engine cover fastener screw thing...

[EdwardDennis]

Originally Posted by jonnysan

I had only thought of doing the very same thing when my fastener screwed up but it hasn't as yet failed so I haven't had to modify it....
You just have to be careful not to cross-thread that 8mm X 1mm (pretty fine threaded) bolt.

It's worked great for quite some time now. I pop-off the engine cover fairly frequently and haven't had any problems.

The plate and bolt threads break-in nicely. A periodic drop of machine oil--and you're good to go.

[theguywiththelongestname]

I am still using the stock fastener after one year, but I still cringe when I open the engine compartment because the compartment fastener may break!

[burtandnancy]

I looked in at 3,000 miles, and like the above, the color and level were perfect. Don't think I'll ever look again, the dealer can do it every 12,000. Looked under the hood of my '07 CLS 550 once just to see what the motor looked like, and to my surprise - no dip stick!

[theguywiththelongestname]

I have a little time this summer, so I might just try to figure out this mod: measure the existing fastener and see if i can find the appropriate Dzuz fastener to replace...stay tuned...

[Padawan]

Originally Posted by LDGsmart

I hate the whole cover design also, to include how I have to fold back the foam/carpet cover.

The carpet on mine has developed large cracks in the foam backing, and there is no way to replace it without replacing the entire passenger compartment carpeting, as it is all a single piece. It would have been nice if smart had made the carpet cover the the cargo area a separate piece, similar to the engine cover setup on my Boxster. Instead, I'll have to resort to gluing the foam.

[jwight]

Originally Posted by Padawan

The carpet on mine has developed large cracks in the foam backing, and there is no way to replace it without replacing the entire passenger compartment carpeting, as it is all a single piece. It would have been nice if smart had made the carpet cover the the cargo area a separate piece, similar to the engine cover setup on my Boxster. Instead, I'll have to resort to gluing the foam.

Why not cover it with some Dynamat (or similar) and cut down some heat while you're at it?

[Dan500]

I just bought one(screw bolt thing) online from one of the SCOA vendors. I think it`a a much better replacement since it`s all metal. The OEM one feels like the plastic top is going to snap off every time I open it. Can`t wait for this new one it to arrive.

[Padawan]

Originally Posted by jwight

Why not cover it with some Dynamat (or similar) and cut down some heat while you're at it?

I'd considered that, but I didn't want to go through the effort right now to achieve the best possible results (I'm a bit obsessive when it comes to my car, and I'd want it to look perfect even though it's covered by carpet).

Plus, I'd still have to fix the foam (again, obsessive) and those few pounds of Dynamat might reduce my MPG and acceleration.

[theguywiththelongestname]

Originally Posted by Dan500

I just bought one(screw bolt thing) online from one of the SCOA vendors. I think it`a a much better replacement since it`s all metal. The OEM one feels like the plastic top is going to snap off every time I open it. Can`t wait for this new one it to arrive.

which vendor?
an all metal fastener might be a good thing!

[theguywiththelongestname]

Aha! nevermind...I think I found it here:

Engine Service cover Bolt - Default Store View



Engine Service cover Nut - Default Store View