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Old 11-20-2009, 07:43 PM   #1
rarrior
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Default California top + snow = ???

I'm thinking about trading in my SUV on a '97 ti but it has a California top and I was wondering how well those handle the snow. Is there that much of a difference from a regular sunroof? Would the top get damaged by the snow? Any other comments or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance!
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Old 11-20-2009, 08:03 PM   #2
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I'm thinking about trading in my SUV on a '97 ti but it has a California top and I was wondering how well those handle the snow. Is there that much of a difference from a regular sunroof? Would the top get damaged by the snow? Any other comments or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance!
I had my California top for 2 years through two winters. It weathered fine but I also cleared heavy snow off of it as soon as possible. I didn't find the cabin to be that much colder than a hardtop.

I think the ti is fine in the snow with the proper tires.
The biggest danger is getting hit by an out of control FWD SUV on all seasons.

There was more than one time where I turned around and stayed home for the fear of being rear ended.
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Old 11-20-2009, 08:17 PM   #3
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cali top weathers snow well, waterproof it if you can before the snow flies. Just brush it off if it's heavy/wet/icy to be safe. Couple bags of cat litter help with weight and traction if you get stuck. Snows are a must.
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Old 11-20-2009, 11:13 PM   #4
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I'm sure BMW figured that California wasn't the only place people would use the California top I think it should be find
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Old 11-21-2009, 05:30 PM   #5
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I'm thinking about trading in my SUV on a '97 ti but it has a California top and I was wondering how well those handle the snow. Is there that much of a difference from a regular sunroof? Would the top get damaged by the snow? Any other comments or suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance!
As a auto damage appraiser, I have seen some bad wrecks, not familiar with snow damage but in an accident, the CA tops are not as strong as the sunroof top or solid roof. I could show you some horror pictures how they fold up in a bad accident just like t-tops.
That would be more of a concern to me than the snow, unless you plan on leaving the car out in the weather without cleaning off the top each day from snow.
CA tops are high maintainence too. Expensive to replace and repair etc.

But if you are in to the wind in your hair and don't have a motorcycle, get the CA top ti. Great reliable car.
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Old 11-22-2009, 04:12 AM   #6
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Good luck with that, let us know how it works out. I'm garaging mine for the winter and your winters are way worse. I think it'll work out just keep it as ice-free as possible. Might even be fun driving in the snow with the top back, kind of like a sleigh.
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Old 11-22-2009, 01:55 PM   #7
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Might even be fun driving in the snow with the top back, kind of like a sleigh.
I was recommended not to open the top in cold weather. I forgot below what temperature. Same warning goes for convertibles. It had something to do with the damaging the fabric.
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Old 11-22-2009, 06:48 PM   #8
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So the dealership tried to screw me over on my trade in and they're asking too much for the ti so as of right now I'm probably not going to get it unless they call me back Monday with a new offer. Thanks for all the input. When I looked at it, the top seemed very well taken care of. The dealership took it through the car wash before I test drove it and it wasn't leaking at all so seems like it would stay sealed. Thanks again!
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Old 11-22-2009, 07:34 PM   #9
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So the dealership tried to screw me over on my trade in and they're asking too much for the ti
Sounds right.
You always do better doing a private sale instead of a trade in.

If the car is still there towards at the end of the month, the dealer will be eager to make the sale.
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Old 11-22-2009, 11:15 PM   #10
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Yeah they just got it a couple weeks ago so maybe if I let it sit there for a while I'll be able to get the deal done. I just hate waiting.
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Old 11-23-2009, 07:35 PM   #11
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Keep looking for another one. When you find one, run an add in local paper and craigslist on your SUV. You might be surprised how fast you can sell your suv (if it is in good shape).
Look up kelly bluebook on any car you find, then look at private party trade-in. You should not have to pay more than private party good condition.

Search Feebay and craigslist, plus local flea market auto section, and see what is available. I searched for a long time even here in the San Francisco Bay Area (lots of cars) before I found a keeper. I wanted a white one, but wrecked the one I found last year on the way home in the rain.
Maybe you will have better luck than me, but I did finally find a green '96 on craigslist for $2200.
I have a little over 3 grand in it now, after fixing window regulater, DMV fees, Wheels and tires, etc.
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Old 11-23-2009, 09:12 PM   #12
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Yeah I've been looking ever since I test drove one 2 years ago, but they are really hard to come by in South Dakota. I've seen/test drove what I believe to be the only 2 in the state haha. That's why I really want to get this one since it's local and extremely hard to come by.
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