Cabriolet in winter?!?!

[Darcy Tucker]

I will be purchasing a 330 in the very near future (likely a 2001-2003 year) but still can't decide on which model to get. I like all of them but probably like the looks of the Cabriolet the best. What I am concerned about though is driving it in the winter.
I live in Toronto, Canada and we can get some nasty days during those months.
I'd love to hear from someone who could enlighten me about potential problems I might face in the winter. Things like drafts coming in..........the heater being warm enough..........potential for damage to the roof itself.............in general anything you think I should be aware of before purchasing.
Thanks.

 

[Kirby]

My convertible gets parked for the winter upon first snow, but I have used it in below freezing weather with the ragtop. It's nice and warm, no drafts or heat problems at all. I don't think there's too much potential for roof damage. But it would be a good idea to maintain the top by using a top conditioning kit on it every year or two.

You could also get a hardtop for winter use. New they are about $2500. Here is a picture of it off the car, hanging in my garage.

 

[Bubba]

I have a 95 325 ic and I ride all winter, so far in Maryland and Massachusetts. The top works well, no leaks or drafts, even when I had to park it outside in MD. I drove easilly in snow up to 4" on more in drifts. Fortunately my wife is a teacher, so on the days with really bad storms 10"+ I could take her car on the first day. I don't have a problem with traction though clearance is the real problem. Once the roads were plowed, even with a bit of snow left, I never had a problem. If it is your only way to get to work it might not be the right choice in Canada. However I did buy mine in Sarnia.

I don't even have winter tires on it, though next winter I am getting 16" rims with winter tires. A friend with a 325 hardtop has winters on and swears by them. I drove it and it really made a difference. Then I can but summer tires on the other set of rims next year.

Hope this helps.

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

My convertible gets parked for the winter upon first snow, but I have used it in below freezing weather with the ragtop. It's nice and warm, no drafts or heat problems at all. I don't think there's too much potential for roof damage. But it would be a good idea to maintain the top by using a top conditioning kit on it every year or two.

You could also get a hardtop for winter use. New they are about $2500. Here is a picture of it off the car, hanging in my garage.

wow...thats pretty cool

did u post this in bimmerfest, i think i just saw it a sec ago

 

[Average Jae]

you should probably garage your rag top in the winter. if parked outside, having ice freeze in the seals and such may lead to problems down the line. (my speculation anyway..)

if you get the one w/ sports package, the ground clearance may get you stuck, even w/ snows on.

cics are my favs too. m3 rag top is one of my favs..

 

[Darcy Tucker]

Thanks for the input and replies.
I am trying to get as much info, and gain as much knowledge about BMW's as possible because this will be a major purchase for me, and I want to make the right choice.
Ideally I'd park the Cab for the winter and buy something else to get me through the bad weather, but this season I think I'll likely be a one car man. lol

 

[Kirby]

wow...thats pretty cool

did u post this in bimmerfest, i think i just saw it a sec ago

No, the only place I posted it was here. I guess someone else might have posted it over there.....

 

[DrivingTopless]

I've had convertibles for the past 7 years here in CT and we've had some pretty nasty winters. Have had absolutely no problems with them. Currently I have Pirelli P Zero Nero M/S on the car (with sport package) and they handled all 75" of snow we got here this winter with ease. Great performing tire in the summer as well.

I agree with Kirby about the top protection kit. You'll know when the top needs to "conditioned" when water no longer beads up on the cloth. Usually do that about once a year.

My E46 has been leak/draft free and the heater is more than sufficient (heated seats are a great choice as well).