Boot luggage cover fallen apart

Big Bad Boris · Post by **Big Bad Boris** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 1:38 pm

Went to put the roof down this morning (I was treating all the rubber seals etc) it was fine except the boot lid remained up. I assumed, as usual, it would be an issue with the luggage cover not being fully engaged, closed roof, went back to ensure it was properly clipped home… and as the title suggests one side of the cover fell apart.

I guess my question is how does it go back together? There are no screws etc that I can see that might have fallen out…so I am not sure how to put it back together, any offers? A couple of photos below to show what happened (on the left side) as you can see the other side is fine.

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enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 1:40 pm

I seem to remember other threads on this.
I don't think they do go back together particularly well.
What you could maybe do is drill through it and use bolts and spacer washers. Not pretty.................

Argyll Andy · Post by **Argyll Andy** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 1:58 pm

Bit of a PITA but as Enuff says is a reasonably common issue.

There was this problem in my 23i as already said drill them through, use slightly countersunk holes/screws and attach together underneath where the untidy bit is hidden. Or get one of the smaller more agile kids/wife in to do that bit

Big Bad Boris · Post by **Big Bad Boris** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 3:30 pm

When it happened it did appear to have a ring of PITA about it. So from new is it just a push (clip) together fit?

enuff_zed · Post by **enuff_zed** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 3:33 pm

Big Bad Boris wrote: ↑Fri Jul 23, 2021 3:30 pm When it happened it did appear to have a ring of PITA about it. So from new is it just a push (clip) together fit?

Not sure you can get it as a separate part tbh?

Argyll Andy · Post by **Argyll Andy** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 3:35 pm

Yes it seems to be some sort of pressed/moulded part.

The real PITA is you can’t buy the brackets, needs to be the whole shelf circa £220 iirc.

Worth checking the other side at the same time.

You could also consider a breakers for the whole cover?

Big Bad Boris · Post by **Big Bad Boris** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 3:55 pm

Probably worth a look at a breakers, are all the E89 luggage covers exactly the same, regardless of year or model ?

Argyll Andy · Post by **Argyll Andy** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 4:11 pm

I think they are, I looked on Real OEM and searched for both my 23i and 35iS. I obviously can’t explain but the part number for the 23i it states only up to 07/12. Then on the 35iS it gives the same part number but only from 07/12 but they’re the same part numbers.

I’ve attached photos for reference

Big Bad Boris · Post by **Big Bad Boris** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 4:22 pm

Yoo da man. I have searched the interweb and seen on other forums around the world, as we already know, these apparently break quite frequently (cos they are made of sh*t plastic). I saw one guy in the U.S. had cast some replacements from aluminium while another in Germany had come up with a 3D printed version, tried a few searches on here but unable to see anything similar. Has anyone ever 3D printed replacement clips? I imagine there would be a decent market for anyone that did.

Argyll Andy · Post by **Argyll Andy** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 8:02 pm

Robbi might be the best man to ask about what they do about repairing these or replacement parts in whatever format??

The only other thing is if you’re going to all the hassle of taking it out to swap over maybe try the repair first before the cost of a breakers part??

JHW666 · Post by **JHW666** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 8:49 pm

I had a similar issue with mine the other week whilst away. I wanted a quick fix, given that there was no way I was having the roof up and with a broken hinge it was constantly allowing the cover to jingle out of engagement.
As a quick 'fix' I bought some quick set epoxy resin and put some serous blobs on the three contact points and 'clamped' it together for about 10 mins with a No.1 size right hand thinking it wouldn't hold and I'd have to source a new one, or use countersunk screws etc.
That was the 'get me home' solution. I've not performed a permanent fix as it's holding together just fine!
Cheers
John

Pbondar · Post by **Pbondar** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 9:30 pm

There was only one variation..AFAIK..earlier versions had no net whilst later ones had a net between the back of the pull down and the rear bulkhead

Nictrix · Post by **Nictrix** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 9:35 pm

The earlier models didnt have netting attached to the rear of the luggage cover.
Im not sure how this is attached as I havnt looked closely enough but there may be differences.
At least I think the netting is attached to the cover

Edit. Just seen Petes already said this

RobbiZ4 · Post by **RobbiZ4** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 9:55 pm

Hi guys,
Yes, it's a common failure all over the world. My assumption is, that all of these hinges will break in the future. 3 screws per hinge are the simpliest solution, of course.

Be cautious on used covers from i.e. eBay, as it might be damaged as well.
There are no relevant differences on the covers before and after 2012, only the attached net.

Big Bad Boris · Post by **Big Bad Boris** » Fri Jul 23, 2021 10:39 pm

Thanks for the responses gents, seems the best solution is likely the carefully drill it and screw it route, especially as any item sourced from a breakers could be ready to give up too.

I believe carriage bolts are the preferred weapon of choice in most cases, I’ll need to get some, anyone have experience of what size and length is best suited to the job?

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