Didn't see this specific question anywhere else so here goes: I have a 2005 325i, but I believe the interior trim clips (plastic with a metal rod center) are the same across many models and years. I have purchased bags of these things over about 3 years, but the simulated wood trim pieces on the upper part of the rear doors just keep coming off. I have worked with the trim pieces, since they can be bent, to make sure they are not curved and putting undue pressure on the clips. In three years, I have probably installed 50 clips and the trim pieces have never stayed on more than a few weeks.
Has anyone found a way to help the clips stay positioned in the slots for a longer period?
I know what you're talking about and saw several new plastic "cups" crack over a short pd. after a refresh recently. When I redid them the last time I tried to not seat the pin too deep into the cup. Seems to be holding up better or maybe I haven't gone long enough for it to fail again. Ones that were just a little cracked I think I might have superglued the cracks then reinstalled.
If the plastic is too loose in the door panel, I wonder if a bead of dried glue on one side of each hole might tighten things up?
Thanks, ahull and halltristan! I had already decided to try gluing them in but wasn't sure that might mess things up for future work/access. Glad to see I'm not the only one experiencing this issue. Thanks for the input!
Well I wasn't saying to glue them in I was saying a bead of dried glue, or maybe dried rtv to build up the hole in the door panel so the cups fit tighter. Not sure I'd glue them in. Regulators
I agree. You could also try caulk. Fill the hole and then press the clip in. Should hold just fine and allow you to remove the trim pieces in the future.
I had the same issue.. I bought several packs of after market clips from Bavauto.. and it continued.. I then bought the oem clips from bmw.. different design, diff plastic, and metal retainers... BUT i could not understand how they at the factory made them fit without destroying the panel. Extremely tight and the ears to hold in the panel were very big...
I modified them.. i took a file to the middle where it sits when in place.. Filed a deeper notch in one side, to be able to slip it in panel. Once in place, it isnt coming out.. and the trim has not let loose anymore
Madrone, my problem seems to be that the metal plug in the middle is just a little too small. ahull, great point! I think I will give that a try...build up the edges with glue or something, then push in the retainers. Maybe I could combine that technique with Madrone's idea of putting in a notch, once the edges are built up just a bit. Thanks!
The oem bimmer clips are of different size. Outside dimensions are bigger and the metal retainer inside is smaller... You can also order new metal plugs that attactch to the trim piece.
Dealers should have plenty. I couldn't find elsewhere.
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