Trunk Liner Modifications

[Suprgnat]

If I ever get the time to install my Koni rear externally adjustable dampers, I'd like to modify my trunk liner to allow easy access to the adjuster.

Making the hole in the liner is the easy part. What I'd like is an elegant way to cover said hole.

Suggestions welcome.

[Sixle]

The rears adjust from the top? that's interesting...Is the adjuster a 6 point socket or do you need to get in there with a pin or pliers? Pictures of the strut would be a great help.

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by Sixle

The rears adjust from the top? that's interesting...Is the adjuster a 6 point socket or do you need to get in there with a pin or pliers? Pictures of the strut would be a great help.

[1Pirate]

I would like to know what you figure out. I'd like to do something as well to make accessing the top of the damper easier. Some sort of black plastic cap to cover the hole wouldn't look too bad.

[Venom]

You can make a cutout the acts as a flap that you can close to access the adjuster. This is how I did it on my car.

[TheSt|G]

I would imagine one of the easiest ways to do it and keep NVH down would be to cut the hole the same size as the rubber top that goes on the sound deadening above the rear shock tower and buy an extra set to pop in.

Having a hard time finding it on RealOEM though. I would have thought it would have been in Vehicle Trim/Insulation...

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

I would imagine one of the easiest ways to do it and keep NVH down would be to cut the hole the same size as the rubber top that goes on the sound deadening above the rear shock tower and buy an extra set to pop in.

Having a hard time finding it on RealOEM though. I would have thought it would have been in Vehicle Trim/Insulation...

Here you go Stig. Pick a plug.


http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...71&hg=51&fg=80

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Here you go Stig. Pick a plug.

Attachment 999286
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...71&hg=51&fg=80

Perfect. Pretty sure it is 32.

[1Pirate]

That's an excellent idea.

[Venom]

If you cut it the right way you wont need a plug.




It's pretty obvious in these pics but irl you wont be able to tell where it is unless you look for it.

[TheSt|G]

True, but the plug will give you better access.

Also, you are missing a trunk liner pin.

[Venom]

Plug will give you less access (size comparison).

St|g, That was back when I had to double check seals so I was taking it on and off every couple weeks to ensure that my ancillary electronics weren't seeing water.

OP, If you figure out a "telescopic" type tool that grabs the top of the adjustment knob (but only just) so I don't have to deal with the front brace bar, I'd really appreciate it.

[135iam]

Thanks for the pics venom. Can you get the rubber cap back in there with that opening, or just leaving it off?

I took the truck liner out on my 135i convert this weekend to install KWv3's this week. I dont want to get in the habit of taking that damn liner in and out. (with a convert I think its even more of a PITA that the coupe)

[Suprgnat]

Thanks, guys. Lots of good suggestions. I also found plugs similar to the BMW items on McMaster-Carr that go all the way up to 4 inches.

"Flexible Plastic Plugs"

3 inch, pack of 25 is only $13.63.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#hole-cover-plugs/=r8z9tg

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by Venom

OP, If you figure out a "telescopic" type tool that grabs the top of the adjustment knob (but only just) so I don't have to deal with the front brace bar, I'd really appreciate it.

I have the M3 brace. Problem solved.

[Venom]

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

I have the M3 brace. Problem solved.

Nice! Looks like I have another bit to buy.

[Venom]

Originally Posted by 135iam

Thanks for the pics venom. Can you get the rubber cap back in there with that opening, or just leaving it off?

I took the truck liner out on my 135i convert this weekend to install KWv3's this week. I dont want to get in the habit of taking that damn liner in and out. (with a convert I think its even more of a PITA that the coupe)

which rubber cap are you referring to? the one for adjusting? if so, then yes, it fits because the head of it is higher than the difference in the height of the adjustable knob and where the liner sits.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Venom

which rubber cap are you referring to? the one for adjusting? if so, then yes, it fits because the head of it is higher than the difference in the height of the adjustable knob and where the liner sits.

He's referring to the rubber cap I mentioned. I must be misremembering it as I was under the impression it was ~3 inches or more in diameter.

[mlifxs]

an old one from the 3'er forum:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...8&postcount=18

[Venom]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

He's referring to the rubber cap I mentioned. I must be misremembering it as I was under the impression it was ~3 inches or more in diameter.

That makes more sense.

Either way works. Mine is just lazier




Edit: that last post above this one shows how you would make a circular cut if you wanted to use st|g's rubber cap method