[mousefarmer]

I have a 2006 330i I recently acquired and have been making repairs to it. I noticed that the oil drain plug underbody swing down plastic door panel was missing so I ordered a new one. After cleaning up the bottom panel around the door i noticed that the plastic slider latch was very difficult to move. I've been spraying degreaser on it, using q tips and toothpics to remove the crud underneath it but it is still too tight to turn easily. I've applied some silicone lubricant to it but without much success.

The plastic screw to open the door is pretty stripped so I haven't been using that but just have been grabbing it and moving with my finger. I'm temped to cut out the plastic slider latch and install my own with a metal screw and nut acting as the pivot point instead of the plastic one.

Has anyone else had issues with this or have a solution?

[Efthreeoh]

Just get a new rotary clip.

[mousefarmer]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Just get a new rotary clip.

Nice, thanks. Its only like $3. I guess the two pieces just snap together?

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by mousefarmer

Nice, thanks. Its only like $3. I guess the two pieces just snap together?

Yes.

This is the essence of owning a BMW. For a 14 year old car, you can buy a oil drain trap door and the rotary lock for it. Not many car companies do that.