[suzer]

While waiting for my E91 to be built, I have plenty of time to worry.

My neighbor down the street has a hideous ugly Ford Taurus wagon. While talking with her, I noticed the top part of her back bumper is really scratched up. She noticed me looking. "From the dog, getting in and out" she said.

Oh great. One of the reasons I wanted the wagon is because it's low enough for the dog to get in and out by himself. The X5 is way too tall for his little legs. But the bumper of the X5 is protected by the clamshell tail gate.

So what are my choices?
Never let him get in and out by himself?
Do they make something great that could go there to protect me from throttling him when he makes the first scratch?

[noflash]

What kind of dog is it?

Big dogs should have no prob.

I seem to remember a flip-over accessory, but I'd be a pain to use every time. Dogs trash cars either way. My pug got mud all over the front of the car today, sigh...

[longtran]

there is a clear bra for that. check the market place. someone have it for sale.

[E24]

I have an extra roll of the clear guard. It's like an adhesive front clear bra. Contains adhesive and application tool. Let me know if you're interested. PM me.

[E90Fleet]

BMW has 2 options

1) A rear load area cover that has a piece that folds out over the bumper when opening the rear door

2) A clear protective film piece that covers the top edge of the bumper by the rear door ( similar to a clear bra )

Your dealer should be able to help you with either or both

[LEDZEP]

I've seen the rear bumper fold-out cover in photos and videos, but I have yet to see an accessories brochure for the wagons. I think it is part of an accessory for the cargo well (spare tire hole).

With our Subaru Outback we used to put a towel over the bumper before letting our German Shepherd hop in - dogs WILL scratch that bumper.

[sarafil]

Suzer,

Our vendor that installs the clear 3M-film protection on the front of the car often does "custom" installs for us. They've done rear bumper protection (for clients that are often loading their golf clubs into the back of the car, for clients with wagons that have a similar situation as you, and many other uses) and they have even done other unique applications (around the edges of the door opening for a client that is in a wheelchair and needs to pull right up to the side of the car to get into the driver's seat so that his wheelchair does not scratch the paint).

The benefit of this is that it is clear, you don't have to look at an ugly covering all the time that hurts the apperance of the car. And, if it starts to look worn in a few years, you can always have them peel it off and re-apply a new piece at minimal cost.

Check with your dealer, I'll bet they'd be more than happy to help.

[fragra]

BMW makes a load edge protector. Whether you like the look of it is, of course, a personal decision : http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...54&hg=51&fg=95

Edit: I remember seeing a photo of the liner that flips out over the bumper that e90Fleet mentions but I can't seem to find it. It's probably your best bet because it will protect both the top edge and the back of the bumper.

[suzer]

I'd have to see the load edge protector in person before I could decide if I like it or not.

The clear bra film option seems like the way to go - I'll call my dealer when delivery is a bit closer and see how to get that done. I used to have that on my 4runner - on my dealer's advice I had that installed where people would have ended up kicking or scratching the lower door panels as they got in or out (I didn't have running boards) and it worked just fine.

I'll probably go with a towel option just in case (especially before I get the first scratch from something else). Willy's a Westie, and he gets pretty dirty at the park, so we've got towels that come with us, anyway.

[LEDZEP]

Every time someone says "clear bra" I get a flashing visual of a 1980's Missing Persons video.

[Mr. BMW]

Originally Posted by fragra

BMW makes a load edge protector. Whether you like the look of it is, of course, a personal decision : http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...54&hg=51&fg=95

Edit: I remember seeing a photo of the liner that flips out over the bumper that e90Fleet mentions but I can't seem to find it. It's probably your best bet because it will protect both the top edge and the back of the bumper.

That will protect the top of the bumper but your dog could still scratch the face of the bumper as he is climbing up. I use a rubber fender cover. Like something a mechanic would used if he is working on the engine. This works great protecting both the top and face of the bumper. And when you don't use it, just roll it up and leave in the trunk.

[suzer]

Originally Posted by Mr. BMW

That will protect the top of the bumper but your dog could still scratch the face of the bumper as he is climbing up. I use a rubber fender cover. Like something a mechanic would used if he is working on the engine. This works great protecting both the top and face of the bumper. And when you don't use it, just roll it up and leave in the trunk.

Where'd you find that? I found a picture of luggage compartment cover in an older 325xiT brochure, and that looks interesting, too.

I asked my husband his opinion, and he suggested we remove the dog's feet.

[LEDZEP]

Mr. BMW, that's a good idea too. I thought about that before but no longer had my fender cover. You could also put those booties on the dogs paws!

P.S. Give my regards to Mrs. BMW.

[Mr. BMW]

I've had it for years. Probably got it at AutoZone or PepBoys. Walmart or Sears may have it also.

[rss]

BMW do a Boot Pack option which contains a fold over cover for the bumper. Basically the base flips over to reveal the cover.

Look at the photos at the top of this threat to see:

link