I have a 1999 E320 with the spare tire cover issue, as accurately described above. I had lost a couple of the gold plated clips, so I JB welded the little plastic tabs to retain the hoop-rod. It didn't work, and a friend of mine was in the junkyard today and he got me a few of those little metal clips and a couple of springs. Regarding the middle spring, on the left hoop, the one closest to the taillight, I can't figure out how to install the inside-middle spring. Can I see a picture of how it's supposed to be oriented?