Outside temp and roof opening ?

D

DibbleCorse

Member
 Reading
Hello kiddlypops ....

How we all doing ?

Odd question, but is there any guidance for the z4 roof around the temperature range its safe to operate at ?

The reason I ask is this morning it was 1 degree when I de-iced the car but gloriously bright with blue skies, but the roof, rubbers and joints were still iced, would I have been ok using the roof ?

Cheers
 
good question.
personally, would probably let things warm up a bit, but I am sure others will say its fine until something goes wrong.
 
Phoenixboy said:
Hunter said:
I love using mine in the winter..never been a problem...............
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agreed, but do you open it from the off on an icy morning?
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Within 5 or 10 mins. I just sit untill the windows are clear..then im off...to be honest its more of a evening / night time thig with me...never had an issue though.
 
If it was me, I would start the car up and put all the heaters on full and warm it up on the inside. Leave it running for 10 mins, but then again I'm trying to increase my carbon footprint... :lol:
 
I run it for 10-15 mins to let it warm up and melt the ice before I put the roof down. I suspect letting the mechanism break the ice seal might strain it a little too much
 
I discovered the hard way that if the windows / roof are iced together you can end up in no man's land with the boot half open and the roof partially stuck to the windscreen and side windows, then it couldn't go back .. lots of whirring of hydraulics.. ooh er...

Hot water over the windows allowed them to 'pop' then I could close it, then full open cycle..phew..
 
thats if you can get in the car! Ive experienced it a couple of times where the drivers window is frozen solid to the roof
 
A few years back, 2011 I think, we had the coldest day that I can ever recall, I had to leave home at 05:30 to get to Birmingham airport for a flight. Cleared all the windows, sprayed de-icer etcetera but the doors refused to open because the windows were completely welded closed with ice. Thought about the warm water trick but the temperature differential would have been huge so as a last resort I operated the hood mechanism such that it un-sealed the windows and then I could get in the car.

It was -17 C

The roof didn't close fully afterwards so it was a tad drafty, but after an hour I stopped and closed it properly and there was absolutely no damage and I had no issues afterwards for the whole time I owned the car.

The development process of any car is beyond belief and they test rigoursly in all climates be it hot or cold. I'm sure if there was a significant cold temperature issue in operating the roof there would be a visible notice. The limiting factor for cold operation will be the seals, as temperature drops, elasticity drops. The glass transition temperature defines that brittle/elastic transition and depends on the type rubber/polymer. We have certified safety valves using HNBR down to -60 C. The main concern is that rubber absorbs moisture and then when it freezes, it sticks, the use of gummi pflege or similar helps to prevent this.
 
Only recall lowering the soft top once on a frosty morning. That was a few winters back. No issues, didn't give it a thought at the time. Tis usually tucked up in a nice warm garage, when it's cold. :wink:
 
I think there is a bit of misunderstanding about gummi pflege.. it literally translates to 'rubber care'.

In my experience it works well, and its my go to product for seals. But its basically the same as anything sold as 'rubber seal treatment'.

The only things to avoid are lubricates/sprays like wd40 that aren't specifically for seals - They will deteriorate the rubber over time.
 
sars said:
A few years back, 2011 I think, we had the coldest day that I can ever recall, I had to leave home at 05:30 to get to Birmingham airport for a flight. Cleared all the windows, sprayed de-icer etcetera but the doors refused to open because the windows were completely welded closed with ice. Thought about the warm water trick but the temperature differential would have been huge so as a last resort I operated the hood mechanism such that it un-sealed the windows and then I could get in the car.

It was -17 C

The roof didn't close fully afterwards so it was a tad drafty, but after an hour I stopped and closed it properly and there was absolutely no damage and I had no issues afterwards for the whole time I owned the car.
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A really good, interesting, relevant and useful post.
 
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