convertible insert cover springs

I have searched and cannot find information on the springs that pull the small cover inserts for my convertible top tonneau cover. I have a 325Cic and the small covers do not move to cover where the convertible top frame was when the top was up.
It appears that some type of spring would pull the small covers into place, but both are missing. Any ideas on where to get them or what they are really called?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...87&hg=51&fg=50

Looks like maybe #13??

But be careful, the plastic parts (cover/flap) tend to break in spots and maybe the plastic cover/flap needs to be replaced.

If you search the forum you will find folks dealing with these covers/flaps being broken and not folding back in place.

Thanks for the prompt help! I am think maybe parts #13 and #14. Will try to look at the covers to see if they are cracked/broken on the underside first.

My soulution was to take a spring out of one guitars & use it. They are roughly the same size & it worked well.

How do you get the cover piece off to attach the new plunger and spring?
I can't figure it out.

Thanks

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-New-Genu...dc7c7e&vxp=mtr

Originally Posted by Rigrig

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-New-Genu...dc7c7e&vxp=mtr

Thanks - I know where to get the part, I just can't figure out how to remove the flap/door to get to that end of it.
Does anybody know how to do this?

Best way I have found to remove the plastic sliding covers is to gently pull one end of it towards you (away from the center of the vehicle) to get clearance for the opposite side. Once you have a moderate amount of pull you can tilt down the opposite side of the cover, starting with the end that faces the trunk first and then the end that faces the front.

That side of the cover should now come out as the tabs and nubs are now free. Push the cover away from you to remove the remaining side and your all done. It takes some effort and at first it feels unnatural but once you get one off you know how much force to use for the other side.

Good luck!

Did you ever figure out how to install these springs? I also have the parts but cannot figure out how to install them ...

I wish these sliding cover panels had a unique name. I have a hard time finding all the threads on them because there's no word used consistently (like for example 'bat wings' for the headliner flap).

kungfu you have the older style so make sure you have the right spring for it. I've installed them by opening the tonneau cover and leaving it up, then observing the opposite side to see how the spring connects. Another way is to remove the whole trim panel, but you'll still have to make the final spring connection while on the vehicle.

Thank god I finally saw this thread... Had my 04 for three months now and it came with these covers loose in the trunk- been trying to identify the name of them and parts to repair since I got the thing. Thanks!

I'll see if I can do a DIY with pics this weekend. I have the springs, but the little control arm thingys (technical name) had the attachment nubs broken off.

I have an '05 so it might be slightly different.

Stay tuned.

Anyone done this? What parts are needed for the flap to attach/work? It was broken before I bought the car so I have no clue of what parts somebody might have thrown out. I'd hate to take some trim off from the other side that works only to break some parts that arent broken to see what might be missing.

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...87&hg=51&fg=50

I have the broken part nr. 10 in my trunk and probably am atleast missing some bits including the spring thing, which is probably part 21 called the repair kit (?). What parts would I need and how many pcs of each? As somebody noted and can be seen on the picture it has parts 8, 13, 14, 20, 21 linked to it.

Originally Posted by kani

Anyone done this? What parts are needed for the flap to attach/work? It was broken before I bought the car so I have no clue of what parts somebody might have thrown out. I'd hate to take some trim off from the other side that works only to break some parts that arent broken to see what might be missing.

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...87&hg=51&fg=50

I have the broken part nr. 10 in my trunk and probably am atleast missing some bits including the spring thing, which is probably part 21 called the repair kit (?). What parts would I need and how many pcs of each? As somebody noted and can be seen on the picture it has parts 8, 13, 14, 20, 21 linked to it.

All you need is the cover (#10) and the spring (#13). Pull back the working cover with your finger, then grab a flashlight to examine how it is connected. Pulling back the cover mimics exactly what the roof does, so you don't need to worry about breaking anything.

The cover just snaps in. Try not to break the plastic guides when snapping it in, and try to get the guides into the correct slots the first time. Check the working side for reference.

I would suggest attaching the spring to the cover, installing the cover, then hold it open while you pull the spring rearward to the trim.

Like everyone has said, be careful not to break the cover, but worse if you break the trim piece by pulling, you're pulling the interior panel off to get it fixed. Still not hard but a very unnecessary addition to your job.

And don't lose the plastic rod inside spring, leave that in tact when installing, it will push the cover open when top comes up.

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I still don't know how to install the other side to the car.

The spring is already connected to the cover but how do I connect the otherside to the car?

See pictures.

When i walk out of the grocery ill send pictures of the connection point

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Ok no clue what that repair kit is.. Hopefully we're talking about the same thing.. The cover is part #10 and the spring and stem are 13, 14.

If you slide the other little cover out and lift the lid you'll have some room to insert the cover.


Attach part 14 to 10 (the cover) and insert it into its track, then put 13, the stem, inside the spring if it isn't already, they are the same length when un tensioned.

Once in the track pull the hook of the spring toward the frame and catch it on the small hole.





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Thank you for the pictures.

The repair kit I showed you are for the facelift models #21 (I think), pre-facelift are using #13, #14. I tryed to connect #13 & #14 but they are totally different then mine.

Ok if that's the case I'm afraid I'm not much help.. Didn't know there was a difference in the frame for the top on a facelift motel.. I'm in an m3 too, again, not sure if that makes a difference either. Tried to help either way, good luck!

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