Removing Black Plastic Cover

[jnclem]

I know this must have been asked and answered a thousand times, but all I can find is a multitude of threads about how to remove the main engine covers. I'm just trying to figure out how to get the black plastic cover off that sits right at the front of the engine compartment on a 2002 X5. It looks like I should be able to just pull up on it, or pry up the little buttons, but it sure feels like I'm going to break something if I put any more pressure on it. What am I missing here?

[Qsilver7]

Use the online part database and pull up the diagram...it will show how the parts fit together plus all the hardware (they are the encircled numbers in diagram).

If you had given more info...like a model number I would have posted the diagram...but you didn't leave enough info for others to look up the info. The V8s use different parts vs the I6. Help us help you better...rember to give model, model year, build date info if you haven't created a signature that contains this important info.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by jnclem

I know this must have been asked and answered a thousand times, but all I can find is a multitude of threads about how to remove the main engine covers. I'm just trying to figure out how to get the black plastic cover off that sits right at the front of the engine compartment on a 2002 X5. It looks like I should be able to just pull up on it, or pry up the little buttons, but it sure feels like I'm going to break something if I put any more pressure on it. What am I missing here?

If it's the cover that sits over the radiator (and is part of the air intake), it has four plastic retainers that have central pins. Using pliers, ease the four central pins up about 10-15mm and the retainers will lift out.

[jnclem]

Thank you both. Yes, that looks like the pin I am seeing, so I will pull on it with pliers. I couldn't tell exactly what it looked like underneath, and really didn't want to snap it off if there was a trick to it.

Qsilver7, it's a 4.6is. I haven't looked up the build date. Is that on the door, or do I run the Vin for that information? I will get it and post it. It's looking more like I may keep it awhile. Either that or sell it and go to X5 rehab to try to clean from the addiction to driving it. 😂

[CleanIsFast]

Originally Posted by jnclem

Qsilver7, it's a 4.6is. I haven't looked up the build date. Is that on the door, or do I run the Vin for that information? I will get it and post it. It's looking more like I may keep it awhile. Either that or sell it and go to X5 rehab to try to clean from the addiction to driving it. 😂

Yes the MM/YY Production Date is on the driver side door jam. Or you can plug in the last 7 of your VIN to a decoder for the exact date and options the vehicle was built with.

They make rivot tools but pliers work just as well. If you break the little plastic fastener, no biggie they are cheap to replace

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by jnclem

Thank you both. Yes, that looks like the pin I am seeing, so I will pull on it with pliers. I couldn't tell exactly what it looked like underneath, and really didn't want to snap it off if there was a trick to it.

Qsilver7, it's a 4.6is. I haven't looked up the build date. Is that on the door, or do I run the Vin for that information? I will get it and post it. It's looking more like I may keep it awhile. Either that or sell it and go to X5 rehab to try to clean from the addiction to driving it. 😂

As wpoll mentioned...and from the diagram & part nbr index for the 4.6is...there are only four expanding rivets (#17 in the diagram) that hold the "suction hood" (#15) to the vehicle:

Suction silencer/Filter cartridge | BMW X5 E53 X5 4.6is M62 USA