Stormforce E86 outdoor cover

[LewisB]

Can anyone give me some feedback on their experience on using an outdoor stormforce E86 car cover?

I'm looking at buying an outdoor cover and I'd like a decent fitting one. It seems almost impossible to locate a genuine BMW outdoor cover, so I am looking at alternatives.

Any help appreciated.

 

[earthdweller]

I have one for my roadster for when I have to leave it outside ... I have to say I'm fairly impressed with it

had some serious thunder/rain and gales the last few days and it hasn't moved and the car is as snug as a bug underneath

Andy

 

[Taz]

I have a genuine BMW cover and I would not recommended it to anybody

 

[LewisB]

Thank you both, that's really useful to know. Particularly as I was holding out for a genuine one!

 

[earthdweller]

Got mine from Devon car covers

It seems well made and is elasticated around the front and resr and sits under the front and rear bumper .. holding it well in place

There are two straps underneath to hold the sides in place

 

[LewisB]

Jumped in and bought one. I'm looking forward to its arrival, hopefully it'll do the trick!

 

[paulgs1000]

I bought two large fleece blankets, one to lie over my bonnet and front wings and one over rear boot and wings. That's because the stormforce cover didn't feel particularly soft on the inside (despite the advertised 4 ply composition). I always clean the M after every drive and before fitting the fleeces and then the cover over the top - so far so good though I have returned one cover that was delaminating and crumbling due to the effects of UV (just over a year's use - 2 year guarantee so no issues from the company). In all other respect the stormforce cover has been excellent. As mentioned, elasticated at front and rear and two straps from side to side underneath. Soon get used to taking it on and off.

 

[LewisB]

That's a great tip, thanks Paul. I'll look at getting some fleece blankets.

 

[earthdweller]

fleece blankets is a good idea .... I'm sure you will be happy with it

if the cover can survive up here in the north Im sure it will be ok in the sunny south

 

[Gorbash12346]

not used on a Z4 but I had a stormforce cover on my Impreza and first issue I encountered was the seams split within a month of it going on. bought through scoobyworld, tried to get a refund or replacement and completely ignored. Tried them direct and got told there was no warranty for this. (very disappointing) I repaired it myself and after removing the cover in March I now have holes in the paint on the tailgate spoiler and roof slitter where the cover has rubbed the paint away. it was not pulled tight nor was it flapping around. really very unhappy with what it's done to the paint on my car.

 

[Joemarsh]

I think you will have to put the fleece blankets on. I used one for a week and all looked good until I looked at the paint in the light, it had rubbed a few spots. These came up after I polished the bonnet and front wings, but I decided it was best to leave the cover and be strict on looking for bird poo etc. I'll try and find the pictures I've got from the marks it left.

 

[Joemarsh]

Some attached photos of the rubbed sections before and after polishing. They have come out again now after not polishing the car for a month or so. I know others have had success with large microfibre cloths over the bonnet and wings to stop the rubbing.

 

[36valley]

I went to look at a coupe recently, described as immaculate, which had spent a few months under an outdoor cover. It may have been immaculate before the cover was put on, but it wasn't when the cover came off!
It looked like Joemarsh's pictures, along with some deep scratches on the bonnet and tops of the wings. The owner thought all it needed was a polish and all would be good again. Given how deep the scratches were, a respray was more likely.

 

[marchantsuk]

I had both the BMW original one and a storm force one. I would echo Taz's comments with regard to the BMW one, it dulled the paintwork and left marks on areas where it touched the bodywork for long periods.
The stormforce one was great, really protected the car, didn't have any issues with paintwork, and used in rain and snow. Expensive, but worth the money.

 

[LewisB]

The mixed reviews have me a little nervous :?

I'm just about to get it machine polished and ceramic coated. I didn't want all the effort to be wasted straight away, hence the cover!

I think I better get on Amazon and order some fleece blankets.

Thanks again, for all your comments and photos.

 

[LewisB]

Fleece blankets ordered via Amazon

 

[Milz4y]

I ordered the e85 stormforce cover and it doesn't fit my Z4MR... The front wing is uncovered and sticks out .. suppose the standard e85 has a smaller front wing which is why ..

any advice what you do? Should I return this and get the E86 cover?