[CP911]

Hi all,

I purchased the black side skirt decals aka "side skirt film" w/ M Performance logo (F22/F23 part # 51 19 2 298 285) and I'm wondering if there are any general tips out there that might help make the installation go a bit smoother. I've never applied vinyl or other decals on a vehicle before.

*edit* I ended up circling back to this and found the official BMW install guide here:

http://www.2addicts.com/forums/attac...5&d=1501396440

Seems very straightforward, so I've decided to go ahead and give it a shot. I purchased a couple of different vinyl/tint applicator squeegees off Amazon and eBay as well. Doesn't look like there is much to it other than using an applicator squeegee with a felt or suede-covered edge to protect the matte finish on the decal along with the adjacent clear coat when swiping away from the decal. I bought some 3M green auto body tape for good measure to further protect the adjacent clear coat.

[DailySleeper]

Were you able to get this installed? Was curious how difficult it was, that's a long piece of vinyl.

[CP911]

Originally Posted by DailySleeper

Were you able to get this installed? Was curious how difficult it was, that's a long piece of vinyl.

No, unfortunately. Car needs a bath before I can apply the decals and I'm getting snowed in as I type this... Damn lake effect snow...

Still hoping to get some advice from someone who has done this before as I don't want to mess it up if I can help it!

[Cycle Pilot]

I've never installed one but I did find this video. Hope it helps a little.

[CP911]

Thank you for the vid. I noticed the guy was applying the large strip that had protective tape on both sides, and then in the next frame it was just on the car! What am I missing?

[Cycle Pilot]

Sorry. Meant to post this video instead. It's a little more detailed.

[DailySleeper]

Looks like phone a friend to me haha. I'll probably take mine to a local vinyl shop I've used before.

[mdputnam]

One suggestion is to wait until you could do it in the summer or in a heated garage. The vinyl is much more pliable and easier to work with.

[335pilot]

Originally Posted by mdputnam

One suggestion is to wait until you could do it in the summer or in a heated garage. The vinyl is much more pliable and easier to work with.

I put mine on with a friend helping. Not impossible, but generally it was a pain to get it perfect. I used a wetting agent. It's tricky because not enough wet and it will stick when you might not want it to, and too wet makes it slide right off (my opinion is lean towards the too wet side because it can be moved around easier). Any creases or folds are very tough to remove, but bubbles came out easy after a day or two in the sun and a little finger press. I had my best luck with wetting the car and sticker a bit, then place the more visible area first, then fold under and carefully squeegee with a credit card. Good luck.

[Taunto]

I would personally take it to a shop that does 3M/paint protection/Vinyl installs. Shouldn't charge you more than 1 to maybe 2 hours tops for the install. And that way if they screw it up, its on their dime to replace it.

I've always found products like that to be very tedious and can screw it up easily if you dont know what your doing. Always taken my cars to shops that specialize in that stuff