From digest.v6.n239 Wed Feb 19 07:21:30 1997
From: S.J.Metcalfe_at_dl.ac.uk (S. Metcalfe)
Date: Wed, 19 Feb 1997 10:17:36 GMT
Subject: re: How 2 remove E-36 rear deck?

RacinDynam_at_aol.com asked:-
>>Is there anyone who can tell me how I can go about removing the rear deck/

>>package shelf...     I have a slight rattle coming from there and would like

>>to put some padding under it.       (E-36 coupe)

Remove the following items in this order:-

1. Rear seat cushion. Pull up at front edge, then lift towards front

   of car.

2. Rear seat side bolsters. Pull top edge towards front of car, then

   twist to disengage bottom hook.

3. Locally lift the rear window seal and the door seal prior to removal

   of the following two items.

4. Rear door trim panel (I know, wrong name 'cos there's no rear door!)

   Pull top edge towards center of car, then lift up.

5. C pillar trim panel. Pull towards center of car, starting at top.

   This item can be tricky to refit correctly. The pegs are easily broken if care is not taken. Relocate the pegs furthest from you first.

6. Plastic trim that clamps down the leading edge of the rear deck

   shelf - it is located by 4 pegs that have to be levered out. When refitting, remember to hook it back under the trunk access opening.

The shelf can now be lifted out. The usual source of rattles under this shelf are the wires that run underneath it. Secure them all with a hot glue gun or equivilant. Also stick 3mm foam tape on the top edge of the air ducting which contacts the underside of the shelf. That will shut it up tight. When refitting the shelf, ensure that the 4 tags are engaged correctly at the point where it meets the base of the rear screen otherwise it will continue rattling. Refit parts in reverse order. Apply a little grease to the seat cushion securing springs to aid refitting. I did all of the above in order to fit my speakers but it is debatable whether all that work is justified in order to cure a "slight rattle", depends how keen you are.

If anyone can think of a way of removing the shelf without first removing all of the above please let me know. For some reason, all items interlock, preventing removal of one before the other.

Stuart Metcalfe email s.j.metcalfe_at_dl.ac.uk Central Laboratory of the Research Councils phone +44 (0)1925 603521 Daresbury Laboratory fax +44 (0)1925 603416 Warrington
Cheshire, England, WA4 4AD. '97 328i coupe