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BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > F30 DIYs and Coding Discussions > F30 328i/335i front bumper REFLECTORS removal / install DIY
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      08-11-2012, 02:32 PM   #1
1.fresh.f30.335
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F30 328i/335i front bumper REFLECTORS removal / install DIY

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Hey Guys,

Heres a quick guide to removing and replacing your front bumper reflectors.

Estimated time: 15-20 minutes

Necessary Tools
8mm socket
flat head screwdriver or plastic molding remover

Steps:

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1. Locate the three 8mm screws along the front inner fender well.

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2. Remove the three screws

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3. Once all three are out pull the inner fender away from the bumper

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4. Now your going to use a combination of the flat head screwdriver and your hand to pull the reflector away from the bumper.

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*Note* do not allow the screwdriver to turn once it is between the bumper and the reflector as this could cause rippling in the bumper itself.

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5. Now with the reflector removed you can clean out any remaining molding tape that is on the inner bumper. Also clean the inner bumper thoroughly before adhering the new reflector.

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6. Remove the plastic from the reflector so the adhesive is ready then line it up through the inner fender. Once it is in place apply pressure both from the inside and the outside of the bumper to ensure a proper seal.

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Now your done! The other side is exactly the same.

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Other F30 DIYs:
Grills : http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=701830
Whiskers: http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=730086
Springs: coming soon
Down pipe: coming soon


Hope this helps answer any questions!
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Last edited by 1.fresh.f30.335; 08-11-2012 at 02:55 PM..
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      08-12-2012, 03:11 PM   #2
aajami
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That looks infinitely better than the E9X M reflector replacement. In fact, and this feels odd to say, but if there was just a bit more of a gap between the painted reflector and the bumper, it would match the gap that the tow hook cover, parking sensors, and headlight washers have.
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      08-12-2012, 03:30 PM   #3
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Thanks for write up
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      08-12-2012, 04:23 PM   #4
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That is awesome thanks for the step by step will be useful later on!!!
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      08-12-2012, 04:47 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aajami
That looks infinitely better than the E9X M reflector replacement. In fact, and this feels odd to say, but if there was just a bit more of a gap between the painted reflector and the bumper, it would match the gap that the tow hook cover, parking sensors, and headlight washers have.
Hahaha it's too perfect.
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      08-12-2012, 05:06 PM   #6
JoeyBananaz18
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Aaaaaaaaaaand it begins.....
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7/18/09- I pick up my baby- 2009 E92 335i Xdrive, Space Gray over Coral Red. Premium Pkg, Cold Weather Pkg, M-Sport Pkg, 193Ms, Gloss Black grills, Custom Gloss Black Mirrors, Performance shift and E-brake boot, M3 spoiler, Euro fog switch, gloss black interior tim, Coco-Mats (red/black), H&R coilovers, 19'' Alufelgen SF-71s......
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      08-12-2012, 05:25 PM   #7
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Why do you guys have these if you're allowed to remove them?

I mean they ruin the look of the car and don't see why they'd put them on for other than legal reasons.

I saw these on a few E9Xs when in the states last week and they look bad.
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      08-12-2012, 05:36 PM   #8
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Where did you purchase them from.
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      08-12-2012, 06:44 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Bear_Yid View Post
Why do you guys have these if you're allowed to remove them?

I mean they ruin the look of the car and don't see why they'd put them on for other than legal reasons.

I saw these on a few E9Xs when in the states last week and they look bad.
We're not allowed to remove them, but the police doesn't enforce this law. They care more about front plates and colored lights.
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      08-12-2012, 06:53 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aajami View Post
We're not allowed to remove them, but the police doesn't enforce this law. They care more about front plates and colored lights.
LOL only in cali, they dont care up here in the north east ! :-)
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      08-12-2012, 08:06 PM   #11
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Hmmm, what about clear reflectors? I'd be tempted to see if those look better.
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      08-12-2012, 08:17 PM   #12
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These look awesome, I totally have to do this!
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      08-12-2012, 08:18 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ArabianSensation View Post
Hmmm, what about clear reflectors? I'd be tempted to see if those look better.
This ^
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      08-12-2012, 10:30 PM   #14
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Sorry but i wonder y US specs car always come with reflectors?
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      08-12-2012, 11:05 PM   #15
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Taped on to the bumper? Doesn't that seem a bit on the cheap side ?
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      08-12-2012, 11:43 PM   #16
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Yes, but weight is evil, so this is the best option.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cgaffney004 View Post
Taped on to the bumper? Doesn't that seem a bit on the cheap side ?
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      08-13-2012, 12:39 AM   #17
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I live in california.. Is it illegal to do this in my area?
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      08-13-2012, 01:01 AM   #18
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No idea about all the exact laws in different places but the reflectors are required for safety requirements (be seen visibility) where the laws require manufacturers to do so. Whether or not cops care to write up tickets for those mods to rid them is probably case by case.
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      08-13-2012, 06:05 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by aajami View Post
That looks infinitely better than the E9X M reflector replacement. In fact, and this feels odd to say, but if there was just a bit more of a gap between the painted reflector and the bumper, it would match the gap that the tow hook cover, parking sensors, and headlight washers have.
that is an astute observation.
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      08-13-2012, 06:45 AM   #20
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Looks clean!
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      08-13-2012, 10:07 AM   #21
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Very nice!

Based on the box I see that the reflectors came from us
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      08-13-2012, 10:25 AM   #22
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Looks great! Where do you buy the painted reflectors though???
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