03-19-2018, 05:55 PM | #1 |
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IND | F90 M5 Painted Front 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. 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 weve created this installation DIY to help. Tools needed: 8mm socket and ratchet Adhesive remover or cleaning solvent Heat Gun (optional) Step 1: First, turn the steering wheel to full lock, in any direction. This will expose the fender liner. ![]() ![]() Step 2: With the fender liner exposed, begin removing the 8mm screws near the front reflectors. Once the fender liner screws are removed you will have access to the back of the bumper cover. We recommend placing tape along the edge of the bumper to prevent the fender liner damaging the paint. ![]() ![]() ![]() Step 3: 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. You can also heat the back of the reflector lightly after pulling away the fender liner. ![]() Step 4: Press on the upper portion of the reflector with your thumbs while using your fingers to pull the bumper towards you. ![]() ![]() ![]() 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. ![]() 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. It does help to have a second pair of hands at this point to hold the fender liners back. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Step 7: With the reflector installed it is time to button her up. Place the fender liner back into position and secure it to the bumper with the 8mm screws. ![]() ![]() Finished! ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
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Last edited by IND-Distribution; 08-29-2018 at 12:29 PM.. |
03-19-2018, 06:00 PM | #2 |
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Previous BMWs: 340i, 740i, 745Li, M3, M4 Previous Others: Audi, Ducati, Honda, Infiniti, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen |
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03-19-2018, 10:08 PM | #4 |
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Love mine, thanks!
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03-21-2018, 08:56 AM | #5 |
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Installing mine today! Thanks as always, IND!!!
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03-21-2018, 01:20 PM | #6 |
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Looks like it's not sitting flush.
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03-21-2018, 02:37 PM | #7 |
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Just the angle of the photo and the white shows a bit more shadow when the flash is on it.
These are OEM painted reflectors and sit exactly like the factory ones do. ![]()
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Last edited by IND-Distribution; 03-21-2018 at 03:06 PM.. |
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03-21-2018, 06:01 PM | #8 |
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I can confirm that they are perfectly flush and uniform at least as much as the reflectors were. FYI its my car in the pics above.
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07-18-2020, 07:31 PM | #9 |
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Love how all the tape just peeled right off and stayed on the reflector for you. Like that ever happens to normal people lol.
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07-20-2020, 11:09 AM | #10 |
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We're just lucky I guess! In all seriousness, it doesn't always all come off, but we're pretty good at it by now. It mostly depends on if you get uniform heat all around the reflector to soften it up. Use a rolling motion with your fingers to get off any that sticks inside to the body. If you try to pull at it, it will tear.
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