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      07-24-2017, 03:04 PM   #1
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IND | Painted Front Reflector Install Guide

Painted reflectors are among the first additions made by any owner of a modern BMW. The unsightly orange reflectors installed in cars bound for North America instantly break the smooth lines of BMW bumpers.

IND provides painted reflectors as a cost effective solution relative to the purchase of a OEM European bumper. We start the process using the OE BMW reflectors for a factory fit, and the same paint process we would use to spray an entire car. Each reflector is sanded, prepped for paint, primed, then painted. We ensure that all lettering on the face of the reflector is completely removed providing the same finish as your factory bumper.

Many enthusiasts enjoy installing their own painted reflectors, so we’ve created this installation DIY to help.

Tools needed:

• 8mm socket and ratchet
• Adhesive remover or cleaning solvent
• Nylon prybar (optional)

Step 1:

First, turn the steering wheel to full lock, in any direction. This will expose the fender liner.

Step 2:

With the fender liner exposed, begin removing the 8mm screw closest to the ground near the reflector.

Step 3:

Once the fender liner screw is removed you will have full access to the back of the bumper cover. Using your hands or a nylon prybar pull the edge of the reflector from the bumper cover. This may take some work to remove, but the leverage applied by a nylon prybar makes the job much easier.

Step 4:

After the reflector is removed from the bumper cover take a cloth and some adhesive remover or solvent and remove the excess adhesive.

Step 5:

Now that the surface is clean remove the adhesive cover on the painted reflector and push reflector in place. Make sure to apply even pressure around all edges.

Step 6:


With the reflector installed it is time to put everything back together. Place the fender liner back into position and secure it to the bumper with the 8mm screw.

We've depicted the procedure in the images below. The images mirror the order of the steps above.





























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Last edited by IND-Distribution; 07-24-2017 at 04:00 PM..
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      07-26-2017, 01:27 PM   #2
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Thanks for the DIY! I've had these sitting in my room for the longest.
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      06-26-2018, 07:35 PM   #3
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thanks for the DIY. just did this. the only thing i did in addition was i had a razor blade on hand which helped separate that really strong adhesive from the car.
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      06-27-2018, 09:54 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sebash View Post
thanks for the DIY. just did this. the only thing i did in addition was i had a razor blade on hand which helped separate that really strong adhesive from the car.
Nice! Yeah that is easily the most cumbersome part of the DIY, especially if there's lots that didn't come out with the reflector after extraction, haha.
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      06-27-2018, 03:03 PM   #5
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Another pointer. Don't wait to long for this mod if possible, the old double sided tape getting harder to remove.
It will break in small pieces.
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      11-20-2018, 05:56 PM   #6
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I just replaced my front and rear reflectors with IND paint matched reflectors. Easy install, very clean look. Thanks IND!
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      11-21-2018, 06:04 PM   #7
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When are you getting mediterranean blue for the center grill/front camera part?
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      11-24-2018, 10:58 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mach550 View Post
When are you getting mediterranean blue for the center grill/front camera part?
Just added Mediterranean Blue to the listing.

https://ind-distribution.com/product?sku=IND-G30-CTRIM
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      11-25-2018, 12:25 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IND-Distribution View Post
Just added Mediterranean Blue to the listing.

https://ind-distribution.com/product?sku=IND-G30-CTRIM
Any plans to also add Dark Graphite Metallic?...for the center grill/front camera part
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      11-25-2018, 12:49 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HomeIn2 View Post
Any plans to also add Dark Graphite Metallic?...for the center grill/front camera part

It is now listed on the website.
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      12-16-2018, 09:37 PM   #11
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Will you be posting a DIY for swapping in a painted center grille/front camera part? Interested in replacing this as well as the reflectors. Thanks
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      12-16-2018, 10:22 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bymep View Post
Will you be posting a DIY for swapping in a painted center grille/front camera part? Interested in replacing this as well as the reflectors. Thanks
Here you go https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1409557
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      01-17-2019, 03:43 AM   #13
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Any specific solvent or adhesive remover recommended?
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      01-17-2019, 11:16 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zeusmontes View Post
Any specific solvent or adhesive remover recommended?
Your car is 2019, the original double sided tape will remove very easy.
But if you insist, use GooGone then wipe it down again with rubbing alcohol.
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      01-17-2019, 11:55 AM   #15
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Do you offer a rear tow book cover in matte black. I ordered my car with the m performance diffuser and they just slapped the gray cover that the car came with from the factory.
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      01-17-2019, 09:40 PM   #16
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Tell the dealer to get the matching cover. If he/she doesn't get it done speak to his GSM. There is no reason they shouldn't provide it. That was a b.s move on their part..
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      01-18-2019, 08:17 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M550iG30GUY View Post
Do you offer a rear tow book cover in matte black. I ordered my car with the m performance diffuser and they just slapped the gray cover that the car came with from the factory.
Tow hook cover is sold separately by BMW.
And I believe it came in grey primer, not matte black.
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      01-18-2019, 12:29 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by r33_RGSport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by M550iG30GUY View Post
Do you offer a rear tow book cover in matte black. I ordered my car with the m performance diffuser and they just slapped the gray cover that the car came with from the factory.
Tow hook cover is sold separately by BMW.
And I believe it came in grey primer, not matte black.
I know. I thought it came matte black so I paid for one from bmw. Now I have two tow hook covers and neither are matte black FML
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      01-18-2019, 12:54 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M550iG30GUY View Post
I know. I thought it came matte black so I paid for one from bmw. Now I have two tow hook covers and neither are matte black FML
Ouch.
Rattle can in Matte Black should fix it. It is small enough, wouldn't be hard to paint.
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      01-18-2019, 12:56 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by r33_RGSport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by M550iG30GUY View Post
I know. I thought it came matte black so I paid for one from bmw. Now I have two tow hook covers and neither are matte black FML
Ouch.
Rattle can in Matte Black should fix it. It is small enough, wouldn't be hard to paint.
Rattle?
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      01-18-2019, 01:09 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M550iG30GUY View Post
Rattle?
spray can from AutoZone or Pep Boys.
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      01-18-2019, 01:13 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by r33_RGSport View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by M550iG30GUY View Post
Rattle?
spray can from AutoZone or Pep Boys.
Something like this?
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