular wash and should be no issues. My previous G29 had the moonlight roof which was lighter grey. Over two years in lockdown, when it wasn't moving as much, the roof did take on a slight green tinge due to green mould. I was able to clean this off (mostly) bt it did leave a little bit of a discolour to it. Lesson learned as I hadn't put any protector on it when new.

 

[PSQ777]

Mine lives outside all year round, I've only had it for a few months so can't tell you about longevity but so far all seems fine. I do have a paint treatment and roof treatment on it which I hope will help in the long term. As others have mentioned make sure anything that can cause discoloration or damage is cleared from the soft top ASAP.

As for soundproofing at speed, it's fine. I can easily chat with passengers in the same way I would in my previous (non-convertible) 3-series.

 

[davidmaz]

Thank you all for your prompt and helpful replies. The decision is made. A Z4 it is

 

[PSQ777]

Thank you all for your prompt and helpful replies. The decision is made. A Z4 it is

Great choice ! I'm not sure which version you are looking for but I'm confident you'll see it as an event every time you drive it. I adore mine. Even the school run is fun !

 

[KrusteKlubba]

IHMO as others have said it will be fine but make sure you keep the soft top and paintwork protected and clean off nasties asap if you notice them. I use some quick detailer and microfibre cloth to deal with bird do do on the paintwork. If you haven’t got the facility to have the car on a drive to wash and protect, try a mobile detailer or a site where you can get it done. Various wax and ceramic options out there.