[smitpatel5]

Originally Posted by Laguna01///M3

Tested this, and there is a gap once the the mesh is off.

Can u share pics? Could gap be filled or no? Ideally I would just take mesh off and get the look I want without wasting time on install or money on extra parts.

[Laguna01///M3]

Originally Posted by smitpatel5

Can u share pics? Could gap be filled or no? Ideally I would just take mesh off and get the look I want without wasting time on install or money on extra parts.

I didn't take pics, but with the mesh removed, the duct behind doesn't sit flush/mate up to the bumper. So there is a gap, and you can see all the clips.

[JTO24]

Originally Posted by Laguna01///M3

I didn't take pics, but with the mesh removed, the duct behind doesn't sit flush/mate up to the bumper. So there is a gap, and you can see all the clips.

And I feel that this is what the Ali Express vendors are selling when you choose the non-carbon version. Based on the feedback from one user who bought the non-carbon version, he stated they did not fit well, with gaps all around the outside.

[M4Tejas]

Originally Posted by FreshlySnipes

They fit well?? Ima give it a shot. $600 is worth it to me as long as it fits perfectly. Still cheaper than the carbon pack or the individual carbon pieces + paint.

Anyone know what it looks like under the mesh? I can see a piece that looks like the air vent under the mesh. Not sure what it looks like w/o the mesh tho.

..........

[ibmc]

I purchased FRP air inlets from China via Ali express, the paint shop refused to install them do to poor quality. They refunded my money and when I told them how much it was to ship them back, I never heard from them again.

I ended up getting CF version via Amazon (from Taiwan) and those were painted and installed just last week. I was very happy, for a lot less than the CF package from BMW, I now have the look I wanted for the front end. The FRP ones and the old honeycomb air inlets were just posted in the classified section. I am over the CF look and have none, except of course the roof.

[forumlurker]

looks like the best options is r44 or paint CF version

[brandobot]

Originally Posted by FORTWORTHCOWBOY

..........

Would you be able to take pictures with brighter lighting? It’s hard to see how this looks in the picture.

How did you cut out the mesh?
Thanks!

[ny2nj]

ibmc - do you have the link of the CF inlets you bought from Amazon? How was the fitment?

[MMnut]

Originally Posted by brandobot

Would you be able to take pictures with brighter lighting? It’s hard to see how this looks in the picture.

How did you cut out the mesh?
Thanks!

You must remove the bumper to take out the mesh and install the vents. They are clipped in the middle, between the front bumper and inner bumper plastic lining.

There is no other way to do it.

[brad65ford]

Originally Posted by brandobot

Would you be able to take pictures with brighter lighting? It’s hard to see how this looks in the picture.

How did you cut out the mesh?
Thanks!

Edited his photo to make it brighter. I don’t think it looks bad.

[Race_Doc11]

Originally Posted by brad65ford

Edited his photo to make it brighter. I don’t think it looks bad.

BMW should have designed the mesh to be in the back and this in the front. Other than the bottom tap cutouts it’s the same look of the expensive aftermarket stuff.

[brad65ford]

Will be removing the stock mill / mesh out similar to this when I pull the bumper off.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by brad65ford

Will be removing the stock mill / mesh out similar to this when I pull the bumper off.

Bumping this thread as the black look is what I'm after.

I kinda like the gloss black trim vs. the carbon overload as some cars have done. It gets pricey and if you mix and match I don't think it looks right. To me, that's just me (and some others here apparently). I'm gonna be keeping everything outside gloss black except the roof.

Do you have any pics of what this looks like? Anyone else get the R44 performance versions?

Thanks!

[JDS680]

Here you go…Just installed the R44 black air ducts. Like you, I like the look of the black accents. Having full ppf, hasn’t been an issue with scratching. The R44s are great quality and finish. I had to adjust the fit a bit because the foam liner they use to prevent squeaking,squeezed out. Fixed after the picture. It’s exactly the look I was going for!

[Needsdecaf]

Damn, that looks good. Nice!

Did you install yourself? I've watched a few videos. Looks like a bit of a faff.

[JDS680]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Damn, that looks good. Nice!

Did you install yourself? I've watched a few videos. Looks like a bit of a faff.

Thanks! Yep did it myself. Probably watched all the same videos and realized it’s really DIY. My recommendation would be to plan for 4-5 hours and just take your time, be patient. It’s clips, screws and 4 plugs. The fascia was lighter than I thought. Not a bad job at all, except time consuming.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by JDS680

Thanks! Yep did it myself. Probably watched all the same videos and realized it’s really DIY. My recommendation would be to plan for 4-5 hours and just take your time, be patient. It’s clips, screws and 4 plugs. The fascia was lighter than I thought. Not a bad job at all, except time consuming.

Cool. Did you pull the wheels? I really don't want to have to...

[JDS680]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Cool. Did you pull the wheels? I really don't want to have to...

I had to take one wheel off. I had the wheels turned to the right, so the I had good access to the 2 main mounting screws on the left , however limited me to right side access…almost got ‘em but decided it was just easier to take that wheel off.

[smithf80]

Seems like I'm just going to have to get carbon ones and paint them!

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by smithf80

Seems like I'm just going to have to get carbon ones and paint them!

It looks like the R44 ones ARE actual carbon that are painted black.

[Needsdecaf]

The R44 ones are on back order. I emailed them and they said 4-5 weeks from order. Sounds like they just make them when ordered.

[Team Tonka]

Someone should really make these that aren't carbon, but gloss black! Or, make an OEM type insert that removes the grills - but looks good!