[Drpoomanchu]

I thought since there were some questions regarding the M-Performance blades I would do a little DIY. This is my first DIY so please use this to your advantage and not to your disadvantage
I would allow at least 3-3.5 hrs for this install. It took me closer to 4 hours with a break and being meticulous as usual (which most of us are)

Parts are as follows per BMW installation manual

http://www.2addicts.com/forums/attac...1&d=1411568438

Intall is pointed here from parts list being similar to the F30

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/att...2&d=1358459388

Here are the tools and supplies I used


1- Step Bit to 3/16"
2- sharpie
3- ramps if possible or jacks/jackstands
4- 4mm drill bit (not necessarily needed)
5- soap bucket w/water & Dawn with rag to clean side skirt before final prep.
6- Right angle drill or dremel or right angle attachment
7- spare 2x4's or cardboard to prop under blade.
8- hammer
9- masking tape
10- 90+% isopropyl alcohol (NOT NECESSARILY NEEDED)


I started by pulling one side of the car up on my ramps and raised the side approx 6-10". I cleaned the side skirt with Dawn and water to get any dirt/wax and contaminants off the painted surface.



I then propped the blade under the side skirt paying attention to placement under and front to back of the car. The blade should be placed pretty flat against the underside of the skirt and should sit very close to the raised edge where the skirt terminates under the car
as seen in this pic. try to maintain an even straight gap from that raised edge and mark the first hole or two with a sharpie





Start off by drilling carefully into your marks. I used a pilot and then used the step bit by hand until i opened up a 3/16" hole. keep in mind that there is metal body that the skirt mounts to so be aware of your drilling depth as to not damage the metal. after you have successfully drilled out a few holes dry mount the blade using the plastic anchors that are given in the bag. mark another two or three, drill and dry mount again. work from one end of the car to the other to maintain a continuous and seamless placement of the blade. take your time here. repeat this until you are finished.




After all holes are drilled, wipe the area to be bonded against the 3M tape with the packet labeled VHB. I also had 91% isopropyl alcohol which i believe this is.
Now use packet labeled Automotive adhesion promoter 4298 and wipe area to be bonded. be careful and use a rubber glove for this seems to be a pretty harsh chemical. this should soften the area for bonding.
now prepare the blade be pulling a small piece of the backing and folding it over the blade so it can be reached after mounting.







Take the blade and mount it to the side skirt. use your bridging to support the piece while you set in the plastic anchors. do not permanently set them again just dry fit.





Now peel back small sections of the backing at a time. start by applying pressure to the blade to help adhesion. tap in the completion pins into the anchors as you go working from one end of the car to the other.



Once you have gone the length of the car place masking tape using an upward force to maintain pressure on the blades. Leave sit for 30mins.



Now you should have a more beautiful car than when you started. IMO for $210 this is money and time well spent.

[M235iguy]

Looks great! nice write up. Going to have to get these at some point soon.

[Drpoomanchu]

Originally Posted by M235iguy

Looks great! nice write up. Going to have to get these at some point soon.

Thnx... I had this DIY thread almost complete and my macbook crashed... I recovered part and had to refinish it... I was beyond mad

[tenfour]

Love detailed write ups like this! Thanks for sharing.

[leeadam]

thanks for sharing. Im trying to decide if i get these. Can you tell me do they come already in the matt black finish same as rest of the M P kit. Handy as my car is white like yours. Also are you finding they just collect all the road Dirt?

[Drpoomanchu]

Originally Posted by leeadam

thanks for sharing. Im trying to decide if i get these. Can you tell me do they come already in the matt black finish same as rest of the M P kit. Handy as my car is white like yours. Also are you finding they just collect all the road Dirt?

Yes, they come in the matte blk. Raw plastic state. I cant speak for picking up additional dirt etc for i only have a few miles with them installed but it seems if you are running a more aggressive wheel fitment it could help keep stray rocks from bring thrown up at the side of the car.

[leeadam]

Originally Posted by Drpoomanchu

Yes, they come in the matte blk. Raw plastic state. I cant speak for picking up additional dirt etc for i only have a few miles with them installed but it seems if you are running a more aggressive wheel fitment it could help keep stray rocks from bring thrown up at the side of the car.

yes exactly what i thought...could be a help on my car as i have the black side transfers and be good to protect them

[Total madness]

Great job OP ! Thanks for diy contribution.

On the other hand, I have never seen interest in those blades though, seems absent to say the least.

[Michall]

Thanks for the pics and DIY

Mine are in the body shop for painting, right now. I'll probably install them next week.

[Drpoomanchu]

No problem guys n gals, just glad i could share my experiance. Hopefully it will be useful to someone.

[m235iMike]

Great DIY.. I Recently just bought these and was looking for a DIY.. Kinda nervous about drilling into the sides though.

[Drpoomanchu]

Originally Posted by m235iMike

Great DIY.. I Recently just bought these and was looking for a DIY.. Kinda nervous about drilling into the sides though.

Use a step bit and you will be fine. The side skirt is a soft plastic and you can actually tap the holes by hand if you want. As long as the bit is new and sharp...

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[NEUE02]

Great DIY! Thanks for the effort.

[leeadam]

just ordered my side blades so ill be fitting sunday or bank hol monday.

[leeadam]

got mine other day, it was evening time so was running out of light, but fitted one side, took me 45 to 50 mins so not a long job fairly simple if your careful. went on perfect and looks great with the side decal, plus the lip will protect the panel from flying stones. I didnt bother taping up the blade after the 3M bonds so dam hard and strong it was moving anywhere. Next mod...19 inch rims.
One thing to note. make sure you put on correct side lol...as in the blade should flare out towards back of car, and thinner at front.

[leeadam]

some pics

[leeadam]

and i got these blades for just £100 delivered from bmw dealer here in UK

[Drpoomanchu]

Originally Posted by leeadam

some pics

looks great leeadam.. cant beat it for the money

[leeadam]

in uk they should be around 185

[leeadam]

more angles showing blades..

[leeadam]

more..

[NEUE02]

Great pics! Thanks.

Question: I have the side stickers as well. Does the side blade attach over the sticker? I was wondering if the adhesive from the blade is touching the sticker or the cars paint.