Buy BMW 335i Tow Eye Cover

BMW 335i Tow Eye Cover (a.k.a. tow-hook cover, towing-eye cap, bumper tow-flap, or tow-hook cap).

Background Info

The BMW 335i tow-eye cover is a small plastic door that clicks into the threaded towing hole in the front bumper. It hides the tow point so the bumper stays smooth, blocks dirt from the threads, and keeps the car looking complete (ManualsLib). The part is inexpensive, carries BMW part number 51117207299 for most 2009-2011 E90/E91 sedans and wagons, and snaps in place with two tabs and a safety tether . Because the cover can pop out or get stolen, many owners keep a spare, paint it at home, or secure it with fishing line so it never gets lost .

Fitment

• Fits 2007-2013 3-Series E90, E92, and E93 front bumpers, including 335i, 335i xDrive, and 335d .
• Coupe/convertible covers look the same but carry a different guide pin location, so match your body style before ordering .
• The rectangular rear tow-eye cover on the bumper is a separate part and does not interchange with the front cap .

What It Does

• Keeps the tow-hook threads clean and rust-free .
• Makes the bumper smooth, which reduces little airflow "whistles" and meets surface-smooth rules in U.S. FMVSS 581 (bumper standard) .
• Pops off quickly when you need to screw in the factory steel tow eye from the trunk toolkit .

Materials & Finish

• Molded ABS plastic stands up to road grit and winter salt .
• BMW ships it in gray primer so owners or body shops can spray exact paint code for a perfect match .
• DIY painters usually scuff with 600-grit, lay two coats of base, two coats of clear, then bake with a hair dryer (how-to video) .

Common Problems

• Falling Out: Road-vibration or a bumped parking block can unlatch the tiny tabs .
• Tab Breakage: Cold plastic can snap if pried with a screwdriver; use your thumb on the notch instead .
• Paint Chips: Rock strikes on the nose cone often hit the cover first; easy to sand and respray off-car .

Quick Removal

1. Find the tiny slot on the lower-right edge of the cap.
2. Press in gently; the opposite side pivots outward .
3. Pull the tether and store the cap in the glove box before the car is towed (BMW owner's manual page) .

Installation Steps

1. Clean threads inside the bumper hole.
2. Clip the plastic tether ring over the steel eye so the cap can't wander .
3. Line up the guide pin, then press until you hear a soft "click."
4. Tug lightly to confirm it's secure; no gap should remain.

Maintenance Tips

• Wash gently-no pressure-washer jet closer than 12 inches.
• Twice a year, add a dab of silicone grease to the hinge so it flexes smoothly .
• Track-day drivers often thread a fabric tow strap into the hole and store the painted cap in the trunk to protect it (BMW off-road gear story) .

Safety & Law

• Never pull the car by the plastic cover; only by the steel tow eye screwed in flush .
• U.S. and EU bumper rules insist on smooth, non-hazardous surfaces, which is why BMW designed a flush cap .
• While towing, BMW limits speed to 45 mph (70 km/h) and distance to 90 mi (150 km) to prevent gearbox damage (ManualsLib).

DIY Painting Steps

1. Sand with 600-grit.
2. Clean using isopropyl alcohol.
3. Spray thin coats of color, flashing 10 min between coats .
4. Finish with clear and let cure 24 h before installing.

Upgrades & Accessories

• Colored tow-rings for track days screw into the same threaded hole once the cap is removed .
• Aftermarket carbon-fiber caps exist but require careful fitment, since OEM tolerances are tight .

Troubleshooting

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a tow-eye cover?
A: It's a small plastic lid that hides the front towing hole on a BMW 335i and keeps the bumper smooth .

Q: Why does mine keep falling off?
A: Worn tabs or a light hit can jar it loose; many owners tie fishing line to the tether so it dangles instead of disappearing .

Q: Is it OK to drive without the cover?
A: Yes for a short time, but road salt can rust the threads and the open hole breaks the clean bumper look .

Q: Does the part need paint?
A: BMW ships it in primer; you or a body shop must color-match to your paint code .

Q: Can one cap fit every E90, E92, and E93?
A: No-sedan/wagon and coupe/convertible caps differ slightly, so order by VIN .

Q: How do I remove it without damage?
A: Press the little notch on the edge, let it hinge out, and pull gently (video guide) .

Q: What tool do I need to screw in the tow eye?
A: None-the steel eye in your trunk toolkit threads in by hand once the cover is off .

Q: What's the torque spec?
A: Thread until fully seated; BMW does not list a torque because the eye bottoms out in the bumper beam (ManualsLib).

Q: Does towing with the eye hurt my bumper?
A: Not if you pull straight; side loads can crack the mount, so keep the strap in line .

Q: Are carbon-fiber or metal caps better?
A: They're only cosmetic; OEM plastic is light, flexible, and easiest to color-match .

Q: How much does a new cap weigh?
A: Just about 0.7 oz (≈20 g) so it won't affect bumper alignment .

Q: Is this part covered under warranty?
A: Some dealers replace a cap that falls off during the warranty period, but policies differ .

Q: Can I buy it pre-painted?
A: Certain paint services sell color-matched caps online, but you can also spray one yourself in an afternoon .

Q: Will leaving it off help cool my brakes?
A: No-the towing hole sits too high to feed the brake ducts; keep the cover on for best aerodynamics .

Q: What if the tether snaps?
A: Replace it with nylon fishing line tied around the inner loop so the cap can't get lost again .

Need more details? Check the BMW owner's manual page linked above, browse the Bimmerpost DIY thread for pictures, or watch the easy removal video for a real-time demo.