09-04-2014, 05:52 PM | #1 |
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
9549
Rep 10,844
Posts |
IND | F8X M3/M4 Carbon Fiber Mirror Cap Comparison
All of us at IND do our best to have early access to the best parts for BMWs, with a particular focus on the new M3/4. Carbon fiber mirror caps have always been a staple addition to M cars, and the new F8x cars are no different, so when we heard that BMW was releasing carbon caps we had to get our hands on a set. What we found when the BMW caps were delivered was very interesting!
Like with all BMW carbon mirror caps, the caps are constructed from 100% carbon fiber with plastic tabs bonded in place to allow for the caps to attach to the F8x mirror housings. Plastic melt rivets position the tabs, and allow for them to be precisely located. Many of you would expect that BMW would build these mirror caps in their own carbon manufacturing facility, but we’ve found this to not be the case. As it turns out, BMW has built these caps in a facility in China- meaning that BMW has outsourced production of the caps! Overall these are a good product, but we at IND were a bit shocked that BMW would build their carbon accessories in a third party facility in China. IND has created a second option for those seeking carbon fiber mirror covers for the F8X M3/M4, and we compare fit and finish of both options below. Left: IND with BMW OEM core | Right: BMW M Performance Left: IND with BMW OEM core | Right: BMW M Performance Front: IND with BMW OEM core | Rear: BMW M Performance Front: IND with BMW OEM core | Rear: BMW M Performance Closeup: IND 1x1 w/OEM BMW core Closeup: BMW M Performance 2x2 - Installed Closeup: IND 1x1 w/OEM BMW core - Installed
__________________
|
09-04-2014, 06:29 PM | #2 |
Lieutenant General
6694
Rep 10,595
Posts |
Very interesting!
I prefer the 2x2 look personally as it's more easily discernible from a distance. But fantastic work as always! I'd love to see a V-weave option like the E9x. |
Appreciate
0
|
09-06-2014, 08:03 PM | #3 | |
Private First Class
13
Rep 163
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-06-2014, 08:14 PM | #4 |
Lieutenant Colonel
205
Rep 1,864
Posts
Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Texas
iTrader: (2)
Garage List 2016 Porsche GT4 [0.00]
1999 Porsche Spec B ... [0.00] 2014 Ram 1500 Laram ... [0.00] 2007 Porsche GT3 RS [10.00] 2013 Tesla Model S 85 [0.00] |
You can see the difference on the edges of the pieces, the wrapped version isn't clean.
__________________
F80 M3 / Mineral Grey-Silverstone / CCB
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-09-2014, 10:21 AM | #6 | |
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
2863
Rep 11,374
Posts |
Quote:
Nope and we also have a full warranty on any IND carbon parts. We also use a UV protected clear coat.
__________________
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-09-2014, 10:27 AM | #7 |
Brigadier General
846
Rep 3,249
Posts |
Won't lie, I'm glad I went with gloss black this time around.
__________________
'21 /// M5 Comp - Frozen Brilliant White/Black
'18 Porsche GT3 Carrara White/Black/Red - Sold '18 /// M3 - Individual Imola/Black - Sold '15 /// M4 - YMB/SO - Sold '12 E92 ///M3 ZCP - AW/FR - Sold |
Appreciate
0
|
09-10-2014, 03:55 PM | #10 |
IG@i.am.wah
2779
Rep 3,815
Posts
Drives: M2 CS
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NJ
|
Can you guys guarantee that these won't be damaged by sunlight? I had a bad experience with aftermarket e9x mirror caps bought from one of the forum vendors (NOT IND!) where the caps looked great when I got them... but started to look terrible over time. I believe it was damage from the sunlight because the bottom of the caps look great still. I am hesitant to buy non OEM parts now.
after 2 years... the clearcoat on the top started getting bumpy and you can see air between the CF and the clearcoat. Again... these are NOT from IND. |
Appreciate
0
|
09-10-2014, 05:01 PM | #11 | ||
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
2863
Rep 11,374
Posts |
Quote:
Quote:
__________________
|
||
Appreciate
0
|
09-12-2014, 12:01 AM | #12 |
IG@i.am.wah
2779
Rep 3,815
Posts
Drives: M2 CS
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NJ
|
Looking forward to seeing the 2x2!!! How long is the warranty? Because the defects in my old caps didn't show up for about a year and a half/ two years.
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-12-2014, 12:08 AM | #13 | |
Lieutenant Colonel
545
Rep 1,974
Posts |
Quote:
I also see rkp diffuser on your web site now. I will purchase that in a month or two |
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-12-2014, 08:26 AM | #14 | |
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
2863
Rep 11,374
Posts |
Quote:
We will have installed shots of the RKP diffuser next week
__________________
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-16-2014, 09:51 AM | #17 | |
Lieutenant
17
Rep 518
Posts |
Quote:
As soon as mine she up I will post some photos of them on the roof for you, should be anytime now.
__________________
AW M4 | Black Full Merino Leather | Driver Assistance Package | Lighting Package | HK Sound | Concierge Services | Enhanced BT | 6 MT
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-16-2014, 09:53 AM | #18 |
Major
327
Rep 1,450
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-16-2014, 04:43 PM | #19 |
Private First Class
66
Rep 154
Posts |
I don't know how to post pics but I can confirm that the CF roof is a 1x1 weave as I recently picked up my car and paid close attention to it. Also there is another thread in the forum which explains the difference in carbon fiber weave patterns and the OP there confirms the 1x1 weave pattern for the M3/M4.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-15-2014, 09:25 AM | #21 |
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
9549
Rep 10,844
Posts |
You should be able to wedge a thin bondo spreader or the edge of a nylon prybar into the outer corner to release the tabs. Take care to pull the cover straight out (not upwards or downwards) once the tabs are released.
__________________
Last edited by IND-Distribution; 08-14-2015 at 01:49 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|