[dancing__narwhal]

So I had a tracking device (Metromile insurance) plugged into my OBD-II port and accidentally kicked it today, which broke the OBD port's connector off from the car

Looking closely the plastic is definitely broken. I suppose I could try to glue it but it's kinda tucked away and hard to get to.

Any ideas?

[feuer]

You can replace it! Is made out of two pieces that snap together and then are screwed in by two little screws. I have done few of these. Look here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1093984

[kkasson]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=61_1764

Verify that those are the correct parts for your VIN, but you hopefully just need 61136954580.

[dancing__narwhal]

Thanks guys! Is it just part number 5 from the realoem link?

[Efthreeoh]

It's a BMW... you are SUPPOSED to drive it the way your insurance company doesn't want you to. Why in God's name would you let your insurance track you?

[dancing__narwhal]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

It's a BMW... you are SUPPOSED to drive it the way your insurance company doesn't want you to. Why in God's name would you let your insurance track you?

Metromile insurance only tracks miles not driving habits. You pay per mile rather than a fixed annual rate so you save money if you drive less.

[dancing__narwhal]

Originally Posted by dgaultiere

Thanks guys! Is it just part number 5 from the realoem link?

I found this part on Turner Motorsport. Thanks guys!

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by dgaultiere

Metromile insurance only tracks miles not driving habits. You pay per mile rather than a fixed annual rate so you save money if you drive less.

Interesting. Roughly how much per mile? You a 18-25 YO male?

[dancing__narwhal]

Originally Posted by tlow98

Interesting. Roughly how much per mile? You a 18-25 YO male?

Depends on the car and other risk factors I'm sure. You can fill out their form online for an instant quote.

[N54POWR]

You may want to get a cheap obd ribbon cable from Amazon so you can tuck the reader away where you won't kick it.

[DrRobert]

I've had to replace the OBD port twice. Bad design or weak plastic where the plug meets the mounting base, makes it easy to break there.

[dancing__narwhal]

I'm finally getting around to fixing this and I can't seem to get the old OBD connector off. I have removed the kick panel and trim pieces that are blocking it but I cannot get the pins out of the existing connector.

Is there some kind of special tool I need?

[dj_aj]

Originally Posted by dgaultiere

I'm finally getting around to fixing this and I can't seem to be the old OBD connector off. I have remove the kick panel and trim pieces that are blocking it but I cannot get the pins out of the existing connector.

Is there some kind of special tool I need?

I too have the same issue and even went ahead and bought the replacement part.

I couldn't find the tool anywhere and when I asked the dealer, they said it would take them a few hours to do the job. Which to me just meant that they were trying to make more money off me.

It's been a few months and I've just left it as is. I got an OBD II extension cable instead and have it tucked away whenever I need to attach anything to it.

[dancing__narwhal]

I spent an hour last night trying to get the pins out and I basically destroyed the original connector doing so. I tried a small screwdriver and sewing needle and still could not get them out. I could really use some advice here!

[dj_aj]

Originally Posted by dgaultiere

I spent an hour last night trying to get the pins out and I basically destroyed the original connector doing so. I tried a small screwdriver and sewing needle and still could not get them out. I could really use some advice here!

I decided to bite the bullet and had the dealer replace my broken OBD port while the car was in for an oil change. They charged me an hour of labor which was much less than previously quoted.

Anyway I asked for them to leave the broken OBD port so that I could take some pictures in case it would help someone.

View post on imgur.com

View post on imgur.com

There seems to be a grey piece that slides in to the OBD port from one side. I think you may need to release that before releasing the pins. You may require a tool such as this: http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/p...1&category=14/

Hope this helps.

There's a post by a member replacing a broken OBD port on a E36, but it has some valuable info.

Also, if this is against forum rules, please edit the following as it points to a post on another forum:
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...4#post24925314

[dancing__narwhal]

Thanks! I did actually pull out that grey piece. You can see from these photos that I've actually managed to rip the entire top off from the rest of it. Yet still the pins are holding on somehow

[Mark M]

Originally Posted by dgaultiere

Metromile insurance only tracks miles not driving habits. You pay per mile rather than a fixed annual rate so you save money if you drive less.

So if I drive 15k miles per year how would they know if I only have it plugged in for 5k miles?

[dancing__narwhal]

Originally Posted by Mark M

So if I drive 15k miles per year how would they know if I only have it plugged in for 5k miles?

They track the signal constantly so if they don't get signal for a day or two they notify you and will suspend your account until it is plugged in again.

[dancing__narwhal]

Bump! I could still use help with this. Any advice on why kind of tool I need to get the pins out from the connector housing? I've tried a sewing needle with no luck :/

[feuer]

I used watch repair mini screw driver to pry them out. Same kit as this http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/to...FRK1wAod7L0Cpw

[dancing__narwhal]

In case anyone is wondering, I was never able to get the pins out of the original connector. Instead, I bought a OBD Y-adapter on Amazon such as:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00W2X91F8..._6y4AbU2Eonak6

Thankfully the original connector was still functional, so I plugged the adaptor into that. I then mounted one end of the Y-adapter using the screws from the original connector and tucked away all the excess cabling before reattaching the plastic trim/cover. It looks good as new now and you'd never know unless you took the thing apart. Bonus is that I could use the second end of the Y for a dongle or tracker if needed.