[Nat Brown]

Does anyone know if the European 3-series come with the four "assist" handles (sometimes known as the "Oh Jesus!" bar) in the headliner?

I'm tired of hitting my head on the drivers handle (the down side to power seats). I would like to find out if there's a cap available to replace the handles.

--gary

 

[The HACK]

Maybe the Coupe caps will fit. The coupes don't have an Oh Sh*t handle on the driver's side

 

[Nat Brown]

Maybe the Coupe caps will fit. The coupes don't have an Oh Sh*t handle on the driver's side

If you're brave enough to pry one off, I would love to get a part number.

Thanks,

--gary

 

[The HACK]

If you're brave enough to pry one off, I would love to get a part number.

Thanks,

--gary

I can do you one better than that...The ETK indicates the parts as:

hellgrau (I assume that's what you have): 51 16 7 010 926

hellbeige: 51 16 7 010 927

schwarz: 51 16 7 010 928

It only lists one part number for the cover, so I assume you can turn it around and use it for the other side of the handle.

 

[Nat Brown]

hellbeige: 51 16 7 010 927
It only lists one part number for the cover, so I assume you can turn it around and use it for the other side of the handle.

Awesome! Thanks!

--gary

 

[LilEccentricJ]

Maybe the Coupe caps will fit. The coupes don't have an Oh Sh*t handle on the driver's side

Mine has both! haha

Bought the driverside to "balance" the car
It was about $35.00 from Cirlce Parts Dept.

 

[Nat Brown]

Mine has both! haha

Bought the driverside to "balance" the car
It was about $35.00 from Cirlce Parts Dept.

So how does it go on?

--gary

 

[Nat Brown]

Just special ordered them. $.45/each.

--gary

 

[LilEccentricJ]

So how does it go on?

--gary

a snap cap and a phillips screw takes the handle off and you just snap the new flat cap in.

Oh and you might need one of these... hehe

 

[aldo]

Hack, you are absolutely amazing!!!! Where do you come up with info so fast?

 

[Nat Brown]

No deal

Hack, you are absolutely amazing!!!! Where do you come up with info so fast?

Unfortunately the cap doesn't fit. I was able to get the handle off, revealing two holes, one for the phillips screw, the other for the post from strap holder. The cap itself has a "w" shaped plastic part the protrudes from the back. It doesn't fit either hole.

I suppose I could use some sort of adhesive to glue the cap to the headliner....

--gary

 

[The HACK]

Hack, you are absolutely amazing!!!! Where do you come up with info so fast?

Well, as some like to point out I have absolutely no life whatsoever.

Actually I have an old version of the BMW parts CD installed on my computer at work and just did a quick look-up.

Gary, that sucks it didn't fit...I guess it's time to "HACK" it.

 

[Nat Brown]

Got it to work!

With the regular handle bolts screwed into to tightness (not too tight our you'll have an extra sunroof!), the plastic caps seem to grab the bolt and stay in place.

It's hard to believe this works, but they're on there pretty good. This is something I've learned about BMW's: if you don't know how to install or uninstall something, you're in big trouble -- it either won't happen or you'll break it. If you know the trick, it's usually a clever design that takes no effort at all.

Anyway, I've only replaced one handle, since I still find it hard to believe those caps are going to stay on!

--gary:thumb: