Install tips - F8x M3/M4 CS lip

[stevehifi]

Hi Everyone,
For those who are thinking of installing a CS lip, here are some tips below that I recommend when attempting the task. Also, this install is for very mechanically inclined individuals. If you’re a novice, get it done at a professional shop – not worth the headache.

-plan for a lot of time, at least 4-5 hours (perhaps more)
-lift the front of the car a decent amount so that you get good access to the under the front of the car.
-take the wheels off to get better access to the inner wheel well to remove screws
-use a lot of blankets/towels on the floor so that you can protect the bumper/lip when test fitting/removing pieces.
-there are three brackets, for the two side ones make sure you bolt them up first (no rivets yet), slide the bumper back on (no screws needed) and then test install the lip (bolt up to the two brackets loosely) so that you can check the alignment of everything. The reason is that the brackets have a lot of play in them so you want to have the lip aligned properly (up/down and side to side) before you start drilling the holes for the rivets.
-for the center bracket, use exactly a 9mm drill bit for drilling into the center support. Don’t use a standard size bit since the hole will be either too small or too big.
-be prepared for a lot of trimming for the left and right splash guards. With the left and right brackets installed, essentially a big section has to be cut to clear the bracket. Recommend that you use either a Dremel and/or high strength scissors.
-You need a lot more self tapping screws (fillister head screw), 14 versus 8 which BMW recommends.
-If you have the car lowered from stock - buy yourself a roll of carbon fiber tape and cover up the bottom of the lip entirely to protect it from scratching when you drive the car into an inclined driveway or over speed bumps.

[henrylee]

Went to EAS and purchased with install there. Easiest way

[Spoolin Montego]

Literally zero point to chassis mounting the cs lip. But sure if you want to remove your bumper and mod up all your plastics down there for nothing more power to you

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by Spoolin Montego

Literally zero point to chassis mounting the cs lip. But sure if you want to remove your bumper and mod up all your plastics down there for nothing more power to you

If you're buying a CS lip, why not mount it the way it is mounted on the CS?

[MrSmartyPants]

Originally Posted by Spoolin Montego

Literally zero point to chassis mounting the cs lip. But sure if you want to remove your bumper and mod up all your plastics down there for nothing more power to you

You're correct from an aero downforce perspective. The brackets are really sized for the GTS lip.

From a daily and protection standpoint the brackets are fantastic. The lower mounting screws and brackets all hit first and protect the lip. Has saved mine from certain death 2 or 3 times now (once was this morning). Also lessens the force transfer upward into the bumper preventing damage there too.

Totally worth it to do it right.

[Kilabyte]

Took me maybe 45 minutes with ramps (had to lift the car onto them). Didn't need to remove the wheels.

[Spoolin Montego]

Originally Posted by Kilabyte

Took me maybe 45 minutes with ramps (had to lift the car onto them). Didn't need to remove the wheels.

If you installed oem cs lip in 45 mins you're the fastest mechanic in the world

[stevehifi]

Look, yes if you wanted to you could screw in 14 self tapping screws and mount the lip in without using the brackets. You still would have to trim the splash guards a bit but it wouldn't be that bad.

That being said, the brackets do guarantee that the lip will be aligned properly with the lower bumper (side to side and front to back) and as some people have said - it does protect the lip from impact/damage to some degree.