09-10-2012, 07:31 PM | #1 |
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IND Painted Reflector Installation Procedure
IND Painted Reflector Installation Procedure
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, and the F10 M5 is no different. IND provides painted reflectors as a cost effective solution. We use OE BMW reflectors for a factory fit, and the same paint process we would use to repaint an entire car. Each reflector is sanded, prepped for paint, primed, then painted. Many enthusiasts enjoy installing their own painted reflectors, so we’ve created this installation DIY to help. Tools needed:
First, turn the steering wheel to full lock, in any direction. This will expose the fender liner. With the fender liner exposed, begin removing the 8mm screws near the front reflectors. Slide your hand behind the fender liner, to access the back of the painted reflector. You’ll need to keep your hand on the back of the reflector to control it’s movement as you remove it from the bumper. Push on the face of the reflector. This will eventually release the adhesive backing on the reflector from the inside of the bumper, and will free the reflector. Be careful not to drop the reflector inside the bumper during this step, as it may come free suddenly! At this point you can remove the OE amber reflector. Remove any remaining adhesive tape by peeling it from the inside of the bumper. Soak a rag in an alcohol-based cleaner, and clean the inside surface of the bumper. This will prepare the area for a strong bond with the new adhesive. Take the new IND painted reflector, and remove the film covering the adhesive tape. Slide the reflector into the bumper. Be careful not to touch the adhesive tape during this step. Align the reflector with it’s opening, and press the reflector against the inside of the bumper. Hold the reflector for several seconds to ensure that the adhesive has a strong grip. That’s it! Now simply turn the wheel to full lock on the opposite side, and repeat the process.
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01-31-2013, 06:11 AM | #3 |
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A much easier way to get the OE reflectors off is to use a credit card on the edge of the reflector inside the fender, that way you're getting directly to the tape instead of pushing on the reflector.
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09-30-2013, 10:09 PM | #4 |
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Their way works quite well. Simply place your hand back there and 'peel' the reflector off the inside of the bumper....requires very little pushing. These mods give a lot of bang for the buck!
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10-18-2013, 03:34 PM | #6 |
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Just completed the installation, and wanted to leave a few comments. It looks great, by the way (thanks iND ).
There are a total of 3 screws to remove: 1) Above the side camera (around the bottom of the reflector) 2) Below the side camera 3) Near the very bottom of the fender The screws remove quite easily, so I simply used a small 8mm hand tool, rather than a larger ratchet to reduce unnecessary contact. Same with replacing them. Finally, the OEM reflector was more stubborn than I was expecting during removal (not too bad, though). I wouldn't recommend it to any aspiring hand models. The key, for me, was slow steady pressure.
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11-25-2013, 12:22 AM | #7 |
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Drives: '14 M5 CP Dinan Stage 2
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Thanks 11. Did have to remove all three screws.
I also had to use the credit card / hotel rewards point card to help remover the pax side. The driver side was able to be pushed out. Both side left all the sticky, so I had to roll my finger down from top to bottom to get rid of all of it. Cleaned it up with a alcohol pad. Took about 20 min total for both sides. The driver side is very even with the bumper and looks great. The pax side pokes out a bit more but still look good.
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12-15-2014, 01:55 PM | #8 | |
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07-01-2015, 08:03 PM | #10 |
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Just did mine. Very satisfied. Thanks Nate!
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09-06-2016, 01:03 PM | #17 | |
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Quote:
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1003769 Let us know if you need anything else!
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09-06-2016, 07:03 PM | #18 | |
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10-22-2016, 08:36 PM | #19 | |
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Do you have a write up (or pointers) of how to do the F12 M6? I just bought a set for mine and they are just a bit different with the camera actually needing to be removed to replace the reflectors. I thought it;d be easy like my F10 M5 was but once I popped the old one off the camera was holding it in and I can't get my head around there to see how it's attached. Need to get these AW ones installed! lol
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10-25-2016, 10:56 AM | #20 | |
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