[Geighty7]

Originally Posted by xtougher

A couple of quick updates/thoughts:

- over 1,750 miles on it now
- used the car's navigation system a couple of times, and I'll have to look up some details. I was impressed with the level of details/info it was showing me via the HUD that, once I figured it out, was pretty useful. (I had been using Waze via Carplay most of the time.)
- occasionally, I hear a noise that only lasts approx 10 seconds or so, and sounds like a fan speeding up for a bit and then slowing down enough to not hear it anymore. Any thoughts on what that is?
- how much of a pain is it really to get the adhesive from the trunk spoiler completely off? I ordered a trunk spoiler and that's the step I'm concerned about.
- saw the ZB on the same road again...I'm completely assuming it was the same one I saw a couple of weeks ago. LOL
- I had my first person roll down the window while in the back seat of an SUV as I was driving the opposite direction from them, and they were making a face. Still can't tell if that was just me catching someone being weird, or if it was related to the car. Wife was in the car and asked me if it was the car. No clue.

How's everyone else doing? Hope a lot of the others have started getting their cars!

Also, started a new IG for some basic posts about the car, in case you're on there: @xtougherM2

I would just stick it on my signature here, but still don't have that ability.

Fan noise is normal. Cooling system on engine. Happens every once in a while.

Glad you are enjoying your car.

[Ronin76]

Originally Posted by xtougher

A couple of quick updates/thoughts:

- over 1,750 miles on it now
- used the car's navigation system a couple of times, and I'll have to look up some details. I was impressed with the level of details/info it was showing me via the HUD that, once I figured it out, was pretty useful. (I had been using Waze via Carplay most of the time.)
- occasionally, I hear a noise that only lasts approx 10 seconds or so, and sounds like a fan speeding up for a bit and then slowing down enough to not hear it anymore. Any thoughts on what that is?
- how much of a pain is it really to get the adhesive from the trunk spoiler completely off? I ordered a trunk spoiler and that's the step I'm concerned about.
- saw the ZB on the same road again...I'm completely assuming it was the same one I saw a couple of weeks ago. LOL
- I had my first person roll down the window while in the back seat of an SUV as I was driving the opposite direction from them, and they were making a face. Still can't tell if that was just me catching someone being weird, or if it was related to the car. Wife was in the car and asked me if it was the car. No clue.

How's everyone else doing? Hope a lot of the others have started getting their cars!

Also, started a new IG for some basic posts about the car, in case you're on there: @xtougherM2

I would just stick it on my signature here, but still don't have that ability.

Glad you are enjoying the car.

How often do you use the HUD? I am debating on whether I should get it or not.

This is my concern as well. I am thinking about just getting the M Performance spoiler and having it installed at the port so I do not have to deal with removing the OEM spoiler.

[iifymbro]

Originally Posted by xtougher

- how much of a pain is it really to get the adhesive from the trunk spoiler completely off? I ordered a trunk spoiler and that's the step I'm concerned about.

it's annoying but you only have to do it once so still worth it. Heat gun the part of the spoiler you're working on until it's hot but not so hot that it scorches the clear coat underneath (so decently warm to the touch, not immediately burning your finger) just wanna soften up the foam a little bit. Then get some thick fishing line and run it under the spoiler trying to keep pressure down towards the trunk vs up onto the underside of spoiler and saw it back n' forth down the spoiler. I wrapped some cardboard around my fingers then the fishing line around that so it didn't squeeze my fingers when sawing it back n' forth.

Then the next annoying part, have to remove the remaining tape with a "3M Stripe Off Wheel Adhesive Remover" that goes in a drill. Can also use the semi-soft plastic tools I can't remember the name of, but are used for prying plastic panels off. The wheel is safe but you can't let it get too hot or it can scorch the clear coat, and your drill will probably get really hot too. The wheel cools off fast though, drill not so much I put it in the fridge a couple times haha. Once it's off you can use some not too potent rubbing alcohol to remove the remaining adhesive debris to finish it off.

Takes longer then it looks like it should cause the tape they use is overkill and fights you the whole way.

[xtougher]

Originally Posted by Geighty7

Fan noise is normal. Cooling system on engine. Happens every once in a while.

Glad you are enjoying your car.

Yeah, I figured it was routine, but wasn't sure what it was. Curiosity, more than anything. Cooling system does make sense though!

Thanks! I'm definitely enjoying the car as a daily driver...still haven't even really dug into the iDrive too much yet either! Got a lot to play with there still.

[xtougher]

Originally Posted by Ronin76

Glad you are enjoying the car.

How often do you use the HUD? I am debating on whether I should get it or not.

This is my concern as well. I am thinking about just getting the M Performance spoiler and having it installed at the port so I do not have to deal with removing the OEM spoiler.

I keep the HUD on 100% of the time. I do wish the blue wasn't there, so it's just the speed and speed limit on the HUD as the default. That's how it was with the HUD on my 340i I had before this. But you definitely get used to it visually, to the point where when I drive my wife's car that does NOT have the HUD, it's almost a chore to look all the way down and to the right to see my speed (Tesla).

But with the navigation going, it's interesting that it lets me keep the "north always up" setting on the iDrive screen, while showing me "forward always up" in the HUD. This makes sense, since the HUD part shows a bunch of lane specific info that wouldn't make sense with "north always up".

My first choice was to have the trunk spoiler installed (with my rear carbon fiber diffuser) at the port, but it was not available when I ordered my car through the build lock date. So here we are.

[xtougher]

Originally Posted by iifymbro

it's annoying but you only have to do it once so still worth it. Heat gun the part of the spoiler you're working on until it's hot but not so hot that it scorches the clear coat underneath (so decently warm to the touch, not immediately burning your finger) just wanna soften up the foam a little bit. Then get some thick fishing line and run it under the spoiler trying to keep pressure down towards the trunk vs up onto the underside of spoiler and saw it back n' forth down the spoiler. I wrapped some cardboard around my fingers then the fishing line around that so it didn't squeeze my fingers when sawing it back n' forth.

Then the next annoying part, have to remove the remaining tape with a "3M Stripe Off Wheel Adhesive Remover" that goes in a drill. Can also use the semi-soft plastic tools I can't remember the name of, but are used for prying plastic panels off. The wheel is safe but you can't let it get too hot or it can scorch the clear coat, and your drill will probably get really hot too. The wheel cools off fast though, drill not so much I put it in the fridge a couple times haha. Once it's off you can use some not too potent rubbing alcohol to remove the remaining adhesive debris to finish it off.

Takes longer then it looks like it should cause the tape they use is overkill and fights you the whole way.

Got it. I was pretty sure I got the fishing line part of the process in my brain, and shouldn't be a problem.

I was definitely a bit concerned about the removal of the remaining adhesive afterwards. I guess I'll have to look up the wheel you mentioned that goes into a drill. I'm assuming it's the most common way people are doing it.

Thanks for the insight and the tips (gotta leave room in my fridge, just in case! LOL). Just have to suck it up and do it, knowing it'll be a bit annoying!

[xtougher]

I am in Texas and ordered something from Europe.

It is being shipped via DHL.

I got notifications (via text and email) that I need to pay an additional $40 for an import duty, and if I don't pay it within 5 days or so, the item will be shipped back.

Is that legit?

I was charged shipping up front, so didn't know why this was something additional, and didn't want to take any action until I looked into it.

I don't think I've had to do that in the past when receiving something from Europe, but it's been a while for me.

Thanks for any insight.

[xtougher]

In hindsight, my last post should have included that what I ordered was some carbon fiber pieces from CT Carbon.

I re-read that post and it definitely seemed like I was asking about some random purchase I made in this forum. Oops.

Anyway, quick update on that specific question, in case someone else orders from somewhere and encounters a similar situation:

I reached out to CT Carbon and they mentioned a import duty charge could apply. So I made sure to go to DHL's site and paid the duty and they delivered the item the next day. I guess they were holding it.

Hadn't dealt with that before, but I guess I know now.

[Ronin76]

Originally Posted by xtougher

In hindsight, my last post should have included that what I ordered was some carbon fiber pieces from CT Carbon.

I re-read that post and it definitely seemed like I was asking about some random purchase I made in this forum. Oops.

Anyway, quick update on that specific question, in case someone else orders from somewhere and encounters a similar situation:

I reached out to CT Carbon and they mentioned a import duty charge could apply. So I made sure to go to DHL's site and paid the duty and they delivered the item the next day. I guess they were holding it.

Hadn't dealt with that before, but I guess I know now.

So will you have to always go to the carrier’s website to pay the duty? Its not included in the price?
When are the parts getting installed? Need to show pics.

[xtougher]

Originally Posted by Ronin76

So will you have to always go to the carrier’s website to pay the duty? Its not included in the price?
When are the parts getting installed? Need to show pics.

I thought it was included in shipping, but when I reached out to CT Carbon, they mentioned something about being off a list of automatic import duty (or something like that), and that it is common to have to pay that separately.

I will not pretend to understand it, but all I know is that I had to pay it with the carrier to "release" the shipment to be completed.



Not quite sure yet with the parts getting installed. I'm navigating a random schedule that is not matching up with rain, and also availability of tools/space to work on it.

Once I figure it out, I'll definitely post pics!

[JCoR]

Originally Posted by xtougher

Got it. I was pretty sure I got the fishing line part of the process in my brain, and shouldn't be a problem.

I was definitely a bit concerned about the removal of the remaining adhesive afterwards. I guess I'll have to look up the wheel you mentioned that goes into a drill. I'm assuming it's the most common way people are doing it.

Thanks for the insight and the tips (gotta leave room in my fridge, just in case! LOL). Just have to suck it up and do it, knowing it'll be a bit annoying!

I used a hair dryer and fishing line as iifymbro mentioned. I borrowed a 3M Stripe Off Wheel from a friend but was worried about burning through the clearcoat/paint. So I ended up using a plastic razor blade and Rapid Remover so get off the left over tape.

[xtougher]

As I've been putting some miles on the car driving all over town (mostly for work), I've really been wanting to find a place to put my phone that also charges it.

I have the wireless charger (phone toaster) that I don't use, since it's in the armrest and I do occasionally want access to the phone a bit more easily.

So while I was looking, I found this option that works with a magnet, and I don't have to keep plugging and unplugging the phone each time. I can just grab and go.

I may end up hating it, but here is a pic of where it will go. It doesn't get in the way of a vent, take up space in a cupholder, and doesn't block the view of anything but the hood.

I'll be on the road a lot tomorrow, so I'll have some thoughts on whether I like it in general, whether I need to change placement, etc.

We'll see!

[xtougher]

Originally Posted by JCoR

I used a hair dryer and fishing line as iifymbro mentioned. I borrowed a 3M Stripe Off Wheel from a friend but was worried about burning through the clearcoat/paint. So I ended up using a plastic razor blade and Rapid Remover so get off the left over tape.

What is the smallest amount of Rapid Remover you can buy?? LOL

I just looked it up on Amazon, and it was all large volume containers for like $40+...I just want a small spray bottle or something! HA

[JCoR]

Originally Posted by xtougher

What is the smallest amount of Rapid Remover you can buy?? LOL

I just looked it up on Amazon, and it was all large volume containers for like $40+...I just want a small spray bottle or something! HA

I see a 4oz bottle for $13.99 on Amazon.

[xtougher]

Originally Posted by JCoR

I see a 4oz bottle for $13.99 on Amazon.

Thanks. Just bought that one!

[xtougher]

So, the first spot was a failure.

The back of the screen was more curved than I remembered, and it was wishful thinking to think that the adhesive would stick strongly enough to hold a phone.

It lasted a couple of hours before I started seeing it "sag" a bit, and then realized the adhesive really had no chance.

So, I have changed the adhesive pad and tried this location. I used it for a total of about an hour with the phone on it, and it seems fine.

It is definitely nice since it charges and is magnetic. It's also out of the way and within reach, if ever needed.

Works for me, as long as the adhesive sticks well enough!

[xtougher]

Random question: I noticed that when I press the clutch in, the exhaust sounds different.

This happens when I'm anticipating the light turning green, but maybe delay actually getting on the gas to check for red light runners, etc.

Is the change in sounds just the sound in the speakers? Or is something being opened somewhere in the exhaust system triggered by the clutch being pressed?

Side note: the new spot for the phone mount seems to be working fine. I really like that I can just attach the phone and take it from the magnet, and that it charges while it's on there. And it's not blocking anything or anyone from anything. So that's nice!

[Ronin76]

Hey xtougher did you get your carbon fiber trim yet? Wanted to get your opinion on them.

[xtougher]

Originally Posted by M2siast

Every BMW does that, I believe the clutch alleviates the engine so it runs more freely (observe the RPMs raise when clutched in) so the noise changes.

Someone alluded to an exhaust flap opening, but the sound changes with the flaps 100% open too (meaning they can’t open further).

Ah, got you.

That second scenario you mentioned is what made me question whether it was just a sound difference being pumped into the cabin via the speakers.

Thanks!

[xtougher]

Originally Posted by Ronin76

Hey xtougher did you get your carbon fiber trim yet? Wanted to get your opinion on them.

Yes!

The problem: haven't taken much time to inspect and haven't installed yet.

I received it in a rainy period locally, so I was just thinking I'll take a look when it lets up. But then, my back started giving me issues (nerve stuff, UGH).

So I'll have to wait until my body cooperates and then I'll post some updates.

It's annoying because it's just sitting there received, but not on my car.

LOL

[Ronin76]

Originally Posted by xtougher

Yes!

The problem: haven't taken much time to inspect and haven't installed yet.

I received it in a rainy period locally, so I was just thinking I'll take a look when it lets up. But then, my back started giving me issues (nerve stuff, UGH).

So I'll have to wait until my body cooperates and then I'll post some updates.

It's annoying because it's just sitting there received, but not on my car.

LOL

No worries man, hope you feel better. I am really thinking about going with them as well, or at least some of their items.

[xtougher]

Originally Posted by Ronin76

No worries man, hope you feel better. I am really thinking about going with them as well, or at least some of their items.

Yeah, sorry not as helpful with the timing. I'll be as quick as I can!