[Ryan@IND]

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.

IND provides painted reflectors as a cost effective solution relative to the purchase of a OEM European bumper. We start the process using the OE BMW reflectors for a factory fit, and the same paint process we would use to spray an entire car. Each reflector is sanded, prepped for paint, primed, then painted. We ensure that all lettering on the face of the reflector is completely removed providing the same finish as your factory bumper.


Many enthusiasts enjoy installing their own painted reflectors, so we’ve created this installation DIY to help.

Available for purchase on our website:
http://ind-distribution.com/ind/bran...-reflector-set

Tools needed:
• Heat gun or Hair dryer (recommended)
• Nylon pry tool
• Adhesive remover (optional)
• 8mm Socket (optional)

Unlike most of the other applications the M2’s reflectors are accessible without removing the fender liner. You can however remove the fender liner partially to make this install easier. There are three 8mm screws to remove if you choose to do so.

Step 1:
First, turn the steering wheel to full lock, in any direction. This will expose the backside of the reflector for removal.

Step 2:
Take the heat gun or hair dryer and fan over the reflector being careful not to get too close to the paint. This will help soften the adhesive on the OEM reflector.

Step 3:
Press on the lower portion of the reflector with your thumbs while using your fingers to pull the bumper towards you. You can also use the nylon pry tool here from the backside.

Step 4:
Remove the reflector by swinging the back side out first to clear the fender liner.

Step 5:
After the reflector is removed from the bumper cover take a cloth and some adhesive remover or solvent and remove the excess adhesive. Make sure all of it is removed before installing your IND painted reflectors.

Step 6:
Now that the surface is clean remove the adhesive cover on the painted reflector and push reflector in place. Make sure to apply even pressure around all edges.

Step 7:
If you removed the fender liner now go ahead put it back into place and tighten down the 8mm screws.

Step 8:
Step back and admire your work!

[Kantalias]

I just did this mod. The plastic surround in the wheel well does interfere with the installation. It's easy to remove with the cover in place, but it'd be risky to install. I removed the three screws that go into the front bumper and zip-tied the cover back to allow for an easy installation. A spoke on the wheel makes a convenient anchor for the zip tie.



By the way, the body color reflectors look kinda dog poo-ish in pictures. I would never have done this mod if I hadn't of seen a 4 series with it done. The reflectors end up looking like the tow anchor cover and headlight washer covers. It blends in so much you'll never notice.

[Shankska]

Originally Posted by Kantalias

I just did this mod. The plastic surround in the wheel well does interfere with the installation. It's easy to remove with the cover in place, but it'd be risky to install. I removed the three screws that go into the front bumper and zip-tied the cover back to allow for an easy installation. A spoke on the wheel makes a convenient anchor for the zip tie.



By the way, the body color reflectors look kinda dog poo-ish in pictures. I would never have done this mod if I hadn't of seen a 4 series with it done. The reflectors end up looking like the tow anchor cover and headlight washer covers. It blends in so much you'll never notice.

Nice! Post an after pic. I had this on my M235i. Plan on getting for the M2 now

[jtodd_fl]

Originally Posted by Shankska

Nice! Post an after pic. I had this on my M235i. Plan on getting for the M2 now

Here are mine...

[ben_lzn]

Has anybody else done this mod? Planning on doing it, looking for more feedback regarding the installation process.

[Thespaz18]

Has anyone found that the painted inserts don't fit as well in the bumper as the actual reflector they replace?

[M2OG]

Originally Posted by Thespaz18

Has anyone found that the painted inserts don't fit as well in the bumper as the actual reflector they replace?

That shouldn't be the case as IND paints the stock reflector. Are you sure you removed all the leftover adhesive?

[Nate@IND]

Originally Posted by Thespaz18

Has anyone found that the painted inserts don't fit as well in the bumper as the actual reflector they replace?

Originally Posted by Natek

That shouldn't be the case as IND paints the stock reflector. Are you sure you removed all the leftover adhesive?

Correct. It sounds like there might be some 3M stuck on the bumper cover. We only use original BMW cores for all painted reflectors.

[Thespaz18]

Originally Posted by Nate@IND

Correct. It sounds like there might be some 3M stuck on the bumper cover. We only use original BMW cores for all painted reflectors.

That may be the case. I had the install done by a detailer and he said the original reflectors were a b**** to get off. Luckily, you guys (IND) were kind enough to help me out with a replacement set so I can attempt the install myself. I'm hoping to receive better results the 2nd time around. Thanks, IND!!!

[MechEE]

Originally Posted by Thespaz18

Has anyone found that the painted inserts don't fit as well in the bumper as the actual reflector they replace?

The thin bumper side of the reflector opening is flexible, so I found that you need to given it some force to put it in the right spot around the new reflector so the gap is minimal around the reflector, then the adhesive holds it in place.

[Rampy10]

has anyone replaced these after their car was already wrapped a ppf? Can you just heat up the reflector from inside the wheel well without affecting the ppf?

Thanks!

[Ex-MINI]

Originally Posted by Rampy10

has anyone replaced these after their car was already wrapped a ppf? Can you just heat up the reflector from inside the wheel well without affecting the ppf?

Thanks!

I did this a few weeks ago. Didn't worry about or do anything special. Just took a hair dryer, heated the reflector up from the outside....no issue or ill effects on my Xpel film afterwards. Remember that the film will not cover the reflector...my installer had installed the film with a cut out for the reflector.

[Rampy10]

Originally Posted by Ex-MINI

I did this a few weeks ago. Didn't worry about or do anything special. Just took a hair dryer, heated the reflector up from the outside....no issue or ill effects on my Xpel film afterwards. Remember that the film will not cover the reflector...my installer had installed the film with a cut out for the reflector.

awesome thanks for the info. yeah i could feel the xpel with my finger around the reflector. i am assuming this would be the same with the side gill as my xpel goes around that as well.

[Em-too]

Originally Posted by Rampy10

has anyone replaced these after their car was already wrapped a ppf? Can you just heat up the reflector from inside the wheel well without affecting the ppf?

Thanks!

I just did it today. I used a heat gun from the inside just to be safe. Also used a nylon prying tool, it comes out pretty easily. You just have to make sure you remove all of the old adhesive before installing the new ones.

[d0scas]

[/QUOTE]



Any other pics of the m2 with the 359m wheels?

[SM2]

Any carbon fiber reflector replacements for sale anywhere?

[steelesm]

Originally Posted by Kantalias

I just did this mod. The plastic surround in the wheel well does interfere with the installation. It's easy to remove with the cover in place, but it'd be risky to install. I removed the three screws that go into the front bumper and zip-tied the cover back to allow for an easy installation. A spoke on the wheel makes a convenient anchor for the zip tie.



By the way, the body color reflectors look kinda dog poo-ish in pictures. I would never have done this mod if I hadn't of seen a 4 series with it done. The reflectors end up looking like the tow anchor cover and headlight washer covers. It blends in so much you'll never notice.

Why would it be risky to install with the cover in place?

[M3PGH]

The stock reflectors were an absolute pain to remove. There is in my opinion no way of doing them without removing the 3 8mm bolts to pull back the cover

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by steelesm

Why would it be risky to install with the cover in place?

Dirt on the adhesive presumably.

I cannot think of anything outside of that.

[SM2]

Will you guys ever be doing a carbon reflector replacement?

[IND-Distribution]

Originally Posted by SethC

Will you guys ever be doing a carbon reflector replacement?

There are no plans to make carbon fiber reflectors.

[hoyasaxa]

Does IND-Distribution have any sales going on right now? (Or is there anyone else with the painted reflectors on sale?) $115 for the rears, and $175 for the fronts, is a little bit dear when you need both. Anyone knows lmk? Thanks!