Wear surface along top of bumper

[Jeffj]

Trying again to post pictures

 

[alohart]

I purchased one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CPA63O/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
for my 2014 REx. It worked very well, and I just bought a new one for my replacement 2017 REx.

I ordered one these but decided that it was not long enough (i.e., at 30" long, it did not protect the bumper top across the full width of the hatch opening). A longer and wider 37" model is available and would probably work well but no one would ship it to Honolulu!

Instead, I ordered this bumper top protector. At 41" long, it protects the entire width of the hatch opening. It is also the perfect width in that it covers the entire area of the top of the bumper front to back. It looks like it could be a standard feature of an i3.

The only problem was that the final layer of the included double-stick tape pulled a layer off the cardboard center tube of the tape roll so would not stick to the bumper top. There was just enough tape to attach the entire perimeter of the rubber protector to the bumper top but not enough to attach the center area of the protector to the bumper top. Time will tell whether more tape might be needed, but I could purchase more locally, if necessary.

 

[PBNB]

I had the same concern with carrying tools and small bags in and out of the hatch.

I picked up a Weathertech truck liner and they have a soft vinyl attachment that I fold out to cover the bumper and then move the tools. This seems to work well.

 

[jadnashuanh]

The BMW OEM one (sold in the UK) covers the entire top surface of the bumper from edge to edge, front to back and slightly over the front edge. Mine is now a couple of years old and holding up fine. It is relatively rigid plastic, matt finish, and the front edge of it has a lip that protects that top edge as well.

The actual manufacturer's price on it is a lot more than from a BMW dealership in ENgland. Because of the size (thin, but long), and trying to protect it in shipment, shipping cost could be high. Mine was shipped in a cardboard sleeve and arrived okay via APO mail.

WHy they don't sell this through the USA subsidiary, don't know. Europe has a few other interesting i3 accessories we don't see here, either.

Installation was a snap...it came with a cleaning wipe, use that to remove any wax or dirt, pull the tape off of the double-sided 3M adhesive strips, carefully place it in position and you're done...all of a minute or two. STill holding strong.

 

[Seasidenj]

I bought this looks and applied great and cheep!
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F113193789365

 

[jadnashuanh]

If you have access to the UK, this company makes custom ones for most vehicles that are a perfect fit, cover the outer lip, and match the inner curve. It's actually cheaper buying it from a UK BMW dealer than direct from the manufacturer except they only carry it in black. Not cheap, but it is a custom fit for all of the top surface and the outer lip (it curves down about maybe 1/4" or so).
http://www.rearguards.co.uk/index.php?app=gbu0&ns=prodshow&ref=RBP846&sid=1r0bhrz01253w0e4kv1l3u6ejg56d3nr

 

[alohart]

I bought this looks and applied great and cheep!
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F113193789365

Looks identical to this 36" protector but at a better price. I bought the 41" version which is a better fit for the i3.