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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Cosmetic and Lighting Modifications (exterior & interior) > Rear Reflectors - To Change or Not to Change?
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      10-28-2012, 03:20 AM   #23
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Originally Posted by jsedlak View Post
Just wanted to update that I got the reflectors (ordered from IND). They were individually wrapped in microfiber towels (thanks! I needed some!) and then wrapped in bubble wrap. They look perfect and have the BMW markings and everything. Can't wait to install them!

Crummy phone pic:
Fantastic~! I'm lookin gat getting them too but can't find a write up on how to remove/replace the original ones... When you replace yours, could you possible take some pics/do a mini write up?
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      10-28-2012, 04:03 AM   #24
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Originally Posted by Spikey View Post
Fantastic~! I'm lookin gat getting them too but can't find a write up on how to remove/replace the original ones... When you replace yours, could you possible take some pics/do a mini write up?
Sure.

How do I replace them?
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      10-28-2012, 07:04 AM   #25
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Originally Posted by jsedlak View Post
Sure.

How do I replace them?
lol that's what i'm wondering
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      11-12-2012, 06:46 AM   #26
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Got mine 2 weeks ago but havent had the chance to do it.. a DIY with pics would be helpful
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      11-26-2012, 02:00 PM   #27
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Anyone figure it out yet?

I will attempt in a day or two... picking up the car tonight.
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      12-04-2012, 07:29 PM   #28
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Done! Was easy.

Make sure the car is cool - you'll be reaching around the exhaust.

They go in by slotting the outer most tab into the outside part of the car and then snapping the rest in. They come out in the opposite way.
  1. Crawl underneath the car and reach up towards the center of the reflector.
  2. Pull down on the center tab and push out
  3. With your free hand, reach around to the outside and pull out the reflector. Pull the two inner most tabs out.
  4. Pull in towards the centerline of the car and out away from the bumper.

The passenger side is a little tight, but keep reaching and you'll get it. Or use a pick tool.
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      12-05-2012, 02:11 AM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsedlak
Done! Was easy.

Make sure the car is cool - you'll be reaching around the exhaust.

They go in by slotting the outer most tab into the outside part of the car and then snapping the rest in. They come out in the opposite way.
  1. Crawl underneath the car and reach up towards the center of the reflector.
  2. Pull down on the center tab and push out
  3. With your free hand, reach around to the outside and pull out the reflector. Pull the two inner most tabs out.
  4. Pull in towards the centerline of the car and out away from the bumper.

The passenger side is a little tight, but keep reaching and you'll get it. Or use a pick tool.
You can do it from the outside i believe. Just like previous models. Need the right tools.
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      12-06-2012, 07:17 AM   #30
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Originally Posted by pkim1079 View Post
You can do it from the outside i believe. Just like previous models. Need the right tools.
I figured, but I knew there was much less of a chance of me scratching anything if I went from behind.
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      02-04-2015, 10:28 PM   #31
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Any step by step pics for this rear reflectors install ? Took a quick look underneath rear side (non-exhaust pipe) and it's crazy tight narrow to reach from behind.. seems ideal to remove from the outside versus down under.

Anyone know the best process or method to remove both rear reflectors from outside?
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      02-05-2015, 05:26 AM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by F30kma View Post
Any step by step pics for this rear reflectors install ? Took a quick look underneath rear side (non-exhaust pipe) and it's crazy tight narrow to reach from behind.. seems ideal to remove from the outside versus down under.

Anyone know the best process or method to remove both rear reflectors from outside?
I could not find any instructions either
So I pried from the bottom with a flat plastic putty knife. They did break but I wasn't reselling them so..................
Changes the whole look of the back end. Makes it appear wider
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      02-05-2015, 05:27 AM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jjc4scab View Post
I could not find any instructions either
So I pried from the bottom with a flat plastic putty knife. They did break but I wasn't reselling them so..................
Changes the whole look of the back end. Makes it appear wider
Found this pic
Attached Images
 
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      02-05-2015, 07:58 AM   #34
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I had mine painted when I had my bumper repaired. I like the way it looks. DO IT
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      02-05-2015, 08:13 PM   #35
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Coming from a F30 (320i) it will be a challenge. It's almost impossible to reach both rear reflectors underneath the back bumper..! The access point is too narrow and there's blockage to the reflectors. I don't see myself trying to pry them from the outside to risk damage to the body.
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      02-21-2015, 10:14 PM   #36
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Completed the install today. I'll get around taking pics and uploading later..

Facing the rear reflector, used fishing line to loop the corner (inner towards center license plate) and pulled it without damage.. easy DIY mod, a lot more easier than the replacing front reflectors!

The front and rear reflectors I bought were OEM, and went to a local collision shop to get them painted to match my F30.
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      02-22-2015, 01:01 PM   #37
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Does it make installation any easier if the diffuser is removed first?
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      02-24-2015, 08:10 PM   #38
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Sorry, don't know what is a diffuser but.. for my rear reflectors they just pop out as you pry/pull back with fishing line, then, installed painted reflectors as they snap back in easily.

I didn't remove anything, except for rear reflectors on my car (320i).
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      02-25-2015, 06:37 PM   #39
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pics after install.





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      05-11-2015, 07:20 PM   #40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by F30kma View Post
pics after install.





Where did you order from?
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      05-11-2015, 08:40 PM   #41
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AWF30MSPORT View Post
I prefer them matched to the diffusor, here are a few pics of mine. Further down the thread pasted below, there are some photoshops with the rear M Sport reflectors matched to the body and it doesn't quite look right to me.

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=726900
I love those wheels!
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