Dropped my X220--To fix or not to fix?

[BrandonKong]

So yesterday my fairly new x220 dropped from ~3 ft with some textbooks on top of it ...It survived with no hdd damage and I am writing this on it right now, but, the left top corner where the fan and surround "grill" is is broken, the bater lock has snapped off on one side, leaving a shaky battery, and the base and top of the laptop seem to have be loosened a bit. I guess its the plastic surrounding the keyboard? The monitor's corner on the hinge is also separating...

Although it still works and it was an "accident" ...I don't think the standard warranty covers it. I have looked the part numbers online and it seems I just need one of these:

Base cover assembly

All Models

04W1421 N
Base cover assembly

4286-CTO
4287-CTO, 26x, 25x, 24x, 23x
4289-CTO
4290-CTO, 2Wx, 2Xx, 27x, 26x
4291-CTO, 2Xx, 2Wx, 26x, 27x

04W2076 N

My problem is that I have no idea what to do now, and I can't find these parts to order because its non user replaceable, and I have a feeling that sending to lenovo is going to take a while and sounds expensive, plus I don't even know how to do this.
Any insight on what to do next would be appreciated. I understand that this is cosmetic damage mostly, but I have noticed the system is running slower despite disk defrag...

[steveg47]

Sorry about the damage to your x220. You should be able to order any parts via the following url:

http://www-304.ibm.com/shop/americas/co ... rts_r.html

Just be sure you have the correct part number.

[erik]

both of those FRU numbers have been replaced.   you need 04W2184 for a US model.

here's a short list of what you might need from the description of the damage:
- 04W2184 BASE $100.00
- 04W1405 KEYBOARD BEZEL $20.50
- 04W2185 LCD REAR COVER $87.50
- 04W1407 HINGE L/R $29.00

the link steve provided will work for purchasing these parts.   tax and shipping will be added so try to figure out what you need and buy in one shot if possible.

without seeing the system in person and disassembling it, it's impossible to know exactly what on the above list is needed.   some, all, or even more parts might be required to properly fix it.

if you're competent with a screwdriver and can follow the proper procedures, you could repair this yourself using the X220 hardware maintenance manual and service videos.

the only downside to not going through lenovo for the repair is that your serial number decal won't be transferable to the new base.   they're purposefully made to be difficult to remove and is something very few people can do successfully.   even a successful transfer doesn't stick very well.

and, before the question comes up, no, lenovo won't print a new MTM/SN decal and mail it to you.

[steveg47]

Also, don't rule out other sources such as Ebay for parts. For example the 04W2184 BASE can be had from a reliable ebay vendor for $60. If the broken area(s) are not at stress points consider simply repairing with superglue.