[doomie_sf]

Looks like I somehow lost this piece (see attached) which my quick Googling tells me is the tow hook cover. Any chance this is covered under warranty? I can't imagine why it would just fall off, so strange (no, I didn't hit anything...). Car is 6 months old, 2021 X3, looking for things that would sound convincing to a BMW dealer when I do show up there.

[JSY]

I don't think this would be covered, but it's worth telling the dealer that you found it popped off after a drive because I've read this happen to people before. That part itself I don't think is expensive but it's the paint job that is needed on the part that might be a few bucks unless you are okay with it just being colored dark gray plastic.

I had to replace one a while back in my F25 X3 and I recall that thing had to be pushed in really hard to get it secure, and the part itself has an attachment that connects to the bumper to avoid losing it, but it was kinda trash since it didn't even secure well. But that was then - I haven't seen how it is now and I wonder if it's much the same. That pic of yours is the first I've seen of it off on a G01 and I don't even seen a thing where the connector would attach to (to keep from losing).

[titomi]

I've read a few posts about getting it lost, but can't really imagine how. Doubt the warranty cover. This is from my '18 30i. It's attached to the bumper and it doesn't go off easy (unlike the front).

[NoMoreVauxhalls]

I've heard of these coming off, or being loosened, during a wash - specifically a power wash.

OP - did you power wash/jet your G01 recently? If so, maybe the part was loosened enough to fall off later...

[jacko15]

Nobody has mentioned theft. It's a possibility. I've had center caps removed from my Jeep while I was shopping. I know someone that had their hitch receiver cover taken. People shop for parts that way. Maybe someone who's X3 is the same color, and needed one and knew how much it would be to paint. You never know.

[keithguido]

I'd go with stolen!

[Bimma30]

I found this one that is already painted. It's jet black

https://www.ebay.com/itm/26510439749...4AAOSw0nhgYJ6A

[383vett]

Originally Posted by keithguido

I'd go with stolen!

I agree. It's sort of like musical chairs out there.

[xef]

I second going to your dealer. I was at the dealership recently and pointed out a vehicle was missing them and the dealer seemed pretty unconcerned about replacing them.

[BMWZ4]

They'll cover it under warranty. Has happened to many forum members

[freshxdough]

Not covered.

[jacko15]

How about an insurance claim? My comprehensive is $50 deductible, it would be worth it for me.

[Bimma30]

Originally Posted by jacko15

How about an insurance claim? My comprehensive is $50 deductible, it would be worth it for me.

Definitely not worth a claim through insurance in my opinion

[jacko15]

Originally Posted by Bimma30

Definitely not worth a claim through insurance in my opinion

I guess it depends on your insurance plan and carrier. If it's attributable to theft, it's covered under comprehensive with my carrier with a $50 deductible, and no increase in rates. So for a claim of more than $50, it pays for me to claim it.

[doomie_sf]

My deductible is way higher than $50!

I'll pass by the dealer tomorrow morning and we'll see what they say. I'm mostly annoyed that there is a big hole in the bumper! Guess I'll tape whatever replacement i end up getting...

I did have the car washed (normal car wash, no power wash), but a couple of weeks ago...

[BMWZ4]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Not covered.

My dealer has covered three of them over the last ~9 vehicles...guess my dealer is more accommodating than others

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by BMWZ4

My dealer has covered three of them over the last ~9 vehicles...guess my dealer is more accommodating than others

They may replace as a goodwill gesture but I don't believe they are claiming as warranty. Warranty technically only covers defects in materials and worksmanship. So I think you're dealer is just trying to keep you as a customer and understand that just Internalling a tow hook cover and painting it in house is inexpensive and worth the cost for making that customer happy and keep coming back.

[doomie_sf]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

They may replace as a goodwill gesture but I don't believe they are claiming as warranty. Warranty technically only covers defects in materials and worksmanship. So I think you're dealer is just trying to keep you as a customer and understand that just Internalling a tow hook cover and painting it in house is inexpensive and worth the cost for making that customer happy and keep coming back.

Why shouldn't a falling piece of a car be something that can be argued as defect of workmanship? (I get your point though, and you are likely right, just asking more of an academic question)

[jacko15]

I'd be interested in knowing what the cost of the part plus painting ends up being.

[Savsearcher]

Originally Posted by doomie_sf

Why shouldn't a falling piece of a car be something that can be argued as defect of workmanship? (I get your point though, and you are likely right, just asking more of an academic question)

I noticed my tow hook cover was somewhat popped out yesterday after a drive. I pushed it back in but it's definitely not what I'd call a secure fit.

[earck]

Originally Posted by Savsearcher

I noticed my tow hook cover was somewhat popped out yesterday after a drive. I pushed it back in but it's definitely not what I'd call a secure fit.

Mine is constantly loose as well.

[jacko15]

From what I've been reading on this thread, it seems that the cover could have been designed with a better attaching system, or that there was a run of defective covers.