Ebay Retractable Cargo Cover Install

[Bread]

So I couldn't find much on these ebay cargo covers, but due to the high parts cost of the factory retractable cover ($800ish) I decided to try one out. I've got a 2002 4.6is, so it has tracks for the rattle style factory cover rather than the retractable style which started around 2004. I'm actually quite happy with the results.

I'm sure this link will eventually die, but I bought it from ebay seller "abigcompany" for $135 shipped: 99 06 BMW E53 x5 SUV Retractable Trunk Rear Cargo Luggage Cover Protect Shield | eBay

The description says it's not for vehicles with the adjustable backseat, which I have, but I bought it anyways figuring I could make it work.

It comes with plastic brackets which can just be screwed into the sides, but I opted to make some adapters to allow me to screw it down to the carpeted portion below instead. That way if I remove it, the carpet will hide the screw holes. I machined the adapters out of aluminum flat bar, and baked on a matt black enamel finish. I also had to purchase longer screws. I can expand on this process if anybody is interested.

Before marking the installation points for the roller assembly, I reclined the seats fully. If I bring the seats forward a gap opens up, but I don't have to worry about accidentally crushing the cover and it still hides whatever is stored below just fine. I pretty much always have the seats fully reclined for passenger comfort anyways.

When you pull out the cover it actually lines up perfectly with the factory notches in the rear pillar, so I ditched the clips it came with. It didn't seat all the way down in the notches, so I took a razor blade to the bottom of the studs and trimmed it until it fit nicely.

So there you have it. It's only been in use a couple weeks now, but so far so good. Keeps prying eyes out of the cargo area, which is a problem when parking downtown Seattle. The side window got busted out right before Christmas because of an empty grocery bag which was laying back there. The burglar got an empty bag, but it cost me $270 for new factory tinted glass, and another $80 for a new regulator because the old one exploded when I tried to roll up the new window with broken glass stuck in the mechanism

[THE VEIN]

This is good to know I always had my eye on the eBay ones

[TerminatorX5]

i guess, i should put out my old black cover from 4.6 on ebay, and see how much it will fetch - it is the pre-facelift style, the accordion style...

[THE VEIN]

on Craigslist in my area they go for about $125-$150

[z168]

Good job! Thanks for posting this

Got daytime pics? How well does it fit and cover the tracks?

[Gregory891]

VERY interesting and logical. I wonder what donor car or model provides the roller shade (and /or adapter parts)?

I want to update my X5 from the accordion to roller style. I found a new black roller in my area for a reasonable price (step 1). Now to either find mount brackets like you have or buy (ideally used) the later style side louvers with the slightly different mounting holes.

Any ideas on the retrofit brackets?

[Bread]

Originally Posted by Gregory891

VERY interesting and logical. I wonder what donor car or model provides the roller shade (and /or adapter parts)?

The shade is made in China. They sell the same one in different widths for many different vehicles on eBay. I should have taken a picture of the 'instructions' if you will. They were entirely in Chinese characters with no pictures, so they went straight to the trash. It's a simple procedure to install anyways. I debated on installing the roller brackets with the "U" facing upwards to capture the shade better. I didn't do it because the seats have to be tilted forward and the shade lifted upwards which was a tight fit between the sides. And it requires crawling in the car to do it, which would be a pain. So I mounted the "U" brackets facing rearwards, relying on the plactic clip to hold it in place. So far so good. It snaps in place firmly, and I just pull from the back to remove it.

Originally Posted by Gregory891

Any ideas on the retrofit brackets?

There's a thread or two on here about retrofitting the OEM '04 side panels/tracks and roller shade to the earlier models. IIRC it's like $80 a side for the panels, and my dealer quoted me $800 for the shade. Should all just 'bolt' on.

Originally Posted by z168

Got daytime pics? How well does it fit and cover the tracks?

Just went out and took a few more for you. I took one with the RH rear seat tilted forward so it's in line with the side bolster padding so you can see the gap. But again I always have the seat fully reclined anyways. The tracks are above the cover, exposed. Looks fine to me though. Hell, my g/f didn't even notice the tracks were there until we had the car for a few months.

[romeokc10]

You could've went the route I used for my 2002 4.6is when I upgraded from the ridiculous accordion cargo cover.

1. Bought a factory like new cover on ebay for $100.
2. Ordered new black plastic side covers from my dealer.
3. Bought the aluminum side bars that go underneath the plastic covers from my local salvage yard for $20.

This way I didn't have to drill any holes in the car and it's 100% factory OEM look and parts.

[jsoto]

I took mine off and never looked back. I'm often putting large items, folding down the rear seat, etc.

The cover I suppose is nice on a hot day (negligable benefits) or maybe as a 2 shelf system for small goods.....I supppose

[Bread]

Originally Posted by romeokc10

You could've went the route I used for my 2002 4.6is when I upgraded from the ridiculous accordion cargo cover.

1. Bought a factory like new cover on ebay for $100.
2. Ordered new black plastic side covers from my dealer.
3. Bought the aluminum side bars that go underneath the plastic covers from my local salvage yard for $20.

This way I didn't have to drill any holes in the car and it's 100% factory OEM look and parts.

Good for you. I'm fully aware what the options are. There were no used covers available on eBay or craigslist for that price, and I wanted to get this done since my car was just broken into rather than spending half my life looking for a good deal. That's why bought the eBay cover, and that's what this thread is about.

As for the holes, I could care less. The cover is part of the car now. If removed, the carpet will hide the holes just fine. If the next owner has a problem with it then they can go to the salvage yard and get replacements. Or or they can go fuck themselves!