[akeith1974]

Hi everyone!
I'm considering swapping out the small lip for a slightly larger CF spoiler. Is it just taped on?
I'm sure many of you have removed these and I'd like some advice on doing it without damaging the car's paint.
Thanks.

[MNoob]

Originally Posted by akeith1974

Hi everyone!
I'm considering swapping out the small lip for a slightly larger CF spoiler. Is it just taped on?
I'm sure many of you have removed these and I'd like some advice on doing it without damaging the car's paint.
Thanks.

Fishing string to remove it. You can use your thumb to remove the glue from the trunk or an eraser wheel. I've used the latter and it's fast and doesn't damage the paint. The thumb method guarantees a nasty blister, but it works.

[akeith1974]

Originally Posted by MNoob

Fishing string to remove it. You can use your thumb to remove the glue from the trunk or an eraser wheel. I've used the latter and it's fast and doesn't damage the paint. The thumb method guarantees a nasty blister, but it works.

Ah, fishing line. I remember reading about that. Thank you! I've used my thumb to remove glue like that in the past as well.

Thanks!

[aj_g80]

they have adhesive remover so you dont have to kill your skin.

[DGM M5C]

Originally Posted by MNoob

Fishing string to remove it. You can use your thumb to remove the glue from the trunk or an eraser wheel. I've used the latter and it's fast and doesn't damage the paint. The thumb method guarantees a nasty blister, but it works.

Ya it does. Hahaha

[GhostOne_322]

the spoiler is attached with a bonding agent that will show paint damage when removed. normally would be a DIY unless you can do paint repairs to a professional spec yourself. Also note that the larger CF spoilers don't sit that far up on the trunk so it won't cover the damage either...

[NCRob]

Originally Posted by GhostOne_322

the spoiler is attached with a bonding agent that will show paint damage when removed. normally would be a DIY unless you can do paint repairs to a professional spec yourself. Also note that the larger CF spoilers don't sit that far up on the trunk so it won't cover the damage either...

So, the car I’m buying has a port installed m performance carbon spoiler. I’m wanting to replace it with the PRO version. Would mine be adhered with betalink as well or 3m tape?

[MNoob]

Originally Posted by NCRob

So, the car I’m buying has a port installed m performance carbon spoiler. I’m wanting to replace it with the PRO version. Would mine be adhered with betalink as well or 3m tape?

The pro version is definitely betalink.

[MNoob]

Originally Posted by GhostOne_322

the spoiler is attached with a bonding agent that will show paint damage when removed. normally would be a DIY unless you can do paint repairs to a professional spec yourself. Also note that the larger CF spoilers don't sit that far up on the trunk so it won't cover the damage either...

If betalink was used maybe. If tape was used there won't be a problem. I've removed several and I've never had paint issues, except one where the car was a few years old by the time I removed it. That was a faint line at the leading edge of the stock spoiler, probably just from "erosion", but not from the adhesive. That was an easy DIY paint correction.

[NCRob]

Originally Posted by MNoob

The pro version is definitely betalink.

Hi just to clarify, it is not the PRO m performance carbon spoiler that is currently on my car, it's the low profile m performance carbon spoiler, if that makes any difference?

[MNoob]

Originally Posted by NCRob

Hi just to clarify, it is not the PRO m performance carbon spoiler that is currently on my car, it's the low profile m performance carbon spoiler, if that makes any difference?

That's what I had on my car. It was the double sided tape…

[DarkishM5C]

On Monday, I removed the stock spoiler on my M5 by using fishing string and then I used an M3 eraser wheel to remove the glue. I had zero damage to my paint. I am going to have my BMW body shop permanently install the cf M Performance Pro spoiler on Friday. They are charging me $150 to install it and would have charged me an extra $200 to remove the stock spoiler.

[NCRob]

Originally Posted by MNoob

That's what I had on my car. It was the double sided tape…

Oh that's great to hear! Sorry just ONE more question - was yours dealer installed or port installed?

[tntravelingman]

Originally Posted by DarkishM5C

On Monday, I removed the stock spoiler on my M5 by using fishing string and then I used an M3 eraser wheel to remove the glue. I had zero damage to my paint. I am going to have my BMW body shop permanently install the cf M Performance Pro spoiler on Friday. They are charging me $150 to install it and would have charged me an extra $200 to remove the stock spoiler.

Is any particular type of fishing string best for this?

[MNoob]

Originally Posted by NCRob

Oh that's great to hear! Sorry just ONE more question - was yours dealer installed or port installed?

It was port installed. I assumed it would be betalink but was relieved when it was just the tape.

[MNoob]

Originally Posted by tntravelingman

Is any particular type of fishing string best for this?

That's what I used. I have 449 yards left.

[DarkishM5C]

Originally Posted by tntravelingman

Is any particular type of fishing string best for this?

I think you may be able to use any light fishing line. I used an 8 lb. monofilament fishing line type cause that's all I had from a previous trip. I just double up the line and slowly worked through the underneath of the spoiler. Wear some gloves cause after a while the line starts hurting your hands.

[shawnhayes]

Originally Posted by MNoob

It was port installed. I assumed it would be betalink but was relieved when it was just the tape.

Instructions from BMW definitely say to use Betalink. Why they don't, I don't know at all. I followed the instructions to install. Multiple body shops and the BMW dealership around my home refused to do it. I installed it myself. Giant PITA.

Shawn

[ResIpsaLoquitur]

Originally Posted by shawnhayes

Instructions from BMW definitely say to use Betalink. Why they don't, I don't know at all. I followed the instructions to install. Multiple body shops and the BMW dealership around my home refused to do it. I installed it myself. Giant PITA.

Shawn

Anecdotally, there have been a few cases of non-factory items in the category of spoilers, diffusers, lips, etc. (even if the desired replacements are BMW parts) that have flown off post install, becoming the subject of lawsuits against the installing dealers, alleging negligence related to installation. I'm not saying that's why every one of them doesn't want to do it, but the exposure and liability of these items is viewed to be higher in the last five years or so. It's just not worth it for them.

[NCRob]

Originally Posted by MNoob

It was port installed. I assumed it would be betalink but was relieved when it was just the tape.

[NCRob]

Originally Posted by DarkishM5C

I think you may be able to use any light fishing line. I used an 8 lb. monofilament fishing line type cause that's all I had from a previous trip. I just double up the line and slowly worked through the underneath of the spoiler. Wear some gloves cause after a while the line starts hurting your hands.

Yeah as avid fisherman with several spools of different line, can’t claim one is better than another. I typically use 12 lb though as strong enough not to break but thin enough to saw through easily. Definitely wear gloves! Also, I’ve found that CAREFULLY heating with heat gun or hair dryer helps soften adhesive for easier cutting.

[spuntyb]

I did the above, but also used a heat gun to warm up the adhesive (betalink) before using the fishing line. Then I used adhesive remover in conjunction with a 3M eraser wheel. Painter's tape is a big help too, as depicted in the video, just in case.