BenFenner's 2004 Silver SUV - Page 8

BenFenner · #71 07-08-2026, 03:20 PM

Install rear luggage straps | Album

Used BMW ownership truly is an exercise in automotive restoration.
Here I am replacing a missing trim piece for one of the rear hatch luggage strap anchors, and then actually making use of those anchors by installing a new set of straps.
I'm not sure I'll use them much (because they live under the cardboard I have as cargo area protection), but they may come in handy once or twice.

I have since learned the 4-point cargo net is still available, and you'll see I pick up one of those later on which sees a TON of use because it can live above my cargo area protection.

Parts:
$4.61 | OEM rear hatch luggage strap anchor trim | 51478146943
$27.84 | OEM rear hatch luggage strap (×2) | 51478136450

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BenFenner · #72 07-17-2026, 03:49 PM

Remove wheel locks | Album

Recall a while back I figured out what wheel key I needed to remove these stupid wheel locks. With that key in hand, I finally got around to replacing the locks with normal lug bolts..

Parts:
$37.34 | OEM wheel bolts (19mm, black, floating cone) (×4) | 36136756298

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BenFenner · #73 07-18-2026, 08:47 AM

Replace upper hood vents | Album

The restoration continues. This time we are addressing the upper hood vents. The driver's side was nearly flapping in the wind due to broken tabs, and the passenger's side felt like it was not far behind so they both got replaced (both the upper halves and lower halves).

There was one notably difficult part of this job. One of the hoses for the washer fluid needs to route down through a hole to reach the washer fluid reservoir. This is an extremely awkward routing that had me removing some panels (I think) and then finally getting it routed with a trick. I took a hex key ("L"-shaped allen key) of the appropriate size (would fit into the hose snugly) and ran it through the hole from the back side, then slipped the hose onto the end from the front side. This allowed me to pull the hose through the hole and make the 90-degree turn it needs to, without too much trouble. Trying to shove this hose into the hole from the front side is just a nightmare. Hopefully this advice helps someone else in the future.

Parts:
$49.71 | OEM upper half of upper hood vent (left, black) | 51137113729
$58.22 | OEM upper half of upper hood vent (right, black) | 51137113730
$56.08 | OEM lower half of upper hood vent (left, black) | 51137113731
$56.08 | OEM lower half of upper hood vent (right, black) | 51137113732

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