Exactly how precise should an m sport rear diffuser be installed?

scoss · 05-20-2020, 03:43 PM

I’ll admit I’ve got real OCD. things that I feel should be symmetrical that aren’t annoy the hell out of me.

Today I was putting something in the boot and looked down at the top of the initial lip of the RD. I noticed that more lip was exposed on the left side. Now we are talking 5mm here but looking for a birds eye view I can see it. Now I know no know is gonna see this. However it’s bugging me.
The result of this is the bumper is ever so slightly coming out more on the right side.

My question is, can this be reapplied or is this it?

It’s an OEM RD.

thanks

scoss · 05-20-2020, 05:24 PM

I’ve seen some RD installs on YouTube and it possibly looks like I have a clip or two not in place. This would account for one side being different to the other. 🤞🏻

SantaEugence · 05-20-2020, 05:33 PM

Accepting mine is an aftermarket, but I could not get every single clip in 100% without removing the whole bumper and doing it from inside. Many looked like they were clipped in but they actually weren't meaning it wasn't quite sitting correctly. I put that more down to the aftermarket not being quite the right dimensions with the clips but similar thing could be happening with yours? The clips can be a right bitch to push in all the way especially if you're having to do it from a funny angle

scoss · 05-20-2020, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SantaEugence

Accepting mine is an aftermarket, but I could not get every single clip in 100% without removing the whole bumper and doing it from inside. Many looked like they were clipped in but they actually weren't meaning it wasn't quite sitting correctly. I put that more down to the aftermarket not being quite the right dimensions with the clips but similar thing could be happening with yours? The clips can be a right bitch to push in all the way especially if you're having to do it from a funny angle

Yeah thanks mate. I’m sure most would ignore it. Might have to get it refitted in any case. The clips are the only reason for this alignment issue.

blau3er · 05-20-2020, 06:51 PM

The OEM rear diffuser is a 5 min job to remove and/or fit.

It’s a few bolts and then the clips just pop out.

davidr3 · 05-20-2020, 07:02 PM

unfortunately it's hard to get it spot on. Mine isn't but then again mine is CF + aftermarket so you might have more luck. I just learned to live with it.

thatf30 · 05-20-2020, 07:08 PM

I bought an aftermarket diffuser (plastic) and attempted to install it several times with no luck. Things weren't lining up, etc. returned that and bit the bullet on an OEM m perf diffuser. Fitment this time was spot on and install took no longer than 5 mins.

Not sure why you're having issues. Is the rear bumper OEM m sport?

Londoner · 05-20-2020, 08:05 PM

Is the touring version slightly different from the saloon?

scoss · 05-21-2020, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thatf30

I bought an aftermarket diffuser (plastic) and attempted to install it several times with no luck. Things weren't lining up, etc. returned that and bit the bullet on an OEM m perf diffuser. Fitment this time was spot on and install took no longer than 5 mins.

Not sure why you're having issues. Is the rear bumper OEM m sport?

Not sure. I assume the bumper is the same regardless and you got swap the standard D for and M sport one.

I’ve just remembered that I have a toe bar so there might have been some
previous contact from this on the RD. I have no intention of using the toe bar. Might look into getting this removed.

scoss · 05-21-2020, 02:15 AM

As you can see it’s looks fine! OCD nightmare!

aquazi · 05-21-2020, 02:45 AM

Maybe remove it leaving it in the sun for a while and then try refitting?

On my 4 series the fitment isnt great all things considering, with a gap far to bit by the refelctors. but it is symetrical.

Oreocookies · 05-21-2020, 07:41 AM

If you can get a Hairdryer and try and get it nice and warm from the underside where it clips into, also heat the clip itself. This made a massive difference in helping get the clips completely in and seated correctly.

jbeer · 05-24-2020, 02:16 AM

I may be stating the obvious here but you have removed the rear reflectors first before removing the original and fitting your new diffuser....makes it a hell of a lot easier to fit.

I have an aftermarket fastline styling one, one of the clips is not 100% aligned and there is a slight gap on one side of about 2mm but essential it went on fine and took all of 15mins to do

Tengocity · 05-24-2020, 01:34 PM

I had an aftermarket one on my 335d and it never lined up perfectly. On my current 340 I bought an OEM MP one and it fitted perfectly and it went on extremely easily.

ukbeemerboy · 05-24-2020, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoss

I’ll admit I’ve got real OCD. things that I feel should be symmetrical that aren’t annoy the hell out of me.

Today I was putting something in the boot and looked down at the top of the initial lip of the RD. I noticed that more lip was exposed on the left side. Now we are talking 5mm here but looking for a birds eye view I can see it. Now I know no know is gonna see this. However it’s bugging me.
The result of this is the bumper is ever so slightly coming out more on the right side.

My question is, can this be reapplied or is this it?

It’s an OEM RD.

thanks

There really is no need for hairdryers or removing reflectors and the like to fit the OEM rear diffuser. Who ever fitted it just hasn’t pushed it home properly along the rail. Get under the back of the car where you think it’s not right and push the diffuser in the direction it needs to go but at the same time push the bumper in the opposite direction. Because of the flex in the bumper, the clips don’t always slot home making the diffuser sit proud normally around the reflector area.

NISFAN · 05-24-2020, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ukbeemerboy

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoss

I’ll admit I’ve got real OCD. things that I feel should be symmetrical that aren’t annoy the hell out of me.

Today I was putting something in the boot and looked down at the top of the initial lip of the RD. I noticed that more lip was exposed on the left side. Now we are talking 5mm here but looking for a birds eye view I can see it. Now I know no know is gonna see this. However it’s bugging me.
The result of this is the bumper is ever so slightly coming out more on the right side.

My question is, can this be reapplied or is this it?

It’s an OEM RD.

thanks

There really is no need for hairdryers or removing reflectors and the like to fit the OEM rear diffuser. Who ever fitted it just hasn’t pushed it home properly along the rail. Get under the back of the car where you think it’s not right and push the diffuser in the direction it needs to go but at the same time push the bumper in the opposite direction. Because of the flex in the bumper, the clips don’t always slot home making the diffuser sit proud normally around the reflector area.

The correct method is to actually punch it. Well with the bottom softer part of your fist. Works a treat.

Manivxr · 05-25-2020, 06:08 AM

As said before if you are going to buy a replica and save some money don't expect a perfect fit. The genuine stuff goes on a treat and easy.

05-20-2020, 03:43 PM	#1
scoss First Lieutenant 46 Rep 304 Posts Drives: BMW - F31 - 335D Join Date: May 2020 Location: Portishead iTrader: (0)	Exactly how precise should an m sport rear diffuser be installed? I’ll admit I’ve got real OCD. things that I feel should be symmetrical that aren’t annoy the hell out of me. Today I was putting something in the boot and looked down at the top of the initial lip of the RD. I noticed that more lip was exposed on the left side. Now we are talking 5mm here but looking for a birds eye view I can see it. Now I know no know is gonna see this. However it’s bugging me. The result of this is the bumper is ever so slightly coming out more on the right side. My question is, can this be reapplied or is this it? It’s an OEM RD. thanks
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

05-20-2020, 05:24 PM	#2
scoss First Lieutenant 46 Rep 304 Posts Drives: BMW - F31 - 335D Join Date: May 2020 Location: Portishead iTrader: (0)	I’ve seen some RD installs on YouTube and it possibly looks like I have a clip or two not in place. This would account for one side being different to the other. 🤞🏻
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-20-2020, 05:33 PM	#3
SantaEugence Major 475 Rep 1,325 Posts Drives: F30 330d xDrive Auto Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Accepting mine is an aftermarket, but I could not get every single clip in 100% without removing the whole bumper and doing it from inside. Many looked like they were clipped in but they actually weren't meaning it wasn't quite sitting correctly. I put that more down to the aftermarket not being quite the right dimensions with the clips but similar thing could be happening with yours? The clips can be a right bitch to push in all the way especially if you're having to do it from a funny angle
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-20-2020, 06:51 PM	#5
blau3er Captain 1145 Rep 619 Posts Drives: F31 30d Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	The OEM rear diffuser is a 5 min job to remove and/or fit. It’s a few bolts and then the clips just pop out.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-20-2020, 07:02 PM	#6
davidr3 Captain 448 Rep 909 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: May 2019 Location: Riverside iTrader: (1)	unfortunately it's hard to get it spot on. Mine isn't but then again mine is CF + aftermarket so you might have more luck. I just learned to live with it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-20-2020, 07:08 PM	#7
thatf30 Second Lieutenant 137 Rep 200 Posts Drives: 2017 330i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW 330i [10.00]	I bought an aftermarket diffuser (plastic) and attempted to install it several times with no luck. Things weren't lining up, etc. returned that and bit the bullet on an OEM m perf diffuser. Fitment this time was spot on and install took no longer than 5 mins. Not sure why you're having issues. Is the rear bumper OEM m sport? __________________ Thatf30.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-20-2020, 08:05 PM	#8
Londoner Lieutenant 168 Rep 470 Posts Drives: 340i msport+ MPPSK Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Is the touring version slightly different from the saloon?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-21-2020, 02:15 AM	#10
scoss First Lieutenant 46 Rep 304 Posts Drives: BMW - F31 - 335D Join Date: May 2020 Location: Portishead iTrader: (0)	As you can see it’s looks fine! OCD nightmare! Attached Images Last edited by scoss; 05-21-2020 at 02:22 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-21-2020, 02:45 AM	#11
aquazi Major 461 Rep 1,303 Posts Drives: 18 M4C Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Sutton coldfield iTrader: (0)	Maybe remove it leaving it in the sun for a while and then try refitting? On my 4 series the fitment isnt great all things considering, with a gap far to bit by the refelctors. but it is symetrical.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-21-2020, 07:41 AM	#12
Oreocookies Private First Class 31 Rep 102 Posts Drives: BMW 435i Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Romford iTrader: (0)	If you can get a Hairdryer and try and get it nice and warm from the underside where it clips into, also heat the clip itself. This made a massive difference in helping get the clips completely in and seated correctly.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-24-2020, 02:16 AM	#13
jbeer Lieutenant 155 Rep 512 Posts Drives: 320i M Sport Shadow Edition Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Birmingham, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 320i M Sport S ... [0.00]	I may be stating the obvious here but you have removed the rear reflectors first before removing the original and fitting your new diffuser....makes it a hell of a lot easier to fit. I have an aftermarket fastline styling one, one of the clips is not 100% aligned and there is a slight gap on one side of about 2mm but essential it went on fine and took all of 15mins to do Attached Images __________________ Current: F30 2018 320i M Sport Shadow Edition Accessories: BMW OEM Roof Bars & Bike Carriers, Dashcam - Blackvue 590W-2CH
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-24-2020, 01:34 PM	#14
Tengocity General 8566 Rep 19,982 Posts Drives: 911, Cayenne Turbo, Disco 4 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland iTrader: (0)	I had an aftermarket one on my 335d and it never lined up perfectly. On my current 340 I bought an OEM MP one and it fitted perfectly and it went on extremely easily. __________________ Current: Porsche 911 991 C4S, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Land Rover Discovery 4. Gone...G01 X3 M40i, Cayman S 987, F31 340i, Cayman GT4, F82 M4 CP, Lotus Exige V6, G20 330e, F30 330e, Boxster S 987, F31 335d, Mini Cooper SD, E89 Z4, E90 330d 320d, E60 520d, E46 330d 320d, MX5s, E30 325i
	Appreciate 1 ukbeemerboy462.00 Quote

05-25-2020, 06:08 AM	#17
Manivxr Captain 203 Rep 637 Posts Drives: 435d EB Join Date: May 2017 Location: Staffordshire iTrader: (0)	As said before if you are going to buy a replica and save some money don't expect a perfect fit. The genuine stuff goes on a treat and easy.
	Appreciate 0 Quote