[NoMods]

So I have experimented out of sheer curiosity on trying several CF parts that I have bought from vendors here and even very well-known sellers and it's so hit or miss, for example, CF mirror caps - suck, the CF grille sucks, the rear diffusor - sucks. The finish on them is perfect, but the alignment and fitment are poor. even ordered a hood badge from a vendor that claims it's just like OEM, not even close. Such bullshit.

Ones that fit 100% was the gear selector CF trim and CF paddles.

I ended up returning everything and getting BMW OEM which is well worth the money and less hassle.

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by armoredsaint

So I have experimented out of sheer curiosity on trying several CF parts that I have bought from vendors here and even very well-known sellers and it's so hit or miss, for example, CF mirror caps - suck, the CF grille sucks, the rear diffusor - sucks. The finish on them is perfect, but the alignment and fitment are poor. even ordered a hood badge from a vendor that claims it's just like OEM, not even close. Such bullshit.

Ones that fit 100% was the gear selector CF trim and CF paddles.

I ended up returning everything and getting BMW OEM which is well worth the money and less hassle.

I have never figured out why China is obsessed with making cheap crap. They have many fine craftsman there and can make all different levels of quality but they don’t. Just look at Amazon. How many times when you’re looking for any product you would gladly pay more if it would be of higher quality? Right down to Apple charging cables. All of it. It’s very frustrating. I would not put an aftermarket Chinese part on my European high-quality vehicle.

[NoMods]

I am surprised even with Autotecknic they sell poorly made products that don’t fit well, I mean where’s the QC and in the end it’ll cost them more money when the customers returns or exchanges it.

[NoMods]

Here’s one I tested out last week after waiting 3 weeks for it, it’s a seller here that claims just like OEM BMW badge and it’s not even straight, plus the back isn’t recessed for a flush fit on the grommets.

It went into the trash immediately and I ordered OEM instead.

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by armoredsaint

Here’s one I tested out last week after waiting 3 weeks for it, it’s a seller here that claims just like OEM BMW badge and it’s not even straight, plus the back isn’t recessed for a flush fit on the grommets.

It went into the trash immediately and I ordered OEM instead.

I was looking for the black and white version of the roundel myself. I can’t find a factory one. I guess freaking everything is made in China.

[NoMods]

Originally Posted by Patton250

I was looking for the black and white version of the roundel myself. I can’t find a factory one. I guess freaking everything is made in China.

Sadly for that you’ll have to get knock offs.

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by armoredsaint

Sadly for that you’ll have to get knock offs.

Exactly. And therefore I won’t get a black and white version. I’ll just stick with the factory made red white and blue.

[josec70]

Experimented on some earlier M5’s I’ve owned and it is “hit or miss” as you stated.

I don’t waste my time anymore and just bite the bullet and go OEM. It’s more expensive, but I never have to worry about quality or fitment.

Cheap crap ends up being more expensive in the long run.

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by josec70

Cheap crap ends up being more expensive in the long run.

This is a fact. Very wise words. Of course, this is true for all facets of purchasing.

[NoMods]

Originally Posted by josec70

Experimented on some earlier M5’s I’ve owned and it is “hit or miss” as you stated.

I don’t waste my time anymore and just bite the bullet and go OEM. It’s more expensive, but I never have to worry about quality or fitment.

Cheap crap ends up being more expensive in the long run.

so true, i really thought the well-regarded sellers, the big names located in CA are better, nope - i wonder if it's all rebranded crap that's sold on Alibaba with a marked-up price of 500-1000%

[Jambo1]

That’s exactly it. A lot of the well known vendors in the States outsource this stuff. Even if they get the fit right (hit or miss), the resin and clear coat is really poor in the long run. It yellows and cracks a lot more easily.

I have a mix of OEM and Reventon carbon bits, and with Reventon being a Polish company manufacturing there in Poland, their stuff is really good but lead times are unreasonable. I went through a 6 month ordeal with them rectifying an issue. They won’t screw you, but pace is what they deem acceptable.

OEM really the way to go.

[NoMods]

Originally Posted by Patton250

Exactly. And therefore I won’t get a black and white version. I’ll just stick with the factory made red white and blue.

I just remember IND makes it, I think they take OEM and mod it?

[Patton250]

Originally Posted by armoredsaint

I just remember IND makes it, I think they take OEM and mod it?

I just checked that out yesterday actually. They have in the product notes that it can take 12 weeks to get it. 12 freaking weeks! Lol. What is it still Covid in IND world? It took BMW less time then that to make my M5 and ship it across the Atlantic ocean lol.

[NoMods]

Originally Posted by Patton250

I just checked that out yesterday actually. They have in the product notes that it can take 12 weeks to get it. 12 freaking weeks! Lol. What is it still Covid in IND world? It took BMW less time then that to make my M5 and ship it across the Atlantic ocean lol.

I was still annoyed IND took my reflector deletes out of the OEM box and wrap it in there restroom paper towels to save themselves on shipping. Lol

[Drtjxtz]

Originally Posted by armoredsaint

So I have experimented out of sheer curiosity on trying several CF parts that I have bought from vendors here and even very well-known sellers and it's so hit or miss, for example, CF mirror caps - suck, the CF grille sucks, the rear diffusor - sucks. The finish on them is perfect, but the alignment and fitment are poor. even ordered a hood badge from a vendor that claims it's just like OEM, not even close. Such bullshit.

Ones that fit 100% was the gear selector CF trim and CF paddles.

I ended up returning everything and getting BMW OEM which is well worth the money and less hassle.

I just installed a front lip and side skirts from AE. Paid 600 for all shipped to NY. I have to say the quality and fit were perfect. Let see after a couple of months how the finish will hold up. I did some extra polishing and ceramic coating. Photos attached.

[NoMods]

Originally Posted by Drtjxtz

I just installed a front lip and side skirts from AE. Paid 600 for all shipped to NY. I have to say the quality and fit were perfect. Let see after a couple of months how the finish will hold up. I did some extra polishing and ceramic coating. Photos attached.

isn't the front lip supposed to line up with the bumper edge?

[Drtjxtz]

Looking at the RW carbon website it looks pretty much the same

[carseatsm5]

Yes they are.