Is it worth it?

Mike V8 · 12-07-2011, 06:47 PM

I have to take my car to BMW for service. Should I have my dealer install my new performance splitters and spoiler or should I suck it up and do it myself?

chris s · 12-07-2011, 06:55 PM

It's easy...but takes some time. I did both.... Def wouldn't pay dealer rates for install.

Singletrack · 12-07-2011, 06:58 PM

Do it yourself or have a good body shop do it. Not only will you likely save money at the bodyshop, but they will be more detail oriented...if they're good that is : )

MisterM3 · 12-07-2011, 07:06 PM

DIY for sure. its very easy to install. i installed my lip and spoiler myself.

MR///M3 · 12-07-2011, 07:50 PM

I find it amazing how some people can't do installs so simple like a splitter or spoiler install, and then they call themselves "enthusiasts". Installing it is half the fun.

I suggest you do it yourself OP

-=Hot|Ice=- · 12-07-2011, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR///M3

I find it amazing how some people can't do installs so simple like a splitter or spoiler install, and then they call themselves "enthusiasts". Installing it is half the fun. /rant

I suggest you do it yourself OP

I find it amazing how people try to make themselves look superior to others and feel the need to make smart comments. Just answer the damn question and don't get all smart. You can be an enthusiast and not be able to put on a splitter or rear spoiler. Some people just like to be on the safe side and get it installed professionally.

Singletrack · 12-07-2011, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Hot|Ice=-

I find it amazing how people try to make themselves look superior to others and feel the need to make smart comments. Just answer the damn question and don't get all smart. You can be an enthusiast and not be able to put on a splitter or rear spoiler. Some people just like to be on the safe side and get it installed professionally.

Concur.

Shit, there are race car drivers that have ZERO wrenching skill. One thing has little to do with the other.

PinkFlamingo · 12-07-2011, 09:14 PM

You don't need major skills but you do need patients if you want them to come out good. Size them up and hold them in place before you start so you understand how they should matchup with the shape of the bumper. Read the directions well to make sure you prep the area as instructed, and apply the adhesive in the correct locations. Also pre-tape the surrounding areas in case some of the adhesive oozes out when you put pressure on the contact points. Lastly, hold the splitters in place with tape afterwards so they don't loosen up before they dry.

If you take your time, you should be fine and honestly it will probably come out better if you do it yourself, rather than a tech at BMW.

Good Luck

Mike V8 · 12-07-2011, 09:15 PM

Thanks guys! The only reason why I considered the dealership was because of a post I read on here a little while back where the guy did the install himself and the spoiler flew off on the freeway!

MisterM3 · 12-07-2011, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike V8

Thanks guys! The only reason why I considered the dealership was because of a post I read on here a little while back where the guy did the install himself and the spoiler flew off on the freeway!

i remember that thread too. if installed correctly it should not fly off. most people on here install it themselves with no problems. just remember to clean the area nicely. rubbing alcohol will do the tirck. having a buddy will make the process that much easier. my girlfirend helped me and she has no clue wtf the spoiler is for lol.

THE TECH · 12-07-2011, 10:04 PM

Splitters are one of the easiest items to install. Definitely a DIY.

Nine · 12-07-2011, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike V8

Thanks guys! The only reason why I considered the dealership was because of a post I read on here a little while back where the guy did the install himself and the spoiler flew off on the freeway!

That sounds like something that would happen to me, I have such bad luck and poor wrenching hands.

I will say that, after doing my reflectors - it felt very rewarding to see my hard work executed.

CBS · 12-07-2011, 10:34 PM

Actually I read that same post and decided I didn't need my spoiler coming off at the track so I asked the dealer to install. Told them it had to survive 140+. No big deal, my wrenching days are over anyway replaced by other responsibilities.

OP: Good Luck!

NorCalE92M3 · 12-08-2011, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike V8

Thanks guys! The only reason why I considered the dealership was because of a post I read on here a little while back where the guy did the install himself and the spoiler flew off on the freeway!

For the rear spoiler make sure you use the BMW glue and NOT 3M double sided tape. You only have one shot with the glue so make sure you get it right the first time. I had a professional install mine given he had done it numerous times before.

luis_m3 · 12-08-2011, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR///M3

I find it amazing how some people can't do installs so simple like a splitter or spoiler install, and then they call themselves "enthusiasts". Installing it is half the fun.

I suggest you do it yourself OP

If you're such a enthusiast, then go there and do it for him. Stop being a DICK!
OP, I recommend you DIY, but if you're not feeling so confident about it, then just pay someone who does it all the time.

dmw16 · 12-08-2011, 07:24 AM

I did the CF spoiler myself when I had my 135i and it was a nightmare. Mostly because I didn't clean up the BMW-spec'd glue when it still uncured, but even if I had it would have been a total mess.

I'm not sure I'd pay the dealer, but I think I would pay a good body shop for the spoiler.

FVM3 · 12-08-2011, 07:51 AM

DIY

IFX · 12-08-2011, 08:35 AM

DIY man... don't let the dealer rape you. There are more than enough people on this site to help you out.

1sikbmr · 12-08-2011, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris s

It's easy...but takes some time. I did both.... Def wouldn't pay dealer rates for install.

agreed.

SergioPark · 12-08-2011, 10:47 AM

I always perfer to DIY, but, it is challeging now-a-days with my work schedule. My last job was some lowering springs and an exhaust on an IS350. Not overly hard, but challenging without a lift. Doing one wheel at a time with jackstands in a PITA. Oh, and did I mention that I didn't have an air compressor to help tighten the spring clamps.

Buschy · 12-08-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -=Hot|Ice=-

I find it amazing how people try to make themselves look superior to others and feel the need to make smart comments. Just answer the damn question and don't get all smart. You can be an enthusiast and not be able to put on a splitter or rear spoiler. Some people just like to be on the safe side and get it installed professionally.

some Enthusiast figure its not worth their time to install shit themselves.
Do you think The Enthusiasts that have a 10, 20 , 30-100 car collection will install something themselves?
I want a spoiler on my car I think I will spend the day putting it on and save $100. Nah, Ill just call the shop and have them send someone over to install it and Spend an extra grand on it.

also, there are enthusiasts that dont even have a car.

Buschy · 12-08-2011, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike V8

I have to take my car to BMW for service. Should I have my dealer install my new performance splitters and spoiler or should I suck it up and do it myself?

another answer,will you save more money in time value or come out even?
if it takes you all day to do it for $100 less, could you have made $100 in that time?

12-07-2011, 06:47 PM	#1
Mike V8 First Lieutenant 24 Rep 398 Posts Drives: '09 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: So. Cal. iTrader: (0)	Is it worth it? I have to take my car to BMW for service. Should I have my dealer install my new performance splitters and spoiler or should I suck it up and do it myself? __________________ "...it's not about the money and not about the brand of the car, it's about handling,performance and passion......And that, no other car has all together like an M3........when you talk about the most complete car the M is invincible." --Tony Kanaan.
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12-07-2011, 06:55 PM	#2
chris s Major General 1253 Rep 6,916 Posts Drives: 2022 Dravit G80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New York iTrader: (12)	It's easy...but takes some time. I did both.... Def wouldn't pay dealer rates for install. __________________ 2022 Dravit/Fiona M3cx - Dinan midpipe w/VC, NW Carbonhaus CF, AST Springs, FC Spacers...more to come! 2016 Indi F80 M3 - SMB\|Amaro \| Mode Carbon \| ESS \| Akra EVO \| KW HAS...SOLD 2012 MR e92 M3 DCT, ESS SC, Brembo BBK, BBS FI... GONE but not forgotten! 2008 AW e92 M3 6MT, ESS SC, BBS LM's...SOLD!
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12-07-2011, 06:58 PM	#3
Singletrack 4th down; 4th quarter? Renegade. 87 Rep 3,850 Posts Drives: 09 SSII E92 M3; 19 FG M5C Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (3)	Do it yourself or have a good body shop do it. Not only will you likely save money at the bodyshop, but they will be more detail oriented...if they're good that is : )
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12-07-2011, 07:06 PM	#4
MisterM3 not so newbie 9 Rep 207 Posts Drives: VTEC to V6 to V8 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	DIY for sure. its very easy to install. i installed my lip and spoiler myself.
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12-07-2011, 07:50 PM	#5
MR///M3 e90post veteran 58 Rep 1,375 Posts Drives: Past: '12 M3, '09 335 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: central NJ iTrader: (5)	I find it amazing how some people can't do installs so simple like a splitter or spoiler install, and then they call themselves "enthusiasts". Installing it is half the fun. I suggest you do it yourself OP __________________ 2012 Melbourne Red/Bamboo Novillo E92 M3 - ZCP, ZPP, DCT, BMW Apps, Sat Radio, Heated Seats Mods- 20" BBS LM DBK, 18" Volk TE37SL, iPE F1 Exhaust, OSS, Arkym, RD Sport, and much more... Thanks to- PYSpeed -- Morr Wheels -- OSS Designs -- iND-Distribution Last edited by MR///M3; 12-07-2011 at 10:50 PM..
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12-07-2011, 09:14 PM	#8
PinkFlamingo Car Shopping Addict 264 Rep 908 Posts Drives: 981 GT4 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: New York iTrader: (16)	You don't need major skills but you do need patients if you want them to come out good. Size them up and hold them in place before you start so you understand how they should matchup with the shape of the bumper. Read the directions well to make sure you prep the area as instructed, and apply the adhesive in the correct locations. Also pre-tape the surrounding areas in case some of the adhesive oozes out when you put pressure on the contact points. Lastly, hold the splitters in place with tape afterwards so they don't loosen up before they dry. If you take your time, you should be fine and honestly it will probably come out better if you do it yourself, rather than a tech at BMW. Good Luck __________________
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12-07-2011, 09:15 PM	#9
Mike V8 First Lieutenant 24 Rep 398 Posts Drives: '09 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: So. Cal. iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys! The only reason why I considered the dealership was because of a post I read on here a little while back where the guy did the install himself and the spoiler flew off on the freeway! __________________ "...it's not about the money and not about the brand of the car, it's about handling,performance and passion......And that, no other car has all together like an M3........when you talk about the most complete car the M is invincible." --Tony Kanaan.
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12-07-2011, 10:04 PM	#11
THE TECH BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 307 Rep 13,093 Posts Drives: BPMsport 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Kansas iTrader: (45) Garage List 2013 Nissan GTR [0.00] 2019 Sierra Denali ... [0.00] 1999 Nissan Silvia [0.00] 1999 Nissan Skyline ... [0.00] 1998 Toyota Supra [0.00]	Splitters are one of the easiest items to install. Definitely a DIY.
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12-07-2011, 10:34 PM	#13
CBS Major 87 Rep 1,253 Posts Drives: F10535, E90M3, E30M3, E28M5 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Alpina B6 GC [0.00] 2014 535xi M Sport [0.00] 2014 X3 3.5 M Sport [0.00] 2011 M3 E90 [9.74] 2007 Z4 M Coupe [7.00] 1990 M3 [9.50] 1988 M5 [10.00]	Actually I read that same post and decided I didn't need my spoiler coming off at the track so I asked the dealer to install. Told them it had to survive 140+. No big deal, my wrenching days are over anyway replaced by other responsibilities. OP: Good Luck! __________________ ESS VT-1 550 \| M24 Oil Cooler \| Fall Line Half Cage \| RaceTech 4009W \| 6 pt Harness \| Lifeline Zero 360 Fire Suppression \| Rear Seat Delete \| Motion Control DA Dampers w/remote reservoirs \| 900/650 Hyperco Springs \| RD Sport Sway Bars \| Brembo 380 BBK \| GC Camber Plates \| Hoosier R7 \| Eisenmann Sport \| Stack Gauges \| Painted Challenge Front Lip \| Painted ZCP Rear Spoiler \| Xpel Ultimate Film \| LuxAngelEyes
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12-08-2011, 07:24 AM	#16
dmw16 Captain 70 Rep 954 Posts Drives: 2005 ///M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Maryland iTrader: (1)	I did the CF spoiler myself when I had my 135i and it was a nightmare. Mostly because I didn't clean up the BMW-spec'd glue when it still uncured, but even if I had it would have been a total mess. I'm not sure I'd pay the dealer, but I think I would pay a good body shop for the spoiler.
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12-08-2011, 07:51 AM	#17
FVM3 Major General 273 Rep 5,751 Posts Drives: e92 m3, f30 328i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2)	DIY
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12-08-2011, 08:35 AM	#18
IFX Banned 67 Rep 2,536 Posts Drives: AW e46M/N54 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South Fla. iTrader: (1)	DIY man... don't let the dealer rape you. There are more than enough people on this site to help you out.
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12-08-2011, 10:47 AM	#20
SergioPark Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 229 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 m3 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: NJ, USA iTrader: (1)	I always perfer to DIY, but, it is challeging now-a-days with my work schedule. My last job was some lowering springs and an exhaust on an IS350. Not overly hard, but challenging without a lift. Doing one wheel at a time with jackstands in a PITA. Oh, and did I mention that I didn't have an air compressor to help tighten the spring clamps.
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