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How To: Remove boot/trunk trim and blind in an E86 coupe

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inkey$
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How To: Remove boot/trunk trim and blind in an E86 coupe

Post by inkey$ » Tue Jun 15, 2021 1:54 pm

Thought I’d do a picture heavy how-to for this as couldn’t find one on the forum or anywhere online.

I recently acquired a black rear blind for my coupe (thanks to Liam22) and wanted to swap it out for the beige one that was already in the car. Its also useful if you want to get in behind the large firewall panel too (see pics of what there is behind it).

My method didn’t involve taking the trim pieces out below the rear quarter glass. There’s probably a good way to remove those which will make life easier, but I couldn't work it out so only unclipped them from the middle back so I could access the 4 x Torx 30 bolts that hold the blind in place.

You’ll need a selection of Torx T30 bits and right angle keys if you follow this guide, plus some trim removal tools obviously.

1) So first off, remove the centre trim - it lifts up and away pretty easily with your fingers.
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2) Next up is to remove each rear seatbelt guide cover. You may need a trim tool but they come off quite easily.
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3) After removing both of those, turn your attention to the left and right top pieces. These require a little bit of force and there’s a black square tab that locates into them, but shift it back and away and you should be fine.
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You should now be at this point…..
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….and this is what it looks like behind the firewall….(left to right)
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4) Next step is to remove - or in my case, lift up and detatch the rear half of each rear quarter trim to gain access to the Torx bolts. There are two T30 bolts each side - one upper and one lower.
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Last edited by inkey$ on Tue Jun 15, 2021 4:27 pm, edited 9 times in total.
Current: Project Audi A2 1.4SE
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0

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How To: Remove rear boot/trunk trim and blind in an E86 coupe

Post by inkey$ » Tue Jun 15, 2021 1:58 pm

5) Using your Torx tools, remove the bolts carefully and so as not to drop into the car! I used a combination of T30 bit, right angled torx spanner and mini offset driver. They all helped in various ways and they’re much easier to take out than they are to tighten back up again. Just take your time and say goodbye to your finger skin.
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6) Remove the blind by lifting up and off of the firewall panel (its slotted on top of it). Carefully remove and reconstruct in reverse!
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7) Remember to relocate the black tabs when putting back the two top side trim pieces as they are the toughest to relocate. Also note the position of where they fit in relation to the seat belt guides.
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8) Stand back and admire your work.
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Last edited by inkey$ on Tue Jun 15, 2021 2:05 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Current: Project Audi A2 1.4SE
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0

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How To: Remove boot/trunk trim and blind in an E86 coupe

Post by Liam22 » Sat Jun 19, 2021 9:55 am

Nicely done :thumbsup:

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How To: Remove boot/trunk trim and blind in an E86 coupe

Post by inkey$ » Sat Jun 19, 2021 10:58 am

Thanks Liam. Its a small change but its made a word of difference. Now I look in the rear view and the tailgate glass doesn’t look ‘dusty’ :lol:
Current: Project Audi A2 1.4SE
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0

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How To: Remove boot/trunk trim and blind in an E86 coupe

Post by bigwinn » Tue Nov 07, 2023 6:43 pm

Superb write up thanks- I will be using this to plumb in the bigger speakers!!
If the forum helped you, why not help the forum back. Thats the Z4 way! :thumbsup:

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How To: Remove boot/trunk trim and blind in an E86 coupe

Post by inkey$ » Tue Nov 07, 2023 6:54 pm

:thumbsup: Good to know its helpful.
Summer 2021 feels like an age / two or three cars ago now :lol:
Current: Project Audi A2 1.4SE
Previously: Z3R 2.8 • E46 330i • Z4R 3.0 • Z4///MC • E90 335i • Z4///MR • Z3///MC 'Breadvan' • Z3R 2.8 • E30 325i R • Z4C • Z4R 3.0

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How To: Remove boot/trunk trim and blind in an E86 coupe

Post by Dubbedown » Tue Jan 16, 2024 1:06 am

Anyone know how the tailgate wiring harness can be separated or removed without cutting for the donor hatch?
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