[BeyondVision]

Originally Posted by PerthBMW

Very good job.

Are you able to briefly describe how you did it from the step after removing the grills? I've bought some stuff to put on but not 100% sure of best process. is it as simple as cutting a 2 inch wide strip and placing it on? Did you clean the strut first etc?

Thanks...

Thanks! 2" width is not enough. At first I just eye balled a cut and underestimated the width. Need at least 3.5 (i think i cut 3.75) like @spta97 mentioned to get a full wrap around the bar. Again, your cut doesn't need to be that precise and the most important part is to start in the center of the v brace and work yourself outside around to avoid bubbles.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by BeyondVision

Thanks man! Your color ways looks great too. Don't think you can go wrong with both of these shades of blue. I had contemplated about white, but was afraid it would show dirt or bug splatter too easily.

Pretty much followed the same steps that you said, although I didn't worry too much about perfectly wrapping behind the bar because you can't see it. I started as close to the top of the v brace first (around the flat edge) and worked my way down to press the vinyl in the center of the vbrace, then proceeded to wrap around one side and then the other to ensure no bubbles.

Overall it took me like 30 min. I hate removing the grill because of the amount of pressure you need to apply to the 3 clips at the top.

I agree on the white - it would be hard to keep clean.

The back of mine didn't turn out as well. I'm hoping that won't be an issue but I guess I will find out in time.

Removing the top 3 clips was the easy part for me. It was trying to get the side clips not to break when removing - I was 1/1 for that

[MarinoB]

OP thank you for posting the Amazon link! Ordered, now hopefully the delivery won't be delayed like most things I've ordered recently.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by MarinoB

OP thank you for posting the Amazon link! Ordered, now hopefully the delivery won't be delayed like most things I've ordered recently.

Prime now seems slower than other services lol.

I'm just glad to be healthy and be able to own an X3MC!

Please post pics when done!

[PerthBMW]

Originally Posted by BeyondVision

Thanks! 2" width is not enough. At first I just eye balled a cut and underestimated the width. Need at least 3.5 (i think i cut 3.75) like @spta97 mentioned to get a full wrap around the bar. Again, your cut doesn't need to be that precise and the most important part is to start in the center of the v brace and work yourself outside around to avoid bubbles.

Originally Posted by BeyondVision

Thanks! 2" width is not enough. At first I just eye balled a cut and underestimated the width. Need at least 3.5 (i think i cut 3.75) like @spta97 mentioned to get a full wrap around the bar. Again, your cut doesn't need to be that precise and the most important part is to start in the center of the v brace and work yourself outside around to avoid bubbles.

Thank you that was really helpful...appreciate it

[PerthBMW]

Originally Posted by spta97

It's supposed to be easy, but mine was a PITA.

Here is the process:

The issue I had was the tabs on the side of the grill would not let go. I broke that clip on the passenger side, but was able to get a plastic pry tool in on the driver's side to release it. I epoxied the broken clip back on so good to go again.

I refused to upgrade to the hidious mustard plates so I've been holding onto these for 15 years! They say a redesign was pending in April but I have not heard anything further. It didn't look great but better than the current.

Yes, wrapping in black would be silly Though, I did notice some scratches on mine likely from road debris. The blue I used is in my 1st post. Post back yours once you decide on a color and install!

1) Clean with denatured alcohol (this is much better than rubbing alcohol which I learned contains some oil). It's a great grease/sticker remover as well and has proven safe on paint and carpet. You can get it in the paint isle at HD or Lowes.

2) Wash your hands - even though you cannot help touching the bar as you wrap it, it is a good idea to minimize dirt/oil.

3) Measure the length with a tape measure, then take a piece of paper and wrap it around to get the circumference and measure that by marking a slight (~1/4") overlap. I learned it is best to have the wrap overlap itself. I cut mine to 16 1/2" x 3 1/2".

4) I tried to just peal away the backing lengthwise in order not to expose more than I could work with. Because of the limited space, this didn't work out so well so I took off the entire backing. Make sure you don't let the vinyl grab onto anything.

5) Start in the middle of the wrap and front of the bar from the top to the bottom. I was only really concerned with what showed.

6) Once lined up, press down with your finger and push out any air bubbles from the center front middle to the back of the bar. Try to stick down only what is smooth and watch out for wrinkles.

7) Work the length small sections at a time then start again from the top and push further to the back. Repeat until it is all stuck down.

8) Now do the same starting from the front of the bar down back to the underside so it wraps around the back.

9) The ends of the bar are the hardest due to the shape and limited space. You may want to cut yours shorter as it will need to be pushed back past some of the car body on an angle.

That's what I did anyway. The vinyl is pretty forgiving (you can peel it back up) but can stretch or rip.

There are several vids on YouTube. Here's one where he took the bars off:

Originally Posted by BeyondVision

Thanks! 2" width is not enough. At first I just eye balled a cut and underestimated the width. Need at least 3.5 (i think i cut 3.75) like @spta97 mentioned to get a full wrap around the bar. Again, your cut doesn't need to be that precise and the most important part is to start in the center of the v brace and work yourself outside around to avoid bubbles.

Excellent thanks heaps easy to follow instructions...

[MarinoB]

Originally Posted by spta97

Prime now seems slower than other services lol.

I'm just glad to be healthy and be able to own an X3MC!

Please post pics when done!

You hit the nail on the head with the color choice! Great match with the brakes.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by MarinoB

You hit the nail on the head with the color choice! Great match with the brakes.

Looks great! Glad I could help - I did a bit of research to find the color match but I'm very happy with it as well.

I'm debating on wrapping the braces in the engine compartment but want to install my sub and amp first.

I finally got pics of mine in the sun:

[IND-Distribution]

You did a nice job and the color match looks great! That's one of those small details that goes a long way

[spta97]

Originally Posted by IND-Distribution

You did a nice job and the color match looks great! That's one of those small details that goes a long way

Thanks! And not bad for <$20 and about an hour start to finish

[P.Cullen]

Originally Posted by spta97

Looks great! Glad I could help - I did a bit of research to find the color match but I'm very happy with it as well.

I'm debating on wrapping the braces in the engine compartment but want to install my sub and amp first.

I finally got pics of mine in the sun:

Orange to match your seats would have looked awesome!

I am thinking of doing the same but stuck between going CF or picking a colour that would stand out. The Blue is the obvious choice to match the calipers, but i don't know if i would want something a little 'wilder' lol

I have the active grills so it would only be visible when driving which is a bit disappointing.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by P.Cullen

Orange to match your seats would have looked awesome!

I am thinking of doing the same but stuck between going CF or picking a colour that would stand out. The Blue is the obvious choice to match the calipers, but i don't know if i would want something a little 'wilder' lol

I have the active grills so it would only be visible when driving which is a bit disappointing.

My interior is actually the midrand beige (more of a yellow).

I had considered it, but thought it would be too flashy.

I heard the active grills are prone to issues and BMW extended the warranty as a result.

Do they really help getting the car to temp quicker?

In either case, please post back what you decide. Worst case the vinyl is pretty cheap so if you are not happy with your color you can easily change it.

Edit - Anything black or CF will hardly be noticeable.

[lambmw]

Originally Posted by P.Cullen

Orange to match your seats would have looked awesome!

I am thinking of doing the same but stuck between going CF or picking a colour that would stand out. The Blue is the obvious choice to match the calipers, but i don't know if i would want something a little 'wilder' lol

I have the active grills so it would only be visible when driving which is a bit disappointing.

What product did you buy to get this shadowline for the headlights?

[bmwmdistrict]

Looks really good, nice work and color choice!

[suby01]

Originally Posted by lambmw

What product did you buy to get this shadowline for the headlights?

Looks like just regular window tint. And you can choose your darkness. Thats probably 5%.

[Razel]

Originally Posted by BeyondVision

forever a sad and desperate lions fan

Had the opportunity to speak with Al Locasale of the Oakland Raiders about teams that never seem to make it to the Super Bowl. Detroit specifically, but in general, teams that never seem to get to that last-of-the-season game is primarily due to the team ownership. It's very, very expensive to the team to play in the Super Bowl and even to win it.

Detroit owners don't want that extra expense. No Super Bowl for the Lions until there's an owner that wants it.