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BMW 5-Series (G30) Forum Cosmetic Modifications Installed IND painted reflectors

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      07-20-2020, 05:48 AM   #1
lago1974
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I've owned my 540 for well over a year now and I have done virtually no mods thus far. I was interested in eliminating the ugly front reflectors since the car was ordered and I finally pulled the trigger. As expected from other reviews the quality IND puts out is flawless and although pricey (get what you pay for), I'm thrilled with the results.
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      07-22-2020, 11:03 AM   #2
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the painted reflectors is honestly the best bang for buck mod you can do for this car. makes such a big difference. looks good!
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      07-22-2020, 08:11 PM   #3
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Was install as easy as it sounds? I’m worried I might bend or break the little strip between the reflector and the wheel well when removing the old reflector.
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      07-22-2020, 09:32 PM   #4
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Was install as easy as it sounds? I'm worried I might bend or break the little strip between the reflector and the wheel well when removing the old reflector.
Not hard at all and don't worry about that plastic breaking as it's very flexible. Maybe a bit too much. The hard part is getting the really strong adhesive loose and trying not to flex the surrounding area too much. I was surprised with the M Sport bumper you can reach the backside of the reflector without removing any screws, but it was a little easier with them out.
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      07-23-2020, 11:04 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by lago1974 View Post
Not hard at all and don't worry about that plastic breaking as it's very flexible. Maybe a bit too much. The hard part is getting the really strong adhesive loose and trying not to flex the surrounding area too much. I was surprised with the M Sport bumper you can reach the backside of the reflector without removing any screws, but it was a little easier with them out.
Thanks! I ordered mine this morning. Also went out and played with the M sport bumper a little and it does seem pretty flexible, so that's good. Can't wait for them to get here now!
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      07-28-2020, 06:26 PM   #6
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So I’ll make two comments/recommendations for others. 1. Use a hair dryer to heat up around the reflector to loosen the adhesive. Made it so much easier to get out. 2. I also noted that even when I unscrewed the fender cover, it didn’t give me any more access to the back of the reflector because at least on my M sport bumper there is a little air duct cover that still limits your access to the back of the reflector. So in just left my fender cover attached. One down. One to go tomorrow.
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      07-31-2020, 05:37 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by BWTX540i View Post
So I’ll make two comments/recommendations for others. 1. Use a hair dryer to heat up around the reflector to loosen the adhesive. Made it so much easier to get out. 2. I also noted that even when I unscrewed the fender cover, it didn’t give me any more access to the back of the reflector because at least on my M sport bumper there is a little air duct cover that still limits your access to the back of the reflector. So in just left my fender cover attached. One down. One to go tomorrow.
I also used a hair dryer and it seemed to help, forgot to include that so thanks for mentioning. Others have said they used a heat gun but apparently that can damage the paint if you're not careful and it's not necessary. Glad to hear you are making progress. Hope you can post pictures when you're done.
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      07-31-2020, 12:57 PM   #8
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Yeah, the hair dryer was a lifesaver. I didn't have a heat gun but I figure if I did I would have ruined something anyway!

Anyway, I'm happy how they look - can't believe I waited this long to do it. I ended up with blisters on the tips of two fingers have picking off the remaining adhesive after removing the original reflects (used alcohol and q-tips and my fingers). I was worried if I didn't get it all off that the new painted reflectors wouldn't sit flush, but there is no way to get it 100% off and it didn't matter in the end.

First time trying to post pics, so hope this works (damn! big pics!).
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      08-01-2020, 06:09 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BWTX540i View Post
Yeah, the hair dryer was a lifesaver. I didn't have a heat gun but I figure if I did I would have ruined something anyway!

Anyway, I'm happy how they look - can't believe I waited this long to do it. I ended up with blisters on the tips of two fingers have picking off the remaining adhesive after removing the original reflects (used alcohol and q-tips and my fingers). I was worried if I didn't get it all off that the new painted reflectors wouldn't sit flush, but there is no way to get it 100% off and it didn't matter in the end.

First time trying to post pics, so hope this works (damn! big pics!).
Very nice work. Thanks for sharing the results.
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      08-03-2020, 01:20 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lago1974 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by BWTX540i View Post
Yeah, the hair dryer was a lifesaver. I didn't have a heat gun but I figure if I did I would have ruined something anyway!

Anyway, I'm happy how they look - can't believe I waited this long to do it. I ended up with blisters on the tips of two fingers have picking off the remaining adhesive after removing the original reflects (used alcohol and q-tips and my fingers). I was worried if I didn't get it all off that the new painted reflectors wouldn't sit flush, but there is no way to get it 100% off and it didn't matter in the end.

First time trying to post pics, so hope this works (damn! big pics!).
Very nice work. Thanks for sharing the results.
What size Michelin tires do you have on the front, they look a little taller than the standard Goodyear run-flats?
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      08-03-2020, 03:21 PM   #11
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The fronts are 20” 245/35 (Michelin PS3ZP 245/35 R20 95Y). I replaced the Goodyears it came with and still wanted runflats, and a few people on the forum recommended these. Happy so far.
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      08-11-2020, 08:01 AM   #12
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Looks great. For those of you that don't want to spend the extra dough...I did mine two ways (2 different cars obviously) - one was using gloss black vinyl wrap. Took me about 5 minutes each side and matches the paint perfectly somehow. then on another car, my current 540, I took them off, sanded them down and used BMW spray paint on them. So far, not scratches or peeling. And yes, use a heat gun or hair dryer but be careful to keep it moving or you will melt your paint...
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      08-11-2020, 01:33 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dlf750 View Post
Looks great. For those of you that don't want to spend the extra dough...I did mine two ways (2 different cars obviously) - one was using gloss black vinyl wrap. Took me about 5 minutes each side and matches the paint perfectly somehow. then on another car, my current 540, I took them off, sanded them down and used BMW spray paint on them. So far, not scratches or peeling. And yes, use a heat gun or hair dryer but be careful to keep it moving or you will melt your paint...
Good idea. If I had more patience I maybe would have tried that! With my carbon black paint, I probably wouldn't get a good match and would end up getting frustrated and have to buy pre-painted ones in the end.
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      10-22-2020, 08:15 AM   #14
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My 2021 M550i is currently in production and I hope to have it by December. I want to get these painted reflectors... my question... anyone know where you can buy the original adhesive to put stock reflectors back on later? I am leasing, so I assume I will need to put it back to stock when I turn the car in.
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      10-22-2020, 01:44 PM   #15
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My 2021 M550i is currently in production and I hope to have it by December. I want to get these painted reflectors... my question... anyone know where you can buy the original adhesive to put stock reflectors back on later? I am leasing, so I assume I will need to put it back to stock when I turn the car in.
Not sure about oem but I'd use a 3M or other high quality double sided foam tape. That appeared to be all it was.
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      10-22-2020, 02:24 PM   #16
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Just installed mine last week. I had them on my previous 335i and I think it gives the car a much cleaner look. I also use a heat gun to loosen up the adhesive initially.
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      10-24-2020, 06:50 PM   #17
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Did y'all do the additional ceramic pro coating? Any thoughts on whether to add it or not?
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      11-02-2020, 03:05 PM   #18
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I have not purchased that option on either set
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      06-10-2021, 10:39 AM   #19
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Any instructional videos on how to do this? I did it a few years ago on an M4 but haven't done it on a 5 series.
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      06-10-2021, 08:44 PM   #20
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Anyone have issues with inspections after this??
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      06-10-2021, 09:55 PM   #21
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Anyone have issues with inspections after this??
Some do, some don't. Varies by state and of course the person performing the inspection. I had one done here in NJ without front license plate, with painted reflectors and passed without issues.
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      07-03-2021, 12:11 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Texox View Post
My 2021 M550i is currently in production and I hope to have it by December. I want to get these painted reflectors... my question... anyone know where you can buy the original adhesive to put stock reflectors back on later? I am leasing, so I assume I will need to put it back to stock when I turn the car in.
highly unlikely they will notice this. i've returned two 540i's with painted reflectors, H&R springs and spacers!! hahaha
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