Unicorn??

[Gwmckee]

Perhaps this is a long shot but thought I'd take a run at it anyway... The picture below is of the mechanism that allows the radio cover to stay closed and to open when pushed. As I mentioned in a previous post, mine is missing so the door won't latch in the closed position. BMW says that the white plastic piece is only available as part of the whole assembly ($800!). The plastic piece is held on by the metal spring clip and truthfully, should cost a couple pennies to make. Installing the assembly requires removing the instrument cluster and a whole bunch more plus, my carrier assembly is perfect cosmetically so I really don't want to have to replace it. In thinking about this further, I should be able to simply insert a new plastic piece onto my existing carrier while it is installed in the car by removing the radio and just reaching in with my hand or some long pointed pliers. So that got me wondering if anyone has one of these pieces or knows a way for me to source one. Maybe 3D printing? This looks like a part that BMW could have used on numerous models from that era?

[macfly]

I'd suggest a breakers who specialize in BMW's or I can connect you with a 3D printing guy too if you need that.

I pulled this one up on Google - http://salvageyard.net/make/bmw - no idea if it'll get you what you need.

[Gwmckee]

In searching for options this morning, I came across this place... http://hv3dworks.com. Left a message and the owner called me right back. An hour later, I was showing him the part in the parking lot of a local coffee shop. He said it should not be too much of a challenge to replicate, that I will have the finished part back in a week or two and that it will be a fraction of what the assembly cost from BMW. He also mentioned that I could have it printed in a wide variety of materials including plastics as well as stainless steel and aluminum. Paul (the owner) is a super nice guy and I think he could be a good resource for forum members. I'll make sure to let everyone know the quality of the replicated part once I get it.

[Musta10000]

George - that is very cool. Maybe some of those with seat back issues could get some clips done! That has been discussed a time or two. Please keep us posted on your quest for a fix!

[MauiMike]

Wow, and just down the road from you - that's lucky! Looks like a great resource. Like Skip says, the seat back clips are just not available as a separate item - same as the radio door catch.

[Gwmckee]

George - that is very cool. Maybe some of those with seat back issues could get some clips done! That has been discussed a time or two. Please keep us posted on your quest for a fix!

Great idea, Skip! My passenger seat top clip has come loose so I can easily pull it to give to Paul. I believe the side clips are a different design. Does anyone know if all of the top clips are to same? I’ll for sure get a run going if anyone is interested. Also thought maybe the hooks on the cover for the convertible top. Any other suggestions?

[Bend]

Three-D printing is probably the future for classic car part replacements and especially good for individual pieces like seat clips. I think that if we find someone who is particularly good, reliable and reasonable, we can crown him with a Z8 Owners Guild Award (to be formally bestowed by Andrew) and he may prove to be a real godsend as we begin our journey into times with more limited support for ICE vehicles.