[Psyphertext]

So I discovered that my wiring bracket that runs horizontal at the rear of the hood seal isn't damaged, it is the doggone locking triangles on the firewall that are. Yep, bought another bracket and no-go, then I realized the metal was broken. I have yet to understand why so-called engineers design this way.

Any suggestions on an easy repair or am I stuck with it marring the top of my intake?
09 328i

[GATORB8]

Do you mean the clips that hold the harness duct to the cowl?

If so, the clips should be on the cowl 64316924277

[Efthreeoh]

Let's get some nomeclature straight first. There is a wiring harness case (cable tray) that clips into the lower cabin air filter tray. The lower cabin air filter tray is what most people call a "cowling"; it's the tray that sits in front of the windshield and holds the cabin air filter. It is removed by releasing the cable tray, the two (2) 8mm bolts at the sides near the fenders.

The cable tray holds a thick red wire which is the (+) battery cable. It slides and snaps into the lower cabin air filter tray. All of it is plastic, not metal. If the plastic clips on the cable tray break, or the female side breaks on the lower cabin air filter tray, you can drill holes through the cabin air filter tray and use course-thread automotive screws to hold the cable tray in place.


Or get all new parts...

[Psyphertext]

cable bracket

[Psyphertext]

Under the lip. There were several metal arrows that the bracket clips to that are partially broken. These appear to be permanent fixtures in this location.

[Psyphertext]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Let's get some nomeclature straight first. There is a wiring harness case (cable tray) that clips into the lower cabin air filter tray. The lower cabin air filter tray is what most people call a "cowling"; it's the tray that sits in front of the windshield and holds the cabin air filter. It is removed by releasing the cable tray, the two (2) 8mm bolts at the sides near the fenders.

The cable tray holds a thick red wire which is the (+) battery cable. It slides and snaps into the lower cabin air filter tray. All of it is plastic, not metal. If the plastic clips on the cable tray break, or the female side breaks on the lower cabin air filter tray, you can drill holes through the cabin air filter tray and use course-thread automotive screws to hold the cable tray in place.


Or get all new parts...

Mind tossing up a photo? I suspect we are talking about the same part.

[GATORB8]

Originally Posted by Psyphertext

Mind tossing up a photo? I suspect we are talking about the same part.

Part number from my post:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...BoC5pUQAvD_BwE

This is the lower cabin air filter tray from efthreeoh's post.

Eight screws with 8mm hex heads are all that hold it and the upper in.

[GATORB8]

Diagram here:
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...28#64316924277

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Psyphertext

Mind tossing up a photo? I suspect we are talking about the same part.

Your photos are exactly what parts I was referring to. If the locking tabs are completely broken off the cable tray, then you need a new cable tray. If the mating female receiving slots are broken, then use the fastener method I suggested. If both parts are broken beyond reasonable repair, then you need new parts.

You keep referring to metal; there are no metal parts of the components, they are completely made of various plastics. The cabin air filter tray is a fiber reinforced plastic, which is very hard. The cable tray is some type of polyvinyl/polystyrene or perhaps ABS injection molded plastic.

[Psyphertext]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Your photos are exactly what parts I was referring to. If the locking tabs are completely broken off the cable tray, then you need a new cable tray. If the mating female receiving slots are broken, then use the fastener method I suggested. If both parts are broken beyond reasonable repair, then you need new parts.

You keep referring to metal; there are no metal parts of the components, they are completely made of various plastics. The cabin air filter tray is a fiber reinforced plastic, which is very hard. The cable tray is some type of polyvinyl/polystyrene or perhaps ABS injection molded plastic.

I may have a lead on the part locally, but it might cost me a set of wheels....as in I may have to buy them.