[Kev314]

2014 328xi: I frequently (ie every couple of weeks) remove the engine cover to inspect for rodent incursion. The cover is held in place by plasticky pegs that snap into the top of the engine.

The first few times it was a bit of a struggle to get the cover off. Now it's easier, perhaps helped along by some silicone grease that I applied to the pegs.

Questions: will doing this repeatedly break or degrade the fasteners to the point where they do not securely hold the engine cover in place? Anyone with frequent removal experience?

Thanks

[Wires]

You should be fine. It's rubber grommets if I remember correctly.

[Kev314]

Originally Posted by Wires

You should be fine. It's rubber grommets if I remember correctly.

You are correct. I took another look and the fasteners on the cover are grommets; they appear to be replaceable. On the engine side the fasteners are plastic nubs that insert into the grommets.

I intend to check every couple of weeks for mouse chewed wiring harness (they find the insulation tasty), and to fix as needed with high temp electrical tape. A few years ago, many $$$ for dealer to replace harness - it could have been DYI repaired.

Thanks for your input.

[Wires]

Biggest concern would be the plastic stakes in the covers bonding to the rubber and not wanting to come out, but a little lube would prevent that.

And yeh, stupid rodents are VERY expensive on stuff like this. Not sure how you could get it to stay in there, but urinal pucks work as a great rodent deterrent. The "cherry" scented isn't as nasty as the conventional style. We used to use it on the farm.

[Kev314]

"Getting it to stay there" is, indeed, the real problem. Now on cold nights I spray pepermint deterrent around the perimeter of the car with extra shots into the wheel wells, and an occasional shot into the cabin and engine compartment. Maybe I'll try a urinal puck on the garage floor.