Wrong Downtubes for '03 MC

[Robs03Cooper]

Newbie Here:

Did I order the wrong downtubes? The old tubes are so scratched and the paint has worn off so I order new ones. The new downtubes do not fit into the base of the center console because the bottom of the downtube is flared and the old downtube is straight. I took a picture but I am not sure how to post it.

The old right side downtube has two numbers on it:
1508200/004
7040570/004

The new right side downtube is part #:
51 45 6 973 074

Thank you.

Rob

[dsakko]

Online parts (RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog I sooo love this site) reckons they apply to your car. Post pics and we'll see.

[Robs03Cooper]

Thank you for the quick response. I was trying to post the picture but the site told me I have to have 15 posts before I can link to a picture.

Rob

[dsakko]

you might have to spam this post to get your count up

[Caveman]

Quote: Originally Posted by Robs03Cooper (original)

I was trying to post the picture but the site told me I have to have 15 posts before I can link to a picture.

You can use the Attachment feature to include pictures ...

http://www.mini2.com/forum/welcome-n...-yourself.html

[Robs03Cooper]

Trying the upload instructions. Thanks.

Picture

[dsakko]

Wow, that's quite a differemce Graphically shows it. Yours on the right are identical to the ones off my R50 02/2002 Coop.

The parts system shows they changed in 07/2004, and the one on the left is the part number they quote as the facelift part.
07 Cover, pipe left decor silver 1 07/2004 51456973073 $44.56 +core
07 Cover, pipe right decor silver 1 07/2004 51456973074 $44.56

The pre-07/2004 parts are no longer showing in the parts system??? Looks like they'd need mods to make them fit.

[Robs03Cooper]

I've been reading posts about removing the downtubes to install radios, etc... and I see references to sliding the bottom tray back and pulling the downtubes out through the bottom of the shift surround/cupholder base instead of up (which is how I removed them). I assumed installation was the reverse of removal but there is no way the flared bottom of the new downtube will fit through the top.

I will remove the mirror adjust switch and slide the shift surround/cup holder back, then lift it up and try to insert the downtubes from the bottom tomorrow and post back here with my results. Thanks.