Let's Install the Luggage Compartment Package

In most markets, BMW offers a "Luggage Compartment Package" as either optional or standard equipment on E90 and E90M3 cars. They do not offer it in the US. The package consists of different trunk liners on the right and left sides, which include some useful features. The right hand panel comes with a small cargo net, the left hand panel comes with an elastic restraint strap and also a power outlet.

My E90M3 came without iDrive or Satellite Radio, so in the process of this upgrade I also upgraded to the larger left hand side trim panel. The larger panel comes on cars with navigation and/or with the CD changer accessory. I installed this in anticipation of my dual Alpine PDX amplifier "Technic" setup. The part number for the larger left hand trim panel, with cutout for power and the elastic band strap is 51 47 7 139 439.

My stock configuration:




Start by removing the gray plastic trim on the trunk threshold. It is held in place by 4 expanding gray rivets and 2 philips screws located under small trim caps on top of the panel. The gray expanding rivets are much stronger and much more difficult to remove than the black ones, used later in this mod.



Once the threshold panel is out, remove each of the side trim pieces. Each is held in place with black expanding rivets and/or the warning triangle brackets on the left side, if you have one. The forward cargo tie-down points need to be loosened (but not removed). Use a T30 Torx driver for these. They each have a trim ring that you need to take off before the panels can come out. The inner parts of the cargo tie downs are snapped into the car, and they should stay in place while you are removing and replacing the trim parts. Once all fasteners are removed, wrestle the panels out of the car. I assume this would be much easier if you have fold-down seats.

Once removed, you will need to modify the right hand side panel. The Luggage Compartment Package comes with luggage net 51 47 7 131 152. Hold the net up to the trim panel and mark the locations of the 5 posts that will secure it. Drill out these locations and make sure the holes are precise and clean. Push the net into place, and then use wave washers to lock the 2parts together. The wave washers are very difficult to install. Use a deep socket and a hammer to push them onto the posts.

The sides of the net should be oriented straight up and down:


Wave washers installed:


Now move on to the left hand panel. The panel I ordered came with a black elastic strap alrteady installed. I didn't expect it to come with one as one part. I had ordered a separate elastic strap because I thought I needed one, and it came in gray color. Part number shown. I prefer the gray one, so I switched out the black one.



The power socket is an assembly. See below.




I built a small wire harness for the socket. In this case, I am wiring straight to the battery so I have one outlet on the car that is always hot.



I haven't connected mine to the battery yet, as I am waiting for the plug part that will work with the positive distribution terminal on top of the battery.

Re-install each panel. This can take some work, especially if you do not have fold-down rear seats. The panels are quite stiff too. Re-install cargo tie downs, expanding rivets, and the threshold panel.





I also installed these rubber "universal holders" while I had the threshold panel out. There are 2 of them that can be used to secure odd-size cargo.

Jon, you're a credit to this board and the auto-enthusiast community generally. Every one of your "Lets ______" posts are excellent. Thanks for taking the time to share them.

Excellent! I like that non-switched 12V jack in the trunk... ordering one.

Originally Posted by JonM

I haven't connected mine to the battery yet, as I am waiting for the plug part that will work with the positive distribution terminal on top of the battery.

For some reason that connector and the housing takes weeks to show up at the dealer after ordering...

Originally Posted by Technic

For some reason that connector and the housing takes weeks to show up at the dealer after ordering...

I may have one (and a pair of pins) I can send you. I will check. We keep them in stock for Z4 lighter relocation for gauge installs.

Originally Posted by kglesq

Jon, you're a credit to this board and the auto-enthusiast community generally. Every one of your "Lets ______" posts are excellent. Thanks for taking the time to share them.

Ditto....and I can't wait until we get the Bamboo Beige shift and e-brake boots made!! I sent you a PM a few minutes ago about the leather samples you sent.

Originally Posted by JonM

I may have one (and a pair of pins) I can send you. I will check. We keep them in stock for Z4 lighter relocation for gauge installs.

Thanks... I got them after weeks of waiting!

Originally Posted by HotLap

Ditto....and I can't wait until we get the Bamboo Beige shift and e-brake boots made!! I sent you a PM a few minutes ago about the leather samples you sent.

Hey!!! I want those too!!!

Great job JonM !

Technic thank you for showing this thread !

nicely done, I like it.

Very useful upgrades.

I can't believe I didn't see this thread before. This is incredibly helpful. Thanks, John. I'll be doing this for sure.

pretty cool mod,thanks for posting op.

Looks really clean

Looks nice, thanks for pics. N4S

Someone PM'd me and asked what the part number for the left side carpet panel is with provision for CD changer, bigger amps, handguns, etc. It is 51477139439.

I left this out of my original post years ago.

Whats the point of the unversal halter straps

I know this is an old thread but I didn't see a fuse for the rear power outlet. You might want to edit that into the OP.

Originally Posted by ///MMB

I know this is an old thread but I didn't see a fuse for the rear power outlet. You might want to edit that into the OP.

He's wiring direct to battery so I don't think he'd need a fuse

Originally Posted by taibanl

Whats the point of the unversal halter straps

The black rubber piece in last pic or the ones in the pic before that, that are horizontal.

Originally Posted by That201boy

He's wiring direct to battery so I don't think he'd need a fuse

It's bc he's wiring directly to the battery that he needs a fuse. Without a fuse he is risking a fire or other major issues.

**** my bad... I was just guessing...well I need to know that process too than lol