[John Casey]

Girlfriend has the option to park the terra brown metallic G01 in the sun or in the shade of a tree (maple) during the day. Thoughts on what is best?

Serious question. From what I have read online, it seems parking in the sun is better (to prevent sap and stuff from getting on the paint) but this seems counterintuitive to me.

[r3t1cal]

Parking in the shade means a cooler car when getting in, but dirtier car on the outside.

Parking in the sun means a hotter car when getting in, but less dirty on the outside compared to a tree.

Cars are designed to stand up to the elements: Sun, Rain , Sap, Pollen. Especially cars like SUVs/SAVs which are meant to get dirty!

[Aaaaaaaaa]

I'd pick sun over covered in sap. Sap can really etch clear coat. Just get one off those windshield shades and use the remote ventilation function before getting in.

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Originally Posted by r3t1cal

Parking in the shade means a cooler car when getting in, but dirtier car on the outside.

Parking in the sun means a hotter car when getting in, but less dirty on the outside compared to a tree.

All cars are designed to stand up to the elements: Sun, Rain , Sap, Pollen. Especially cars like SUVs/SAVs which are meant to get dirty!

I dunno some people seem to think he car will dissolve in rain.

[r3t1cal]

Originally Posted by pheerIx

I dunno some people seem to think he car will dissolve in rain.

hence the stealth rain link

[John Casey]

Originally Posted by r3t1cal

Rain[/URL]

Oh man...one post into my thread and already a reference to "that" previous thread from someone else. I was hoping to not get accused of what they did.

I detail the cars myself and have been reading about the downsides of parking under trees. I want to minimize my detailing efforts but want the girlfriend to have a cooler car at the end of the day.

[John Casey]

Originally Posted by pheerIx

I dunno some people seem to think he car will dissolve in rain.

Not me. I didn't start "that" other thread. The X3 better be built to handle the rain and snow it'll see later this year.

[John Casey]

Originally Posted by pheerIx

I'd pick sun over covered in sap. Sap can really etch clear coat. Just get one off those windshield shades and use the remote ventilation function before getting in.

Thanks. We went with the Heatshield shade for the windshield. I'll make sure she knows how to use that ConnectedDrive feature from her phone.

[r3t1cal]

Originally Posted by John Casey

Oh man...one post into my thread and already a reference to "that" previous thread from someone else. I was hoping to not get accused of what they did.

You phrased your question much better then the other thread, which is why I did try to give a helpful reply...but had to sneak it in there.

Originally Posted by John Casey

I detail the cars myself and have been reading about the downsides of parking under trees. I want to minimize my detailing efforts but want the girlfriend to have a cooler car at the end of the day.

If you setup the BMW connected app or go into the vehicle settings you can set the car up to start ventilating air 30 minutes before you get in. It doesn't necessarily cool the air but it can get it moving so you don't get that heat blast upon opening the car.

Honestly I think you should only be concerned if your parking your car someplace for a extended period of time. For example when I left my car for a month while on a honeymoon I put a cover on it.

[John Casey]

Originally Posted by r3t1cal

You phrased your question much better then the other thread, which is why I did try to give a helpful reply...but had to sneak it in there.

Originally Posted by r3t1cal

Honestly I think you should only be concerned if your parking your car someplace for a extended period of time. For example when I left my car for a month while on a honeymoon I put a cover on it.

I agree. I know this isn't a major topic or item of discussion, but I figured I would ask.

[GT500R]

I would choose sun, sap leads to removal, removal can lead to minor scratches or holograms if you don't fix it correctly which leads to paint (microns) removal... its just not worth it.

[XXX3]

Stay away from trees, they not only drop sap, but limbs can break and ruin your day. A palm tree cost me $400 in pdr repairs.

[John Casey]

Originally Posted by XXX3

Stay away from trees, they not only drop sap, but limbs can break and ruin your day. A palm tree cost me $400 in pdr repairs.

Ugh, bummer. Good point though. Thanks.

[darrylo]

Sun, here also. I've had bird pee (I think it was pee) etch the clearcoat down to the paint. And that was on my less-than-2-week-old X3.

[DETSGTSTARSKY]

I would avoid the trees if possible for long term parking. Have quality window film installed on all interior glass including the windshield to cut down on the solar heat. Something like 3M Chrystalline or a similar product. Even in states that don't allow tint, they still have clear products that give protection.

[bmtespar]

Leave it in the sun, vent the sunroof and cool from remote. A good coat of wax will help protect the paint from sun damage but tree sap, bird poop, falling limbs all can leave long lasting marks.

[Sea-Tac]

Never park under a tree if you can help it.

[Hendoo]

Originally Posted by John Casey

Girlfriend has the option to park the terra brown metallic G01 in the sun or in the shade of a tree (maple) during the day. Thoughts on what is best?

Serious question. From what I have read online, it seems parking in the sun is better (to prevent sap and stuff from getting on the paint) but this seems counterintuitive to me.

I think it depends on how hot it will be, and maybe which way the wind blows.

I work in an area where summer temps are often above 100, and sometimes above 110. I parked my acura in that sun for over 10 years, with no issues. But I was able to park facing South, with a good windshield sun shade. So the drivers side was not in the afternoon sun, so it wasn’t too bad driving home.

On days where I parked facing North, it was bastly. This was with a beige interior. Black would have been even worse.

Shade would be nice, but share the concerns about sap, leaves, etc. If the prevailing wind blew that stuff away from the car, then it might be a little better but it will still get cruddy.

So sun is probably preferable, but the devil is always in the details.

[darrylo]

If the driver's side window is in the sun, there are fitted shades that fit into the front window openings. Works well on hot days.

[sor]

I can attest that at least pine/evergreen sap can etch. Not on my X3 but my previous Tiguan. It's not too difficult to remove. With the right cleaner but it does leave behind a spot you can make out in the clear coat. Not visible enough for the lease manager to notice.