01-15-2020, 06:02 AM | #23 |
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did it on the car - pre-cut the inclined bit to the right angle and then used a sharp knofe to cut round the other 3 sides afterwards using the crevice as a guide (and you dont risk a scratch that way)
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01-18-2020, 12:11 PM | #24 | |
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01-31-2020, 08:16 AM | #25 | |
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So after a fair amount of research I ordered this oil-based paint marker from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Forney-70819-...0477388&sr=8-2 It's received a lot of good reviews, and at only $7 I figured if it didn't work as planned for my X3MC then at least I have a heavy duty marker in my tool set. As I have my Competition badge removed it provided a perfect control on which to practice. As the reviews indicate, need to be careful to shake with the top on, as otherwise apparently the tip can fall out and the paint will splatter everywhere. To start the paint flowing into the tip simply push down to where it retracts into the pen and absorbs the paint. It held the paint well without dripping and was easy to apply. I practiced first on the chrome box before the 'Competition', applying a thin coat which smoothed nicely. After it dried I tried a second coat but that seemed to cause it to dissolve the first layer in some areas and made the surface irregular with too much in some areas, and some areas where the chrome became slightly visible. I then tried on the 'n' by just applying a moderate amount in one pass and it smoothed well and left a gloss very similar to the surrounding black of the badge. I wasn't sure what to do with the slight raised edges of the lettering and square as I didn't want to get any on the surrounding black background, but it looks like I'm going to need to as even subtle over-covering of that edge reflects the light differently and makes it look less sharp. I used a toothpick dipped in acetone and was able to clear up the edge but then that slight amount of chrome shows, so I think it'll be best to cover those edges well with the first pass, and then use toothpicks (or wood stick cuticle pushers +/- Q-tips for larger areas) dipped in either acetone or paint thinner to remove from the flat background. I also wanted to check it's durability, so I rubbed on different substances with a paper towel (3M household lubricating oil, WD40, windex, and soapy water) and no trace of paint was removed on any of the attempts. Wanting to make sure I could return it to OEM if needed, I used paint thinner and was able to completely remove the paint easily, completely back to baseline, without any damage to the plastic badge (see the chrome square before the 'Competition' in the lower left two images, which was after I removed the paint from that area. So I'm going to give this a try when I get a chance and will share images. One caveat on the front badge - as it will be prone to mechanical trauma and insect splatter, petroleum distillate-containing bug removers probably should be avoided as I suspect it would remove the paint (I didn't try that as I don't have any). I did try some Turtle Wax 'new' Bug Remover which does not smell like it has any petroleum in it (and it states fine for all finishes), and it didn't remove any of the paint. For $7 and zero chance of damaging the badges seems like it might be a reasonable solution for those of us wishing to black out the chrome badges. I'll post back before and after images when I get a chance to apply it. |
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01-31-2020, 12:21 PM | #28 |
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Yup! you can pull apart the side vents with ease, there's barely any adhesive tape.
As for the badge in the grille it's even easier, I pulled mine off and added in the black chrome one. Lmk if you want some pics but just adhesive on the back. |
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01-31-2020, 03:10 PM | #29 |
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That grille isn't the same as the M one on the car now. The very side of the vents aren't open and are closed. This is going to hinder cooling.
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01-31-2020, 11:01 PM | #30 |
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where did you get the black chrome grille badge?
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01-31-2020, 11:02 PM | #31 |
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pics of the grille badge and vents badges when blacked out ? please?
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02-01-2020, 06:03 AM | #32 |
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I bought these from the same seller for the m40 and just installed them. I'd say that although paint was not 100% perfect (you need to be really really close to tell) fitment was fine. I'll try and snap a few pictures.
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02-01-2020, 08:41 AM | #33 |
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I did notice that but not sure it will actually make much difference. Airflow tolerances must be quite broad. For example, radar for adaptive cruise looks to block a significant portion of the lower grill. I do not have adaptive cruise. And, of course, the grill badge itself will impede airflow.
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02-01-2020, 01:18 PM | #34 | |
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02-01-2020, 05:25 PM | #35 | |
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Only thing I would do differently - make sure you have good lighting as mine wasn't good since it was cloudy and misty outside so I applied in the garage. I should've spent a few more minutes to set up appropriate lighting, but for $7 and less than 30 min of my time, I'm pleased I no longer have the chrome 'X3M' sticking out from the rest of the Comp elements. |
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02-03-2020, 08:43 AM | #36 | |
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02-03-2020, 08:55 AM | #37 |
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A few more images with better lighting. The lower ones show my modified badge next to my wife's OEM badge.
[Edit 1121AM - just saw these questions which must've been posted while I was working on entering this one earlier: - please see posts #25 and 35 for the details and answers.] Last edited by Max Well; 02-03-2020 at 10:24 AM.. Reason: Added the edit note after seeing sayemthree's questions |
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02-10-2020, 10:40 PM | #39 |
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I still don’t see how to remove the grill badge?
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02-11-2020, 01:08 PM | #40 | |
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02-13-2020, 02:17 AM | #41 |
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is that the badge and all the supporting parts or just the badge? any pics with it removed?
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02-13-2020, 05:55 AM | #42 | |
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10-07-2020, 02:45 AM | #43 |
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10-07-2020, 08:32 AM | #44 |
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