..::PSI::.. F8x M3/M4 Painted Side Marker DIY

[Sean@PSI]

..::PSI::.. F8x M3/M4 Painted Side Marker DIY

Painted to match the front F8x BMW Performance front grilles, the painted side markers complete the removal of the factory chrome trim from the F8x M3/M4 chassis.

Tools we used:
Painter's tape
Nylon or plastic pry tool
Microfiber
Gloves

STEPS:

First, we recommend lightly dusting the area with a clean microfiber. Then apply painters tape around the complete side marker, making sure to get as close as possible to all edges. Be sure to completely surround any painted surface which you will be close to with the pry tool. This is a necessary step to ensure zero damage occurs to the fenders during the removal process.



Once the tape has been placed on the fender, we found it easier to separate the two parts that make up the marker and remove them individually rather than together as one unit. Using the pry tool, we carefully separated the chrome front from its black base.



Carefully free the front half of the marker from its base (held in by a few push clips), then reach into the fender from the wheel well and push on the final two clips to free it completely from the fenders vent.



Next, remove the black base from the fender by pushing on the visible clips holding it in place and pulling it off the car.





Once the base is removed, remove the tape and clean the fender to prepare it for the new marker to be installed.



Installation of the new marker can be done without separating the unit. Slide the front edge of the marker into the fender's vent and align the clips on the back with their respective holes on the fender.





After they are aligned, a light push is all that is needed to clip the new marker into place.



Using a microfiber, we cleaned off any smudges on the marker from handling it during installation to complete the install.

[Sedan_Clan]

Nice. They DIY's are going to be extremely helpful. Where can we buy a similar prying tool?

[Sean@PSI]

Amazon is best. It is important to use the correct painter's or automotive tape also.

http://www.amazon.com/Panel-Window-M...ylon+pry+tools

[M3.2.M4]

[QUOTE=Sean@PSI;16214329]..::PSI::.. F8x M3/M4 Painted Side Marker DIY

Painted to match the front F8x BMW Performance front grilles, the painted side markers complete the removal of the factory chrome trim from the F8x M3/M4 chassis.

I see no cables so I assume that there are no lights on the side gill??

[Bluehinder]

Not any better than stock.

[Sean@PSI]

There are no lights in the side marker at all.

[Zeroblade]

Originally Posted by Sean@PSI

There are no lights in the side marker at all.

I'm a little bummed out about this. I do think having the turn signal in this area makes more sense than on the mirrors.

[Sean@PSI]

Originally Posted by Zeroblade

I'm a little bummed out about this. I do think having the turn signal in this area makes more sense than on the mirrors.

Definitely a change up from the E92. I like the fact that the mirror light is hidden somewhat, but ya I agree.

[hyperspeed]

I'm having trouble popping off the chrome trim from the black base. Do you have additional tips on how to get to the clips separating the two pieces?

[Sean@PSI]

Use a 90* pick tool, and wedge it between the chrome and the black. Make sure to properly secure tape around all of the painted surfaces (as we show) - it is not easy, but this method is the best we have found to not damage the vehicle.

[phantome46]

Did you paint a standard set of gills or purchase factory black ones?

[Sean@PSI]

These are originals - painted gloss black (from iND), the OEMs were not available in late JUNE.

[Powaup]

Broke one of the chrome side markers pulling it at the end... must be just me I also broke one the clips on the chrome kidney grille surround when doing that diy. Good call on the painters tape I would not do this install without it for anyone wondering

[Longbow64]

If you can't get the pieces off of the vertical vent, just remove the vertical vent. There's two tabs along the edge closest to the sidemarker. One above and one below a little more than half the distance from the sidemarker.

[Sean@PSI]

Originally Posted by Longbow64

If you can't get the pieces off of the vertical vent, just remove the vertical vent. There's two tabs along the edge closest to the sidemarker. One above and one below a little more than half the distance from the sidemarker.

+1 , this always makes it easier as well. Depending on the car, the side markers vary in difficulty and the painters tape is a must.

[gtrsam]

Originally Posted by Powaup

Broke one of the chrome side markers pulling it at the end... must be just me I also broke one the clips on the chrome kidney grille surround when doing that diy. Good call on the painters tape I would not do this install without it for anyone wondering

saw u broke your side gill on a thread. which side is not broken? and would you sell it?

[Rain49king]

Originally Posted by gtrsam

saw u broke your side gill on a thread. which side is not broken? and would you sell it?

My car just had grills replaced. I will probably be throwing my stock chrome set on eBay. IDK what they are worth would probably list for $100 no reserve.

[2HIGH~PSI]

has anyone removed the black fender grill? How does this come out?

[2HIGH~PSI]

^^ To further answer my own question as I did it yesterday and was quite simple.

There are only two clips on the back side of the fender black grill. One at top and one at bottom, After masking the area, you can just use the pry tool to pop the two back clips, then slightly pull straight back, not out away from the car as there are little nibs holding the front in place.

I did the side vents yesterday and I broke both chrome pieces trying to get them out as they were super tight against the black fender grill and wouldnt clip out, even reaching in the fender with my hand.

[Sean@PSI]

Originally Posted by 2HIGH~PSI

^^ To further answer my own question as I did it yesterday and was quite simple.

There are only two clips on the back side of the fender black grill. One at top and one at bottom, After masking the area, you can just use the pry tool to pop the two back clips, then slightly pull straight back, not out away from the car as there are little nibs holding the front in place.

I did the side vents yesterday and I broke both chrome pieces trying to get them out as they were super tight against the black fender grill and wouldnt clip out, even reaching in the fender with my hand.

The chrome pieces are super tight but with the proper tools they will come out without damage, it is not easy though.

[cmkde]

Originally Posted by 2HIGH~PSI

^^ To further answer my own question as I did it yesterday and was quite simple.

There are only two clips on the back side of the fender black grill. One at top and one at bottom, After masking the area, you can just use the pry tool to pop the two back clips, then slightly pull straight back, not out away from the car as there are little nibs holding the front in place.

I did the side vents yesterday and I broke both chrome pieces trying to get them out as they were super tight against the black fender grill and wouldnt clip out, even reaching in the fender with my hand.

Just finished mine and ended up bending the original off and breaking it. Luckily they come off with ease this way but ideally I'd like to not have broke the originals. The tips above were all super helpful, wasn't expecting this to be more difficult than the front grilles, but worth the effort.

[2HIGH~PSI]

I just didnt care haha. If I ever want to revert back to stock (likely never) I can just purchase the stock ones again. Probably less than $50.