[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by IND-Distribution

We've been working really hard to get several products to market for the F97 and the current economic situation has only made things more complicated. We just started pre-orders for the RKP front lip a couple weeks ago and we're already manufacturing to fill those orders. Trust me when I say we're manufacturing as fast as possible, but COVID has severely limited capacity.

Need to hurry. My customers are anxious to receive their order.

[aw305]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

Need to hurry. My customers are anxious to receive their order.

lol yea Ben hurry

[larsmin]

Originally Posted by AlexFL

Honestly, don't like it so much. Looks too aggressive and too overdone. You would need a really aggressive front splitter and stance to match it visually. For this price, I would rather get the MPE diffuser.

Thank you for your opinions, Max Well and AlexFl.
Yes. That's why I'm hesitating and asking for opinions.
I'm going to wait for the RKP

[larsmin]

I'm about to purchase a diffuser and thinking of between MPE and 3D design. :
I need you guys help in order to decide. Please advise me which one will look better with mine.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by larsmin

I'm about to purchase a diffuser and thinking of between MPE and 3D design. :
I need you guys help in order to decide. Please advise me which one will look better with mine.

Tough question if you are solely interested in which, "will look better with mine". That's always going to be subjective, so what I like vs what others prefer will vary across the board. But, since you asked, I'll share that I don't care for the horizontal projection sticking out on both sides. I get that it may seem to follow the side skirts theme but it appears overdone to me.

My other concern, which is the main one for why I went with M's OEM offering, is that I know that was thoroughly vetted in their wind tunnel and meshes with their overall aerodynamics. As Dr. Hennig stated in the interview I've shared previously [ bmw-m.com/en/topics/magazine-article-pool/how-bmw-m-tests-in-the-wind-tunnel.html ], 'The design of a vehicle’s front, underbody and cooling air ducts has a decisive influence. In these areas, we optimise the vehicle’s shape in the wind tunnel, sometimes to a matter of millimetres, in order to influence the flow of air in accordance with our design goals. In some places, this may mean that we make the vehicle’s shape rounder, for example, to prevent the flow from becoming detached. At other points, we deliberately bring tear-off edges to the vehicle, such as a front spoiler.' And further, he indicates, 'The basic aerodynamic shape of the bodywork has improved continuously in recent decades. This makes other factors, such as the aerodynamic optimisation of the underbody and the aerodynamic design of the rims, tyres and add-on parts, all the more important today. It is in these areas in particular that much more detailed aerodynamic work is being done today than in the past.' And finally, 'you always have to keep an eye on the whole vehicle. A change at the front of the vehicle can completely alter the flow around the rear – or vice versa. In general, the front and underbody of the vehicle take up 75 per cent of the development time in the wind tunnel.'

For me, looks are secondary to perceived improvement in the aerodynamics of my X3MC, so I'll always lean to M's offerings if I can afford to do so (which often becomes a deciding factor for others when aftermarket items may be significantly less expensive). And the argument could be made that any improvement in airflow and drag aren't going to be realized unless at high speed. A valid point for sure, but for me, this is something which enters into my thought process.

[Max Well]

Question for those who have installed the CFRP rear diffuser from M Division -

Does your 'kick to open tailgate' function still work? Mine hasn't since the CFRP diffuser was installed but didn't think that much about it as not a crucial feature for me. Thought maybe a wire wasn't reconnected appropriately or something similar. But my wife's no longer works after her CFRP was installed either.

This morning I dropped my X3MC off for a routine Svc item and asked them to look into it. When the diffuser is removed it apparently works fine, but not when re-installed... Nothing in the BMW notes seems to indicate that functionality is lost when it is installed (at least per their notes and review), and they even spoke with the Regional Field Engineer. I can understand the trailer hitch blocking this function (and BMW even clarifies that in clear print that functionality is lost with the hitch), but not with the design of this CFRP diffuser? Could the CFRP weave be interfering with the signal somehow? I thought it was more of a line-of-sight type functionality, which shouldn't have been lost with this design over the OEM plastic diffuser, so I'm puzzled (as are the Svc team members, at least to this point).

Just checking to see if others who have installed this on their own vehicles can share whether the 'kick function' still works? If it does for others, then that should narrow down the list of potential causes on our two cases.

Thanks

[allinon72]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Question for those who have installed the CFRP rear diffuser from M Division -

Does your 'kick to open tailgate' function still work? Mine hasn't since the CFRP diffuser was installed but didn't think that much about it as not a crucial feature for me. Thought maybe a wire wasn't reconnected appropriately or something similar. But my wife's no longer works after her CFRP was installed either.

This morning I dropped my X3MC off for a routine Svc item and asked them to look into it. When the diffuser is removed it apparently works fine, but not when re-installed... Nothing in the BMW notes seems to indicate that functionality is lost when it is installed (at least per their notes and review), and they even spoke with the Regional Field Engineer. I can understand the trailer hitch blocking this function (and BMW even clarifies that in clear print that functionality is lost with the hitch), but not with the design of this CFRP diffuser? Could the CFRP weave be interfering with the signal somehow? I thought it was more of a line-of-sight type functionality, which shouldn't have been lost with this design over the OEM plastic diffuser, so I'm puzzled (as are the Svc team members, at least to this point).

Just checking to see if others who have installed this on their own vehicles can share whether the 'kick function' still works? If it does for others, then that should narrow down the list of potential causes on our two cases.

Thanks

Carbon fiber is not penetrable by the waves that make the kick to open sensor work. Common problem amongst CF diffusers on cars with this feature. Some with F80s have found some work arounds if you do a search.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Carbon fiber is not penetrable by the waves that make the kick to open sensor work. Common problem amongst CF diffusers on cars with this feature. Some with F80s have found some work arounds if you do a search.

Thanks for sharing, allinon72 . For me it isn't a major issue and I'll just do without the feature if need be, but seems a caution may wish to be shared by BMW for those purchasing, and for such to be included in the installation notes for Technicians (much as they have with the hitch). Our local Svc team I believe is researching up the chain to see what recs are there.

If others, noushy , AlexFL ... can confirm their feature doesn't work then I'll just get my car back from the Svc Dept, no worries.

[Will Pwr]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Carbon fiber is not penetrable by the waves that make the kick to open sensor work. Common problem amongst CF diffusers on cars with this feature. Some with F80s have found some work arounds if you do a search.

Ditto here in regards to the F80 and the CF rear diffuser on mine...the work around left the wires too exposed for my liking though.

[noushy]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Thanks for sharing, allinon72 . For me it isn't a major issue and I'll just do without the feature if need be, but seems a caution may wish to be shared by BMW for those purchasing, and for such to be included in the installation notes for Technicians (much as they have with the hitch). Our local Svc team I believe is researching up the chain to see what recs are there.

If others, noushy , AlexFL ... can confirm their feature doesn't work then I'll just get my car back from the Svc Dept, no worries.

Mine works

[Max Well]

After researching this topic, and hearing the feedback from our former F80 now F97/98 colleagues, it appears that use of the CFRP Diffuser indeed negates the ability to use the hands-free auto tailgate opening feature.

An excellent explanation with diagram representations can be found at the newtis website at: newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f97-x3-m-sav/wiring-functional-info/body/locking-security-functions2/touch-less-tailgate-opening/1VnYpVEonk

I am attaching an image of the bumper region behind the diffuser which I took while attempting the install myself some months ago (which I failed at miserably and had to have the Dealership install). I've labelled the two sensor wires with their Part numbers for reference.

I just confirmed this information with the Service team at our Dealership, who escalated it up to BMW NA, who essentially shared this exact information with them. So everything has been re-installed and I'm to pick her up in a few hours.

For us it is a minor inconvenience and I would absolutely order the CFRP diffusers again, even with this knowledge in hand. But, for some this may influence their decision, so hopefully BMW will add a disclaimer to this product and will also provide formal documentation in the Tech notes so this service request doesn't repeat itself at Dealerships around the globe.

[S1ngl3t0n]

any news about the the RKP diffusor?

[MSUGOGRN]

Bumping this thread. Has anybody checked out this company? I love the look of the rear diffuser as it wraps under the tailpipes.

https://www.hyenna.eu/product/bmw-x3...rear-diffuser/

Manufacturer is CMST Body Kits Taiwan TSFC

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

I was just looking at the 3D design unit & the M performance unit. But both are pretty pricey options & you look the kick gate function feature too. So it's a no win game I guess. LOL