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View Full Version : Tow hook cover for rear bumper... advice please??



525iZA
04-14-2008, 03:29 AM
So I bought the small black square cover for the tow hook (the place to attach rope to tow somebody else) but it would seem there are some clips missing on the bumper. Hence the cover doesn't clip in and stay on the bumper.

I bought the cover from BMW and it was rather pricey. It's now rolling around in my boot as I don't know what to do with it.

Any advice on making it stay in place? I've thought about silicone sealer, but then I would have to hold the cover in place for an hour or two for it to set. Does not sound like fun! :D

What say you?

PS. I've got the same problem with the bigger cover for my removable tow hitch. So now I just leave it on the car.

shogun
04-14-2008, 06:42 AM
Use your VIN
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do
go to main group 51, then select subgroup 51 15 bumper, there you see all items

525iZA
04-14-2008, 07:40 AM
Use your VIN
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do
go to main group 51, then select subgroup 51 15 bumper, there you see all items

Thanks! I bought No 5 on this diagram: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HD52&mospid=47375&btnr=51_0616&hg=51&fg=15

Part number: 51121944539

Price there is $12.95, just about what I paid.

So I have the part, how to make it stay in place??

Also have No 9 in diagram, but doesn't stay in place either.

Help??

Could number 6 fixing clamp be used to hold the cover in place? And no 16 for the bigger cover???

repenttokyo
04-14-2008, 08:33 AM
I had the same problem this year. Here is how the tow hook cover is held on:

There is a small metal clip that lodges into the square at the top of your tow hook cover on the inside. You will see what look like two little square arms where you can slide this clip in.

You need to get this at the dealer. I had to go to the body shop manager to get them to believe me that this clip existed at the parts counter - they told me that I had all the necessary parts, and he went to the computer and showed them the part I was missing.

Once you have this clip slid into place on your cover, attach the cover as you normally would and apply a bit of pressure at the top. You will feel it clip into place.

I hope this helps! It was a frustrating problem for me too!

whiskychaser
04-14-2008, 01:45 PM
Thanks! I bought No 5 on this diagram: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=HD52&mospid=47375&btnr=51_0616&hg=51&fg=15

Part number: 51121944539

Price there is $12.95, just about what I paid.

So I have the part, how to make it stay in place??

Also have No 9 in diagram, but doesn't stay in place either.

Help??

Could number 6 fixing clamp be used to hold the cover in place? And no 16 for the bigger cover???
I have part 9 and it is firmly in place. I just want to know what its for

525iZA
04-14-2008, 01:49 PM
I have part 9 and it is firmly in place. I just want to know what its for

No 9 is the cover for the removable tow hitch. Would you mind removing it and checking how it's held on? Just pleeeease don't break any clips or something!

Like this:

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k178/barnoaucamp/BMW/BMW001.jpg

whiskychaser
04-14-2008, 02:14 PM
No 9 is the cover for the removable tow hitch. Would you mind removing it and checking how it's held on? Just pleeeease don't break any clips or something!

Like this:

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k178/barnoaucamp/BMW/BMW001.jpg
Would give it a go but I havent a clue how it comes off:D Your tow bar seems to come from underneath the skirt whereas mine has two panels in it: one is probably for a tow hook-about 3"x3", the other is about 8*x4". Cant post a pic as its dark:( They are the sort of panels you get if you are too poor to afford fog lights:)