04-15-2016, 02:22 PM | #1 |
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IND | F87 M2 IND Painted Front Reflectors DIY
Painted reflectors are among the first additions made by any owner of a modern BMW. The unsightly orange reflectors installed in cars bound for North America instantly break the smooth lines of BMW bumpers.
IND provides painted reflectors as a cost effective solution relative to the purchase of a OEM European bumper. We start the process using the OE BMW reflectors for a factory fit, and the same paint process we would use to spray an entire car. Each reflector is sanded, prepped for paint, primed, then painted. We ensure that all lettering on the face of the reflector is completely removed providing the same finish as your factory bumper. Many enthusiasts enjoy installing their own painted reflectors, so we’ve created this installation DIY to help. Available for purchase on our website: http://ind-distribution.com/ind/bran...-reflector-set Tools needed: • Heat gun or Hair dryer (recommended) • Nylon pry tool • Adhesive remover (optional) • 8mm Socket (optional) Unlike most of the other applications the M2’s reflectors are accessible without removing the fender liner. You can however remove the fender liner partially to make this install easier. There are three 8mm screws to remove if you choose to do so. Step 1: First, turn the steering wheel to full lock, in any direction. This will expose the backside of the reflector for removal. Step 2: Take the heat gun or hair dryer and fan over the reflector being careful not to get too close to the paint. This will help soften the adhesive on the OEM reflector. Step 3: Press on the lower portion of the reflector with your thumbs while using your fingers to pull the bumper towards you. You can also use the nylon pry tool here from the backside. Step 4: Remove the reflector by swinging the back side out first to clear the fender liner. Step 5: After the reflector is removed from the bumper cover take a cloth and some adhesive remover or solvent and remove the excess adhesive. Make sure all of it is removed before installing your IND painted reflectors. Step 6: Now that the surface is clean remove the adhesive cover on the painted reflector and push reflector in place. Make sure to apply even pressure around all edges. Step 7: If you removed the fender liner now go ahead put it back into place and tighten down the 8mm screws. Step 8: Step back and admire your work!
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Last edited by Ryan@IND; 01-11-2018 at 02:23 PM.. |
05-22-2016, 05:23 PM | #2 |
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I just did this mod. The plastic surround in the wheel well does interfere with the installation. It's easy to remove with the cover in place, but it'd be risky to install. I removed the three screws that go into the front bumper and zip-tied the cover back to allow for an easy installation. A spoke on the wheel makes a convenient anchor for the zip tie.
By the way, the body color reflectors look kinda dog poo-ish in pictures. I would never have done this mod if I hadn't of seen a 4 series with it done. The reflectors end up looking like the tow anchor cover and headlight washer covers. It blends in so much you'll never notice. |
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06-04-2016, 08:23 PM | #3 | |
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Drives: 2019 BMW M2 Competition
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2019 F87 M2C, Long Beach Blue, Exec, 6MT 2016 F87 M2 - Sold 9/2018 2014 F22 M235i - Sold 5/2016. |
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06-28-2016, 10:34 AM | #4 |
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Here are mine...
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10-04-2016, 10:26 PM | #6 |
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Has anyone found that the painted inserts don't fit as well in the bumper as the actual reflector they replace?
Last edited by Thespaz18; 10-04-2016 at 10:38 PM.. |
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10-06-2016, 04:38 PM | #7 |
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10-06-2016, 04:42 PM | #8 | |
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10-09-2016, 09:44 AM | #9 |
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That may be the case. I had the install done by a detailer and he said the original reflectors were a b**** to get off. Luckily, you guys (IND) were kind enough to help me out with a replacement set so I can attempt the install myself. I'm hoping to receive better results the 2nd time around. Thanks, IND!!!
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10-09-2016, 11:56 AM | #10 |
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The thin bumper side of the reflector opening is flexible, so I found that you need to given it some force to put it in the right spot around the new reflector so the gap is minimal around the reflector, then the adhesive holds it in place.
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10-11-2016, 10:09 AM | #11 |
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has anyone replaced these after their car was already wrapped a ppf? Can you just heat up the reflector from inside the wheel well without affecting the ppf?
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10-11-2016, 08:27 PM | #12 |
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I did this a few weeks ago. Didn't worry about or do anything special. Just took a hair dryer, heated the reflector up from the outside....no issue or ill effects on my Xpel film afterwards. Remember that the film will not cover the reflector...my installer had installed the film with a cut out for the reflector.
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10-12-2016, 08:10 AM | #13 | |
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awesome thanks for the info. yeah i could feel the xpel with my finger around the reflector. i am assuming this would be the same with the side gill as my xpel goes around that as well. |
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10-20-2016, 08:09 PM | #14 |
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I just did it today. I used a heat gun from the inside just to be safe. Also used a nylon prying tool, it comes out pretty easily. You just have to make sure you remove all of the old adhesive before installing the new ones.
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09-04-2017, 02:21 PM | #17 | |
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09-22-2017, 07:10 AM | #19 | ||
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I cannot think of anything outside of that. |
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10-02-2017, 09:38 AM | #21 |
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There are no plans to make carbon fiber reflectors.
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10-12-2017, 12:03 PM | #22 |
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Does IND-Distribution have any sales going on right now? (Or is there anyone else with the painted reflectors on sale?) $115 for the rears, and $175 for the fronts, is a little bit dear when you need both. Anyone knows lmk? Thanks!
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