M5 E61 Tow hook cover.

[Contigo]

I just went to wash the car and noticed a crack in the top of the cover as if someone has forced it to remove it. I really don't see how it's happened at all but I've not driven the car for over 10 days (missus has had it and swear blind she's not done anything or bumped it).

I have seen replacements on Ebay and will then have to spray one which I'm assuming is going to cost an arm and a leg.

Anyone had this problem?

[ecain63]

Cant you just find another 5 series (maybe even the 1s, 3s and 6s will fit) of the same colour at a scrappy and get one for free? That'll save you the hastle of painting it.

And NO, ive never had the problem of my wife crashing my M5. lol

[Contigo]

The thing is Eddie that I honestly don't think that it's been in a bump. The reason being is that the only damage is to the top of the rear bumper tow hook cover.

Let me show the pic as it explains.



So no bumper damage other than to the top of cover as though someone has prized if off and broken it in the process.

[ecain63]

Yeah, looks like its been done when either fitting or removing. Being the rear you couldnt even blame it on stone or road damage. As said above, i reckon all the BMWs have the same cover size so maybe just get one off another 5'er. Bit of a bugger though eh!

[ecain63]

Oh, and is that a crack along the bumper too?

Edited by ecain63 on Wednesday 16th May 18:39

[Contigo]

Just been out for a polish of that area and it does seem that there has been a crack on that area. It's certainly not cracked but the picture and in some lights/angles does show a very small type of crease in the paintwork and also little bubbles underneath. I honestly am now beginning to doubt myself and wonder if this tow cover has been like that since I got it!!! I've polished it a number of times and am pretty observant so would have spotted but the weird thing is that those marks in the bumper paint that you noticed certainly coincide with the damage to the cover.

It's not great but it's pretty superficial stuff and i'm in the process of searching down a replacement cover for it. The rest I can live with as it's not really that visible.

[ecain63]

Contigo said:

Just been out for a polish of that area and it does seem that there has been a crack on that area. It's certainly not cracked but the picture and in some lights/angles does show a very small type of crease in the paintwork and also little bubbles underneath. I honestly am now beginning to doubt myself and wonder if this tow cover has been like that since I got it!!! I've polished it a number of times and am pretty observant so would have spotted but the weird thing is that those marks in the bumper paint that you noticed certainly coincide with the damage to the cover.

It's not great but it's pretty superficial stuff and i'm in the process of searching down a replacement cover for it. The rest I can live with as it's not really that visible.

Seems that maybe the cover had the same hidden crack. I'd check under or behind the bumper to be sure theres no more hidden stuff.

[Contigo]

Don't panic me unnecessarily

[TX1]

I would purchase the part and purchase proper BMW paint in an aerosol from the dealer to match your colour, I think you will get a decent result.

[Contigo]

TX1 said:

I would purchase the part and purchase proper BMW paint in an aerosol from the dealer to match your colour, I think you will get a decent result.

I have just searched on Real oem and you can buy primed or painted. Gonna ring for a price in the morning and see what the damage is.