[rjd_F30]

what did everyone do for their rocker panels/side skirts. did you go with eBay replicas or get real M ones? either way, how was install?

[Kailec]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

what did everyone do for their rocker panels/side skirts. did you go with eBay replicas or get real M ones? either way, how was install?

Replicas. For the sides especially, no point in OEM. They don't have any special function like the front bumper for example.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by Kailec

Replicas. For the sides especially, no point in OEM. They don't have any special function like the front bumper for example.

thanks, that's what I figured. where did you guys get yours from? I have found a bunch that are just polyurethane or unpainted plastic, do you know any stores/companies that sell them painted? I'm color 668 jet black.

[7iM3less]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

what did everyone do for their rocker panels/side skirts. did you go with eBay replicas or get real M ones? either way, how was install?

Originally Posted by Kailec

Replicas. For the sides especially, no point in OEM. They don't have any special function like the front bumper for example.

Don't forget that the Taiwan made rep bumpers and sides are molded from the original OEM parts. They are not fabricated from a photo like back in the 90's. Aesthetically they look identical.

With regards to the front m sport bumper I can confirm the rep one uses the same brake ducts as the OEM one does. The only difference I've been able to identify is that the rep bumper doesn't require the support structure up in front of the lower radiator. So performance wise I highly doubt it's any different.

On my rep bumper I've used OEM fog assemblies, the lower center grill and brake duct assemblies. I used OEM amber reflectors and the original fender lining was also fastened onto the bumper without modifications (the brake ducts aligned fine).

Important: when looking at rep bumpers you need to remember that's there TWO types. There's the rep OEM M Sport replacement bumper and there's the M Sport conversion bumper. The conversion bumper may be full of fantasy parts (not sure)...I'm speaking to the OEM replacement one as that's the one I purchased.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by KC328_F30

Don't forget that the Taiwan made rep bumpers and sides are molded from the original OEM parts. They are not fabricated from a photo like back in the 90's. Aesthetically they look identical.

With regards to the front m sport bumper I can confirm the rep one uses the same brake ducts as the OEM one does. The only difference I've been able to identify is that the rep bumper doesn't require the support structure up in front of the lower radiator. So performance wise I highly doubt it's any different.

On my rep bumper I've used OEM fog assemblies, the lower center grill and brake duct assemblies. I used OEM amber reflectors and the original fender lining was also fastened onto the bumper without modifications (the brake ducts aligned fine).

Important: when looking at rep bumpers you need to remember that's there TWO types. There's the rep OEM M Sport replacement bumper and there's the M Sport conversion bumper. The conversion bumper may be full of fantasy parts (not sure)...I'm speaking to the OEM replacement one as that's the one I purchased.

I haven't noticed that distinction... interesting, I'll keep a better eye out for it. so I think I'm gonna do replica M sport side skirts and extensions as recommended. I found a kit that's reasonably priced (link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/M-Sport-Per...-/262893118640) but I know that at this point they're all unpainted. would that unpainted/matte-type finish look gross installed on the car (it's a jet black car), aka is it really a must to get them painted? I'm trying to picture it in my head with the unpainted skirts with the matte black decal and extension installed on the car... I'm thinking it might not look bad.

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

I haven't noticed that distinction... interesting, I'll keep a better eye out for it. so I think I'm gonna do replica M sport side skirts and extensions as recommended. I found a kit that's reasonably priced (link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/M-Sport-Per...-/262893118640) but I know that at this point they're all unpainted. would that unpainted/matte-type finish look gross installed on the car (it's a jet black car), aka is it really a must to get them painted? I'm trying to picture it in my head with the unpainted skirts with the matte black decal and extension installed on the car... I'm thinking it might not look bad.

I'm guessing the unpainted skirts will look just that: unpainted; not as clean as a matte finish paint/wrap. In fact, if painting it properly is cost prohibitive, vinyl wrapping it in gloss black MIGHT get you by...not sure how close gloss black vinyl is to Jet Black, but my guess is that it'll probably look better than unpainted plastic.

[Kailec]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

I haven't noticed that distinction... interesting, I'll keep a better eye out for it. so I think I'm gonna do replica M sport side skirts and extensions as recommended. I found a kit that's reasonably priced (link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/M-Sport-Per...-/262893118640) but I know that at this point they're all unpainted. would that unpainted/matte-type finish look gross installed on the car (it's a jet black car), aka is it really a must to get them painted? I'm trying to picture it in my head with the unpainted skirts with the matte black decal and extension installed on the car... I'm thinking it might not look bad.

I can't fathom an instance where it would look good. It's a matte flat finish whereas I'm sure your car isn't. If you wore a suit jacket that had a shine to it, but the sleeves were flat and not shiny, you wouldn't look good. Maybe from a distance it'd be okay but if you got closer it would look awful. Only way I would leave it matte is if it's the lip, spoiler, or side extension. Not the entire side piece.

[F30JetsFan]

My red little rocket

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by jh_f30

I'm guessing the unpainted skirts will look just that: unpainted; not as clean as a matte finish paint/wrap. In fact, if painting it properly is cost prohibitive, vinyl wrapping it in gloss black MIGHT get you by...not sure how close gloss black vinyl is to Jet Black, but my guess is that it'll probably look better than unpainted plastic.

Originally Posted by Kailec

I can't fathom an instance where it would look good. It's a matte flat finish whereas I'm sure your car isn't. If you wore a suit jacket that had a shine to it, but the sleeves were flat and not shiny, you wouldn't look good. Maybe from a distance it'd be okay but if you got closer it would look awful. Only way I would leave it matte is if it's the lip, spoiler, or side extension. Not the entire side piece.

I agree, if the entire piece were unpainted, it would look horrific, but with the m performance decal that goes over, say, 70% of the piece, I don't think it would look bad. I feel like it would make the unpainted part look like a matte accent. you know what I mean?

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by F30JetsFan

My red little rocket

good lord where did you get that splitter? looks spectacular. that's a fine f30 you have there.

[F30JetsFan]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

good lord where did you get that splitter? looks spectacular. that's a fine f30 you have there.

Go at it on eBay a couple yrs ago...don’t remember the vendor. I Got it painted and wrapped in 3M clear protective film. Installed it myself. Sport line front end looked kinda boring without. Here’s my Active Autowerke exhaust. Thx for the positive feedback

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by F30JetsFan

Go at it on eBay a couple yrs ago...don’t remember the vendor. I Got it painted and wrapped in 3M clear protective film. Installed it myself. Sport line front end looked kinda boring without. Here’s my Active Autowerke exhaust. Thx for the positive feedback

no problem! how about that little extension on the upper part of the diffuser/lower part of the bumper? can that be retrofitted onto a non-sportline?

[7iM3less]

Originally Posted by F30JetsFan

My red little rocket

The brakes are my favourite detail on your ride brother!

[F30JetsFan]

Originally Posted by KC328_F30

The brakes are my favourite detail on your ride brother!

I tend to agree. They’re worth every cent

[F30JetsFan]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

no problem! how about that little extension on the upper part of the diffuser/lower part of the bumper? can that be retrofitted onto a non-sportline?

I’m not sure. Sorry

[7iM3less]

Originally Posted by F30JetsFan

I tend to agree. They’re worth every cent

Agreed!

I went with the red ones myself.

[F30JetsFan]

Originally Posted by KC328_F30

Agreed!

I went with the red ones myself.

I wanted red originally but the gold looks better on my car for some contrast. For whatever reason the gold were $600 cheaper than red or orange at getbmwparts.com. That made my final decision easier

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by F30JetsFan

I wanted red originally but the gold looks better on my car for some contrast. For whatever reason the gold were $600 cheaper than red or orange at getbmwparts.com. That made my final decision easier

gold is a good choice looks good on the red, like you said, for contrast

[rjd_F30]

Kailec jh_f30 well, I did it. ordered the set linked above. I'm gonna put one side on unpainted with the decal, if it looks terrible, I'll take them off and get them painted. if it looks good then they stay! win win... I think?

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

Kailec jh_f30 well, I did it. ordered the set linked above. I'm gonna put one side on unpainted with the decal, if it looks terrible, I'll take them off and get them painted. if it looks good then they stay! win win... I think?

Good luck! Keep us posted with pics!

[Joe_E]

Here's some of mine that I took

[Kailec]

Originally Posted by F30JetsFan

I wanted red originally but the gold looks better on my car for some contrast. For whatever reason the gold were $600 cheaper than red or orange at getbmwparts.com. That made my final decision easier

Nothing wrong with the Iron Man look.