Loading skis in an Estate

[mylesk]

Hello, first time on forum having just brought a 2006 E280 Estate (S211)

I am looking at loading skis in and despite the cavernous boot I need more room.

I did see a thread on "Option 287 through loading feature" ie being able to put skis (or any long object) through the rear arm rest. However there does not seem an obvious way of removing the panel. This mainly seems a feature on the saloon even though listed for the estate

There is a DIY thread for the saloon, which involves all sorts of metal cutting and seems deeply scary.
Is there a way to remove the rear panel AND GET IT BACK AGAIN so I do not ruin my new car!

I have attached a picture of the panel (front and back) and looks like a pop out, but certainly not easily (I have applied moderate, but not extreme, violence)
thanks

 

[Philedge]

I've no idea if you can or how you would make the opening but when you load the skis make sure you protect all the interior that the skis will touch- sharp edges trash everything they touch.

 

[mylesk]

Thanks, yes, I was planning to keep them in the ski bag. Mainly the car, but also to not slice my kids to pieces in the back!

 

[M80]

Do you need both rear seats? By dropping 1/3 of the back rest wouldn't that be enough for the skis?

 

[mylesk]

yes, the kids are back there. Don't get me wrong, more than happy to leave one or both behind just to fit my skis in, but been vetoed.

 

[M80]

Have you considered a roof rack,
for the kids.

 

[MissyD]

would they not go on the roof?

 

[mylesk]

don't want a roof rack if possible. driving ~ 1800 miles and the racket from one is too much. If I have to I will end up getting bars, boxes, magnetic carriers etc etc but since they are so close to fitting would be easiest to slide them through if it can be done

 

[Chrishazle]

Get a set of roof bars and the adaptors to hold skis - i've still got the adaptors from my ski-ing days, they fitted the (?Thule) roof bars I had for my BX Estate. The ones I have are just a rubber strap across the skis, but I think you can now get ones that keylock - much better.

 

[Ant]

I have the saloon option bought new in Sept. 2010 but the "through loading feature" was a standard factory fitting by then. It is a simple hinged plastic flap with a small catch on it so it is not possible to convert yours without spoiling the car. Only option would be to replace the rear seats at some phenominal cost or resort to Roof bars or box. I have driven to ski resorts for years with a roof box, they are noisy and use an extra 3/4 mpg but do provide useful extra capacity.

 

[Naraic]

If you can get them through you will be left with two seats...the same as dropping the smaller one...why not do that? Am I missing something?

 

[neilto]

You can only do this if your car has the optional extra Ski-bag. If you do not have any release catches behind the armrest then you don't have the extra and I don't think many have it. Mine doesn't and it has many extras. Did have it in a A6 estate quattro and it was handy on occasion but the bag was a devil to fold up and stow away again.

 

[neilto]

Looking at your photos more closely I can see that you don't have the ski-bag feature - same as mine just blank plates where it would go if you had it - sorry on the roof or split seat is your only options. How many kids you got? If just 2 then drop the ⅓ size seat. If 3 then you would not have been able to use the ski-bag anyway as the kid would have to sit there.

 

[JBell]

Get Aero roof bars and the magnetic holder.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-T...ccessories_Touring_Travel&hash=item1c4b71e249

Personally I would sell the skis and just hire when you get there.