dash vent crack...

Did a search and did not find anything and was curious to know if this is a common problem. How would I do a repair? thanks!

Mine was cracked on the top right on the frame I ended up using super glue to refasten the frame down.

Not only does every BMW 5 series have it, but all LEXUS SC 400 and SC 300 all have the same problem. Don't lose sleep over it. It's old ! There isn't any part on a BMW made of plastic or rubber that doesn't crack. Just got done replacing the windshield cover strip -- $38. and an hour of elbow grease and an ounce of Astroglide

Do you mean the wood trim cracked or the black plastic vent itself?

Mine is cracked too. Top left corner. :-\

the plastic vent...

Originally Posted by Melrose

Not only does every BMW 5 series have it, but all LEXUS SC 400 and SC 300 all have the same problem. Don't lose sleep over it. It's old ! There isn't any part on a BMW made of plastic or rubber that doesn't crack. Just got done replacing the windshield cover strip -- $38. and an hour of elbow grease and an ounce of Astroglide

Mine's not cracked. What are you talking about?

both my e39's cracked.

my top left cornor center vent was cracked when I got it...I figured the original owner must have used one of those vent clips at some point...

Is it the center vent? Mine cracked about 6 years ago. I'm anal, so I went ahead and replaced it with a new one. I think I paid around $75 for a new part from Crevier BMW

Mines cracked, top left. I tried super glue and it came off again... maybe I'll get around to fixing it sometime

Mine has been cracked in the upper left corner for as long as I can remember.

Originally Posted by Ryan M

Mine has been cracked in the upper left corner for as long as I can remember.

It would be nice if someone posted a picture so we can see what you're all talking about.

For example, see this thread of common trim cracks ...

My center vent has a crack in the top left corner...happened several months ago. I ordered a new one from Tischer BMW last week, they are not all that expensive. Should be here in another day or two...then no more crack!

So the repair is "get a new one". Seriously, gluing or any other attempt will not look so good...

Originally Posted by 540 M-Sport

My center vent has a crack in the top left corner...happened several months ago. I ordered a new one from Tischer BMW last week, they are not all that expensive. Should be here in another day or two...then no more crack!

So the repair is "get a new one". Seriously, gluing or any other attempt will not look so good...

You couldn't even notice it when I has mine glued... It looked WAY better than not having it glued.

This is the best pic I can find right now. As you an see, the left side it broken. It seems to be extremely common. http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1387251

Originally Posted by 540 M-Sport

My center vent has a crack in the top left corner...happened several months ago. I ordered a new one from Tischer BMW last week, they are not all that expensive. Should be here in another day or two...then no more crack!

So the repair is "get a new one". Seriously, gluing or any other attempt will not look so good...

Way to keep your E39 up to snuff!

You definitely want to find a DIY (I think I found mine on roadfly), because it can be a bit tricky.

IIRC, I used a few credit cards on the "latches" to get it free to slide out. And I remember that stupid Bowden Cable being a PITA.

Yup, I have a couple old hard plastic spatulas for the job, and will do it this weekend, "quacktheduck" demonstrated how to get it out for me a while back, so I am "good to go". You are right, the bowden cable will be the hardest part...I have no issues with trying to keep my car from showing it's age. I've replaced the front grab handle on my arm rest, and various other trims peices and parts if they get chipped, discolored or ratty looking. Most of the stuff is not particularly expensive. MID display pixels was fixed last fall, and working with BMWNA presently on my cluster pixels...they just started acting up over the weekend. Urgh!

For those about to replace their center vent, here is the procedure:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...nt+replacement

I am off to do mine right now....new vent is only $69 from Tischer, plus $9 or so for shipping.

Took about 30 minutes to complete...I was confused with detaching the Bowden cable at the distal end (opposite the vent). When facing the cable, the white clip, you pry it from the top, and toward you. Which is to the right or toward the passenger side of the car. Removing the vent is most easily done using a rigid, plastic spatula...you slide it around under, and across the top to release the tabs, then it comes straight out.

Originally Posted by bluebee

It would be nice if someone posted a picture so we can see what you're all talking about.

You guys jinxed me!

What causes these center vent corner cracks anyway?

Mine broke out completely. Fastened it back in place with two dabs of RTV silicon. Flexible for the temp canges, which is what caused the cracking in the first place.

Originally Posted by 540 M-Sport

For those about to replace their center vent, here is the procedure:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...nt+replacement

I am off to do mine right now....new vent is only $69 from Tischer, plus $9 or so for shipping.

Took about 30 minutes to complete...I was confused with detaching the Bowden cable at the distal end (opposite the vent). When facing the cable, the white clip, you pry it from the top, and toward you. Which is to the right or toward the passenger side of the car. Removing the vent is most easily done using a rigid, plastic spatula...you slide it around under, and across the top to release the tabs, then it comes straight out.

Thanks for that update. I'm sure others will be helped by your Bowden cable advice. Mine will probably need replacement (original one lasted 6 years, this one has now been on 6 years) so I will use this post as a refresher on this job.

Son of a gun mine is cracked! I had to take my glasses of to see it but it's cracked, never even saw it until this thread.

Originally Posted by dms540i

I had to take my glasses of to see it but it's cracked, never even saw it until this thread.

Me neither. The other side of mine is cracked like yours, where you can barely see the crack.

What's the consensus on the best fix? Crazy glue?

I've got the same crack, but it's top and bottom and if I touch it the wrong way it falls out-I can still use the control though. Same thing happened to the vent in the passenger side door. Really minor thing for me but it's irritating when the parts fall off.

It must be made of radiator plastic...