Strange fuse box cover behavior

[EuroGeorge]

I have been meaning to throw this up for a year now. Since I just saw another car with the same condition, I will do it!

Replaced my fuse box cover with a new item maybe...3 years ago??? Funny thing is about a year ago I noticed the "sides" opposite the latch and hinge sides all bowed out...WTF? The original cover was fine except for the obligatory broken clasp and it was on the car for 25 years...:confused

Just saw another last week with the same condition. That car also had a relatively "newish" cover.

That's all I got :beer

[claylakem6]

I went through 3 and blamed it on the turbo until I replaced the hood insulation and have not replaced one since......go figure.

[xing6666]

I went through 3 and blamed it on the turbo until I replaced the hood insulation and have not replaced one since......go figure.

Mine went bad even with the new hood insulation. I think it probably has to do with the fact that the new parts are most likely made in China, Indonesia, etc etc. I've never seen an old one warp before - only become brittle with time and crack - and now it seems to be quite common.

[rmorin1249]

I had a hard time getting my new cover to seat onto the box so I could fasten the clasp. Finally after some rather vigorous pushing I was able to get it to seat so I could fasten the latch. Been on for about 3 months, so far, so good,.

[EuroGeorge]

NO!!! BMW parts made in China??? Never heard of such foolishness:eyecrazy

If that's true, I'm sellin the pig. Gonna buy American...Probably Ford...Most likely a Mustang...BOSS 302...Laguna Seca:redspot

[rmorin1249]

NO!!! BMW parts made in China??? Never heard of such foolishness:eyecrazy

If that's true, I'm sellin the pig. Gonna buy American...Probably Ford...Most likely a Mustang...BOSS 302...Laguna Seca:redspot

Go for the beast, a Shelby GT500! Better yet, one of the Challenger Hellcats, 707 HP!

[alpinacsi]

The new ones are crap! Seems to be the way with many of the new BMW parts. Have you seen the new kidney grills that are plastic?

[rmorin1249]

The new ones are crap! Seems to be the way with many of the new BMW parts. Have you seen the new kidney grills that are plastic?

+1, pretty soon most BMWs will be all plastic with some carbon fiber thrown in so they can charge +$50K. I don't think I will ever buy a new BMW again. They just aren't building anything that appeals to me with their current styling.

[Coupenut]

I'm been curious about that as well. I've replaced fuse box covers on my 3 E24s and an E23 and they all seem to warp. I've bought them from the dealer as well as on eBay, no difference. The insulation on the cars doesn't seem to make a difference, they all have good hood insulation. I always thought that it something to do with heat generated in the fuse box the cover is properly attached to the fuse box. As mentioned in a previous post the covers can be particularly difficult to attach, but when they are properly attached to the fuse box there's a pretty tight seal

[alpinacsi]

Once the seal has taken a set: they fit a lot better.

I found a nos one that was at a friends BMW service shop that he had on the shelf for close to 15 years and it is showing no signs of warping.

When I was talking plastic kidney grills: I was referring to the current BMW offering for our cars. They went from alum and plastic to all plastic.

[EuroGeorge]

Once the seal has taken a set: they fit a lot better.

I found a nos one that was at a friends BMW service shop that he had on the shelf for close to 15 years and it is showing no signs of warping.

When I was talking plastic kidney grills: I was referring to the current BMW offering for our cars. They went from alum and plastic to all plastic.

Todd, I have the original lid off the car. 27 years old and other than a broken clasp, no warping at all...

[alpinacsi]

Todd, I have the original lid off the car. 27 years old and other than a broken clasp, no warping at all...


Exactly! I got lucky with my find but if I replace it: I would rather have a good used one with broken clip than a new BMW Pringles.

[JimPA]

Mine went bad even with the new hood insulation. I think it probably has to do with the fact that the new parts are most likely made in China, Indonesia, etc etc. I've never seen an old one warp before - only become brittle with time and crack - and now it seems to be quite common.

Same sides-bowed experience here. I'm on the second replacement in seven years of owning this car.

[apbails]

If we ever judge again, I wouldn't ding anyone for it as it seems to be a quality issue.
Same sides-bowed experience here. I'm on the second replacement in seven years of owning this car.

[GAflyer]

Have the same problem. New cover warped within a few months. If anybody comes up with a better source, or a fix, please speak up.

[alpinacsi]

Have the same problem. New cover warped within a few months. If anybody comes up with a better source, or a fix, please speak up.

Best fix that I can see is to continue using an old original and keep a new one on hand for show. To keep the new one in place for show: you might have to remove the new gasket and install an older one.

[xing6666]

If we ever judge again, I wouldn't ding anyone for it as it seems to be a quality issue.

IF we judge again?!? Don't you mean WHEN? LoL.

[BA in TO]

Funny I just snagged a mint fuse box cover all clips & tabs intact from friends 87 parts car in Montreal....I knew the new ones were no good.

[Coupenut]

If we ever judge again, I wouldn't ding anyone for it as it seems to be a quality issue.

If you ever judge again? Please say it ain't so. What enticement do you need?

[carsnplanes]

If we ever judge again, I wouldn't ding anyone for it as it seems to be a quality issue.
I guess if they refuse to get a replacement, you can ding em'. Lol!

[xing6666]

The solution is you need to have to fuse box covers. One that you use every day and will warp and the other that you keep on reserve for when it's showtime. LOL