I've been trying to hunt down the interior mesh window shade screens for the rear hatch and rear sides windows that were once made available for our 2001- 2006 R50/R53.
Nothing or very little seems available for our 1st gen models (eBay, Amazon...even Etsy).

Any leads would be greatly appreciated!

 

No leads on any, but here’s a review on them.

I’ve had a set for about 10 years and while I like the clean look and custom fit, they do have one big problem over tinted windows. The view out of the side windows, and slightly out of the hatch, can be obscured due the the physical blockage from the mesh itself. It’s the worst on the drivers side because of the angle, especially at night.

Think of looking through an oven or microwave door with the dot matrix print or screen, then see how the view changes if you try to look through at an angle rather than head on. It’s obviously not as bad because the mesh is finer than the dots or holes in the screen, but it’s definitely noticeable vs tint which is optically clear. Although I personally don’t have this experience, I’d also imagine it’s like what a robber sees when wearing panty hose over their head.

They’re a cool and fairly rare accessory to have, but if it was my daily driver I would definitely go with tint for the clarity.

They also twist and fold, like the spring loaded wire frame windshield shades, and come with small storage bags. The part numbers are:

Hatch - 51 46 0 413 976
Sides - 51 46 0 413 977

 

Terrific notes and insight on your experience with the mesh screens. I'd never really considered those points.

Before I had moved out of state 11 years ago, I had my windows tinted 30% to try and stay within all/most state laws. Wherever I might travel to.
I thought about having them re-tinted a little darker. At least - the rears. Until I'd remembered seeing the screens available at one time.

The part #'s came up unrelated to my search but -
I just came across a set of 3 rear screens sold on Amazon. They fit an R56. Not sure if the 2007+ model rear windows are different in size/geometry.

Having my windows re-tinted is still an option.

 

Try the part numbers now. Apparently, missing a space makes a difference, 0 413 vs the originally posted 0413.

 

Thanks.
ECS used to sell them- now NLA
Same as with other sites.

Thanks again for the update.

 

I waited too long to buy the OE parts, so I ended up going with these. I’ve mentioned them before in a thread - maybe the one for my car. I can’t remember at this point.

 

Hey thanks for the link = website states "in stock" - 999 available!
@ $100 - not bad.
Btw: Do you find the 2wo piece rear window center bar distracting?

Other than that - Awesome find!

Thanks.

 

No problem. When I ordered mine, I got an email (signed by Nigel, no less) that they’re made to order, which is probably the reason for “999 available.”

Not really. I do notice it occasionally, but compared to something with barn doors like my van, it’s practically nonexistent. I don’t normally remove mine, but I figure that the two-piece rear shade is probably a bit easier to get back into the storage bag than the OE one-piece model would be.

I do agree with RB that the mesh does cause a little difficulty with rear visibility. I don’t recall really having issues with the side windows, but trying to identify something behind me at a distance can occasionally be a bit of a challenge. I can always tell when there’s something, just not always exactly what that something is. The lowered heat load is worth the trade-off to me though.