[cruvon]

Hi, finally got around to installing the splitters got from JBSPEED with help from friends here in Sydney, Australia. (Please excuse the image sizes). Reference to the Australia section link here http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=448417

The basic instructions were taken off potpals DIY which is excellent http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=splitters
but just adding some issues we came across on the install in this splitter DIY extension.

Also, special thanks to Stuart and Christian in pictures for lending this DIY newbie a hand, that too on a Friday and in their lunch break when they could be doing something more chilled,

Must say the install is a bit trying if attempting a DIY with
double sided tape since the tape doesn't hold too well on the narrower tip end and leaves a small gap if not properly fitted but once you get it right looks much better than stock.

1) Have a read of instructions in potpals link on how to fit pre lci splitters

2) Make sure you sand the inside of the splitters as a separate prep task, first with rough sand paper and then with the smoother one for max staying power of the tape. For Australians, got sandpaper from Repco. 3M outdoor tape, painters tape, cloth tape and rubbing alcohol is available at Bunnings. Am sure these should be available at any big stores in other countries too.

3) Take the screws on the underside of the bumper off with a 8 mm tool (2 screws on each side). Do a pre install fitting but be careful about this since the back of the splitter is rough and will scratch your paint. I suggest using painters tape temporarily to make sure you avoid scratching the fitting surface and to shape the splitter to your bumper by pressing into the bumper, especially on the sharp ends.

4) Now stick the 3M double sided tape at locations as mentioned in potpals link. We didn't use the Windex mentioned in the link but you could use it if
required. We also got the tape to extend beyond the narrow tips of the splitters in our second trial (avoid putting any tape under the sharp edge of the splitter tip so that it sits flush).

5) Then fit the splitter starting from the wheels and extending to the tips adjusting so that it's quite flush with the bumper, make sure there are no gaps especially at the narrower tips. Hold down for maybe a few minutes.

6) Once sitting flush, secure ends with a cloth tape if it doesn't look is sitting flush. I guess would be better if some sort of clips/weight could be used on the tips to make them stick. Also put the screws back on.

7) Now take a blade or small hex blade and carefully cut off the excess tape at the tips making sure it doesn't touch the paint. The underlying rubbery tape material can be scratched off. Note that if you don't mind the small gap you could even try putting the tape further on the inside avoiding having to cut it with the blade.

8) Leave the cloth tape and any supports on for a day. If happy, then do steps 1-8 on the other splitter another day.


If need to remove the splitter and try again:

1) We had quite a big gap at the narrow end of the splitters the first time so had to take it off for refitting...take off screws and just loosen the splitter

from the ends nearest to the wheels and slowly pull off, I understand these are made of fibreglass so do it carefully. Then just scratch/roll off the tape by

hand, comes off easily. Some suggest using a hairdryer but unfortunately don't roam around with one


While the satisfaction of doing a DIY is great, if you couldn't be bothered doing this yourself just get it professionally fitted by a bodyshop. The only
downside is they might want to use glue (BMW recommends using the double sided tape and Betalink glue) for a perfect fit which would make it permanent though did read somewhere could take it off with a product called goo gone and some heat.




Enjoy

PS:
Note also that pre-lci splitter installation is easier. The lci bumper has a slightly different shape which makes the lci splitters hang off the edges so is a challenge to fit and I guess glue would be a better option to fit those though many have used tape too.For those looking at getting OEM splitters instead of reps, my understanding is that they only available in carbon fibre and they too would have the same level of difficulty while installing unless done professionally. Plus I prefer the look of the body coloured ones over carbon fibre but beauty in the eye of the beholder so whatever suits each one best.

[Jenich]

Sweeeeet

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by Jenich

Sweeeeet

thanks

[dc5_champ88]

Looks great. Good work. Nice and clean!!

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by dc5_champ88

Looks great. Good work. Nice and clean!!

Thanks dc5_champ88

[royalblack888]

Great work! Keep it up. What's next on the list?

[cruvon]

Originally Posted by royalblack888

Great work! Keep it up. What's next on the list?

Thanks...did put up roof and trunk spoilers before this
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=448417

Wheels, auto shift knob to walnut in the pipeline