When I opened our long-term 2002 BMW M3's trunk to fetch my man-purse gym bag filled with chainsaws, the handy handle decided to come with. Repeated use has apparently taken its toll. Squint at the little image above and you can see the floppy result of a retaining screw which has pulled through the plastic.
Here's how that piece of plastic should fit:
Should be an easy fix, and the trunk is still accessible...
We'll let you know how hard the new piece hits the wallet.
Jason Kavanagh, Engieeering Editor @ 56,115 miles
wolfbeast says:
11:38 AM, 05/ 2/08
I seem to have the long lost twin of you're car. Just bought a 2002 BMW m3 CB w/ 55k miles and it has the same problem in your picture. I did a temporary fix with creative use of glue, washers and screws. Wonder how much the correct fix will be. Other things for you guys to look out for: sagging window trim (easy fix) and failing ignition coils (there's a recall for this).
SubyTrojan says:
12:05 PM, 05/ 2/08
wolfbeast, one or both of the "edge protection" seals, or "sagging window trim" as you refer to them, was/were replaced on this vehicle on June 29, 2004 (let's just say I did some sleuthing after the editorial department got this car). Other common issues on E46 M3s include rear differential noise and window regulator problems.
bimmerjay says:
02:46 PM, 05/ 2/08
The trunk lid grip retails for $82 unpainted and the gasket under it is about $10. Painting extra. Prices may vary.
anilpunjabi says:
03:32 PM, 05/ 2/08
Have you tried searching ebay for parts - Bought my sister her a side view mirror that she cracked on parking in the garage for 99 bucks - was off a totaled maxima - her color (but the mirror was in perfect condition). The installation was free through a friend, and rather than costing 300 bucks new she got it for 100 bucks installed and it looked new.
cruiserhead1 says:
06:13 PM, 05/ 2/08
Is it ironic that the "engineering editor" cannot figure out how to do a diy repair on plastic trim? LOL
Redeem your manhood and pull some tools out of that man purse and DIY a quick fix ;)
SubyTrojan says:
06:28 PM, 05/ 2/08
What would you do on the spot, cruiserhead? I suppose you're packing a roll of duct tape everywhere you go? I kid.² =Þ
The gym bag bit was funny, Jay!
mopar424 says:
01:09 PM, 05/ 3/08
uhh.. superglue? this isnt exactly a critical piece here..
jkavanagh says:
01:13 PM, 05/ 3/08
Oh, I've got a laundry list of DIY repair options, but I'm of the "while you're in there, you might as well upgrade it" mindset.
With that said, the cost of a carbon fiber decklid was too much for my boss to swallow.
SubyTrojan says:
04:15 PM, 05/ 3/08
I hear ya, Jay. If it's broke, upgrade it! :o)
mf944 says:
09:31 PM, 05/ 3/08
I had the same problem with my 01 M3. The rubber gasket cracked and broke off. Turns out all four screws were coming loose, so I just used epoxy to attach a piece of hard plastic into the screw holes on the handle to act as a sort of washer. Works great; strong as ever, and cost me nothing.
dragonflight says:
01:26 PM, 05/ 4/08
@mopar424:
I think the editors want to see the 'real world' experience of having to get replacement parts for a used BMW. I mean, you're rarely going to have a hard time finding mechanicals, but those plastic trim pieces can be tough (and overpriced!).
Besides, it's not their money ;) (something our Congress runs off of...)
730 says:
01:13 AM, 05/ 5/08
Stop this nonsense! Ductape it!
tryan says:
09:11 AM, 05/ 5/08
Not one derogatory remark about poor quality? Amazing what that whirling propeller lets you get away with...
730 says:
09:39 AM, 05/ 5/08
You can forgive a pretty girl if she burps. You can't with an ugly girl.
desmolicious says:
01:54 PM, 05/ 5/08
"Not one derogatory remark about poor quality? Amazing what that whirling propeller lets you get away with..."
I think it reflects outstanding quality! Imagine, 56,000 miles on the car and the only problem is a funky trunk handle...
m_thrizzle says:
05:14 PM, 05/ 5/08
To lift up the trunklid, do you pull up towards the sides of that piece (where it broke) or from the middle of it (directly above the license plate where the rubber 'button' to unlock the trunk is)?