OEM CS Lip Installed on M3!

[uniqueMR]

CS front lip is awesome. I am going for it for my M4

[jnthn]

Originally Posted by JibSTir13

Yes, some trimming of plastic behind the bumper is required to fit the three brackets, but nothing significant (we're talking a few mm).

Most front lips/splitters attach directly to the front bumper without a need to remove the bumper, and do not use brackets. As far as I know, bumper removal is required to install the following font lips/splitters: GTS (and replica), GT4, and CS.

Ah I see. Thanks for that information. Maybe other lips need it too, just non oem partners are not so concerned

[Time Lord]

looks perfect and i love the bracket idea instead of drilling in the bumper

[espressoo]

Originally Posted by Time Lord

looks perfect and i love the bracket idea instead of drilling in the bumper

Just to be clear, this install even if you went with the custom bracket route instead of removing the bumper still requires a bunch of holes to be drilled on the underside of your bumper. There’s approximately 20 predrilled mounting spots on the lip. Only 2 of them align to a factory screw location.

[espressoo]

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

It would nice to know/see if the lip is designed to be ~1/4" short of the wheel well arches on both sides. In my opinion, I wouldn't characterize that as good fitment. I would not be happy with that fitment at any price point much less $2,000. It also doesn't appear to be flush with the bumper in the areas closest to the wheel well arches. I'm not at all trying to come for your installation skillset but it just doesn't look good for what's supposed to be an OEM part on what is essentially the same car from a chassis/shell perspective.

Originally Posted by allinon72

There's no gap in the OP's pics

Originally Posted by ONE1

OP has the real CS lip. The lip with gap is a replica from RW.

Thanks for the pics. I noticed this gap when they first posted pics of the lip on Instagram. I was hoping they would have addressed that. I'm curious why they didn't. Everything else looks pretty close to the real CS lip.

After looking at a large pic of the OP's install I noticed a few things. There's some trade-offs regarding fitment that either the installer or owner needs to decide what's best for them.

Red Circle - shows that the wheel arch gap is much less noticeable. Probably 1/8". The trade-off is that the lip has to be installed slightly recessed (towards the rear of the car).

Blue Circle - if you opt for less wheel arch gap, other areas of the lip may now be slightly off. It's a trade-off and depends on what is more acceptable from the owner's standpoint.

Red Arrow - I mentioned this in my previous post. This transition point is slightly recessed, similar to posted pics of the CS M3. If you want this transition to be more flush/smooth you have to make a compromise on the wheel arch gap.



At the end of the day all these minor variations will not be noticeable from just glancing at the car in person. Only with still photos, slow-mo instant replays and internet armchair judges will be the only people able to catch these subtle variations in each install. If you saw a car with the CS lip in person, I think you'll be in awe with how good this lip looks instead of evaluating the fitment.

For me personally, it was either a CS replica or a Vorsteiner GTS replica. The real parts were price prohibitive for me. I chose the CS version since it was the new kid on the block. It definitely enhanced the aggressiveness of the front end and completes the look on my car.

[ONE1]

Good stuff. Thanks for the info. Both look great.

[ZoomZoomZEmmy]

That front splitter looks great on your car.
Can you send us a link on how to buy it?
Thanks
ZoomZoom

[JibSTir13]

Originally Posted by espressoo

Red Arrow - I mentioned this in my previous post. This transition point is slightly recessed, similar to posted pics of the CS M3. If you want this transition to be more flush/smooth you have to make a compromise on the wheel arch gap.

Due to the use of brackets on the OEM lip, it is unlikely the lip can be fitted so the transition is more flush/smooth as the lip is designed to be attached in a specific position. There may be a little bit of wiggle room if the bracket bolts and bumper bolts securing the lip are loosened and the lip is adjusted before re-tightening the bolts, but I'm guessing no more than a mm or two. I haven't tried adjusting the lip in this manner, as I am not trying to make the transition flush.

The transition on the replica also looks to be slightly recessed, even after espressoo attempted to make the transition flush/smooth, which makes sense since it is a replica, not a re-designed lip. Although there is likely more room to adjust the lip fore/aft depending on the position of the screws going into the bumper since there are no brackets securing the lip to the frame of the car.

Originally Posted by espressoo

Red Circle - shows that the wheel arch gap is much less noticeable. Probably 1/8". The trade-off is that the lip has to be installed slightly recessed (towards the rear of the car).

There is a slight wheel arch gap on both sides even with the OEM lip. I looked at pictures of the CS cars posted online, and the same gap is present. Slightly annoying, but not the end of the world.

For the replica lip, if the transition is made completely smooth/flush, the wheel arch gap will increase and likely be even more noticeable. Therefore I would install the replica lip in the same position as the OEM lip.

Originally Posted by espressoo

At the end of the day all these minor variations will not be noticeable from just glancing at the car in person. Only with still photos, slow-mo instant replays and internet armchair judges will be the only people able to catch these subtle variations in each install. If you saw a car with the CS lip in person, I think you'll be in awe with how good this lip looks instead of evaluating the fitment.

I agree, at the end of the day, the minor gaps are not a big deal (regardless if the lip is OEM or replica) and the only thing triggered is my OCD.

[wdskukm3]

Either way the CS lip looks great. I approve it.

[01'325rip]

That gap on the replica would annoy me to the end of the world. But you can not expect perfection from someone who makes inexpensive replicas. Fair trade off I suppose.

CS splitter looks great OP

[Spoolin Montego]

Originally Posted by 01'325rip

That gap on the replica would annoy me to the end of the world. But you can not expect perfection from someone who makes inexpensive replicas. Fair trade off I suppose.

CS splitter looks great OP

Did you even read the thread? The OEM part also has the same gap. Pay 2k have the gap or pay $800 have the gap lmao

[Teeone]

I saw the M3 CS today at the Detroit Auto Show. This, and the spoiler look great. I checked up close and the gap on the Orem part is nowhere near the distance of this gap! It does have a gap of about 3mm. This replica looks like it is closer to 8 or 10. So u can lyao all you want.

[domino_z]

Where there's a a high demand oe part, there is always some baller on a budget trying to convince himself an alibaba rep fits just as good

OP kudos for doing it properly, looks great and fit is perfect

Have you noticed any issues with scraping at oe height given how much further it extends forward

[espressoo]

Originally Posted by domino_z

Where there's a a high demand oe part, there is always some baller on a budget trying to convince himself an alibaba rep fits just as good

OP kudos for doing it properly, looks great and fit is perfect

Have you noticed any issues with scraping at oe height given how much further it extends forward

Everyone has a budget. I applaud those that can afford all OEM parts. For the rest of us ballers, I guess we'll have to settle for replicas. Especially ones that are installed on high impact areas and prone to damage. Do what makes YOU happy. I'm sure the OP is happy with his real CS lip as I am with my replica one.

[slalomfever]

Looks amazing!

[JibSTir13]

Originally Posted by domino_z

Where there's a a high demand oe part, there is always some baller on a budget trying to convince himself an alibaba rep fits just as good

OP kudos for doing it properly, looks great and fit is perfect

Have you noticed any issues with scraping at oe height given how much further it extends forward

Have not had any issues with scraping yet, but I am currently at stock ride height. I'm sure sooner or later I will be entering/leaving some parking lot and scrape it (it has happened with all my cars that are lowered and have a front lip). That first one always hurts the most.

[MasterP]

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

The brace certainly helps but it isn't necessary for the M Performance lip. I ran mine for over 2 years without and no issues.

You didn't go fast enough then. Without the brace it pulls the bumper away from the air dam at speed.

[AtlantisF80]

@espressoo where did you buy the L shaped brackets and the other hardware? Home Depot?

Did you use any other mounting hardware?

[ptper]

Originally Posted by Eloo818

@espressoo where did you buy the L shaped brackets and the other hardware? Home Depot?

Did you use any other mounting hardware?

+1


But, has anyone really reported a lip blowing off at speed due to a center bracket not being installed? Or is everybody just speculating? Genuinely would like to hear about real life case cause all this talk is psyching me out, lol.

[espressoo]

Originally Posted by Eloo818

@espressoo where did you buy the L shaped brackets and the other hardware? Home Depot?

Did you use any other mounting hardware?

Yes, Home Depot or any other hardware store. At HD the aluminum stock came in 36" length. About 1/2" width and 1/8" thickness. A rotary tool cuts it like butter. An adjustable wrench can be used to bend it.

Only other hardware used is just self tapping stainless screws. VHB tape is optional for added security.

[JibSTir13]

Updated the original post with a couple of photos after the lip was wrapped with PPF and ceramic coated.

[CarbonFiberCo]

Damn that CS lip looks so good! Awesome detail/ install shots