[3737]

New addition to the family, '01 520 Touring. I've a rake of questions, but only two are available in my noggin at the moment:

a) Who has good non-slip, lipped rubber boot liners? eBay has rakes of them, but as we know, eBay quality varies from great to godawful.

b) How the hell do I get the MID out? Everything I've found on the web says to twist the hex key or push in the tab, but I've neither, see attached.

There's a slot in there alright, in a different place, but it's a wonky size for a regular screwdriver. I've tried twisting it using a jeweler's screwdriver with a pliers for torque, but it's putting up more resistance than I'm comfortable with. Is there a knack I'm missing?

 

[rpg]

Stick a screwdriver into the upper recessed screw - holding screwdriver firmly in place (it's sprung) turn screw/latch 90 deg anti clockwise and hold. Sometimes it may be difficult to pull the unit towards you, so at this point I usually put my fingers just inside the tape deck and pull.

 

[Gar]

just to add twist it very slightly dont do a full turn with it i broke mine was an absolute pain to get out had to dismantle the dash

 

[rebel.ranter]

a) Who has good non-slip, lipped rubber boot liners? eBay has rakes of them, but as we know, eBay quality varies from great to godawful.

Try this for a high quality boot mat?

http://www.cannoncarmats.com/BootProtectorShape2-46-d.html

 

[fortunet]

Hey , I got my trunk mat from Schmiedmann... a bit pricey but excellent quality. I actually got a fabric one and take it out if I'm carrying something messy!
Here's the link:

http://www.schmiedmann.com/5_series...Equipment-styling_-_inside/page25.htm#1937773

 

[3737]

That Cannon ones are universal and they don't seem to have much of a lip on 'em. The Schmiedmann ones look good, I've asked if they can give them to me ex-VAT via my company.

I have dozens of screwdrivers, but nothing that'll fit that slot. I'll give it another go tomorrow.

 

[Mike Ryan]

Give the MID a sudden smack from the palm of your hand while attempting to turm the screw. This smacking will help to dislodge the locking mechanism that is withdrawn by turning the screw.

 

[oilburner]

This is the boot liner I got:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-5-E39...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2c5fb67428

and I recommend it. It is custom-moulded so is a perfick fit. You can pour a bucket of water into it. Great for ducks too LOL.

And the feckin thing is now half the price I paid for it a few years back

 

[3737]

Tried ordering that, the auction doesn't allow shipping to Ireland and the vendor doesn't seem that bright (plus their feedback isn't the best). I'll give it another go though.

Here's another one, this came attached to the keyring when the wife picked up the car. WTF? It looks like one of the keys for those old Pirhana alarms, but I don't see anything like that under the bonnet, and it wouldn't make sense to fit one anyway. Roof rack perhaps? (It didn't come with one.)

 

[988MICK]

I'd say that key is for a u lock off a pushbike mate!

 

[3737]

No, the barrel is smaller than that.

 

[Mike Ryan]

Has your car a tow hitch? That key looks like a trailer lock key for a Bradley trailer hitch.

 

[Philip Cork]

Looks like a key for a steering wheel lock/brace etc

 

[3737]

Nah, no towbar and no wheel lock. I guess I'll just file it with the rest of the keys that have no purpose.

 

[kaveman]

Yeah I got a couple of those keys with my E39 as well,no idea what they're for but I remember a few years ago my dad had those keys and they where for the car alarm but it wasn't a BMW .

 

[3737]

Bizarre!

Right, I hacked at an old screwdriver with a grinder and god the MID off, but unfortunately it isn't the fuse in the back of it. The main fuses seem fine, and there does seem to be power coming into it on the main (thick) wires. Any tips on testing?

There's loads of these on eBay but I don't want to buy another one only to find that it's not actually the MID.

 

[Lights]

Yeah I got a couple of those keys with my E39 as well,no idea what they're for but I remember a few years ago my dad had those keys and they where for the car alarm but it wasn't a BMW .

I have a key just like that for my laptop lock at work

 

[modm3]

Bizarre!

Right, I hacked at an old screwdriver with a grinder and god the MID off, but unfortunately it isn't the fuse in the back of it. The main fuses seem fine, and there does seem to be power coming into it on the main (thick) wires. Any tips on testing?

There's loads of these on eBay but I don't want to buy another one only to find that it's not actually the MID.

Loads of round pin ones but very few flat pin........

Need one myself, very common fault. I've no sound output but the unit works fine.

 

[3737]

Eh? Pins?

Just noticed this evening that I have lights on the unit, but that's it.

 

[modm3]

Pre facelift have round pin connectors on the back, post facelift have flat pins on the connector. Don't think they are interchangeable at all, load of round pin units for sale and very few flat pins, which are generally pricey !

Some people can fix them, but its hit and miss. I've not tried my own yet, but may put in a modern single din unit with a face plate opposed to shelling out for a replacement overpriced unit.