Convertible in Winter

[noahwinco]

New to the forum. Thanks in advance for your reply! Thinking of purchasing a 2001 330Cic 5speed. One of my fav body styles. Live in CO where the winters can get rough. 1 car garage condo. Wife has the Audi in it so I park outside. Will the soft top be able to take it?

[jc1kz]

If it is good condition (meaning no rips/small holes) the answer is yes....but as with everything inspect all the rubber and hinges along w/hydraulic mechanism.

[noahwinco]

Thanks! Also looking at a 2003 330Ci 5 speed in the same area

[dworthy]

You can also look into getting a hard top to drop on for the winter time. While a bit spendy, it will save the soft top from all that abuse: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...rdtop&_sacat=0

[noahwinco]

Good to know. Thanks dworthy.

[Mjbrox]

Keep in mind that a newly installed rag top is probably only $1200. Here in Colorado you could drive to work in the snow and home with the top down. You got to soak up those sunny winter days when you can .

I live in Evergreen and just got a 325 CI Vert. Its not a primary car, and the car is really for my wife, but I absolutely plan on going spring skiing with the top down!

[wjb21ndtown]

I have a 2002 330 CI and it HATES cold weather. Below 30 and it gives me fits. It seems electrical related. Shifts slow into D (engages fine, but takes the D on the dash 5 seconds or so, maybe more if it's really cold), slow starts, etc. Even after a new battery, it just doesn't like the cold. (I believe it actually has the cold weather package too).

[Honolulu]

wjb21ndtown, I think you should consider a trans fluid change. First drain and refill. After 1,000 miles, drain, remove pan, replace filter, refill. Your choice of fluids will depend on the particular trans you have. There should be a colored sticker on the trans, which informs the correct fluid. It doesn't have to be a BMW fluid, if it meets the required specification.

[wjb21ndtown]

wjb21ndtown, I think you should consider a trans fluid change. First drain and refill. After 1,000 miles, drain, remove pan, replace filter, refill. Your choice of fluids will depend on the particular trans you have. There should be a colored sticker on the trans, which informs the correct fluid. It doesn't have to be a BMW fluid, if it meets the required specification.

Thanks for the suggestion. It seemed to be the electronics that were lagging, but I'll give a fluid change a shot. Below 30 degrees, even the gear change notification on the dash lags.