The infernal reflectors: best replacement choice?

[J BONE]

Originally Posted by PKL

disagree with some previous posters, painted reflectors only way to go. sure, it looks like something is supposed to be there, but the painted reflectors are just nicer looking than any "real" reflector

Totally agree. Painted reflectors are the way to go IMO. I think the other ones look out of place. To each his own though.

[Richbot]

I went back and forth between painted and smoked for my Jerez car, I ended up with painted and I'm glad I did. Definitely not as nice as having the holes filled in but it's a huge improvement for the price.

[bunny]

Originally Posted by llis

The reflectors were easy, although after removing the first one safely (using the tape trick), I brilliantly thought I'd take a picture of it loose as part of documenting the process, and that's when I dropped the reflector into the bumper! I did the double-chopsticks-with-wad-of-tape trick Bunny mentioned to fetch it out, took only 3 or 4 tries to finesse it out. The second reflector was tighter, harder to get out, harder to get the new one in.

Once that was done, I moved on to the matte black grilles, using a clear photo-laden post found elsewhere (titled "Edition Front Grills DIY"), and replaced the OEM grilles in about 30 minutes of work. (Tip: You can do it with your hands, but some tabs are easier to reach with one hand, others with the other, and it's still awkward. I'm lucky I didn't break a (not very long) nail.)

"After" photos:

beautiful pics, llis. your car is lookin' even more aggressive -- love it! lol, i can't believe you dropped your reflector, too :P

I installed my gloss black grilles a few weeks ago and only had a hard time with the tab closest to the headlights. It helps to have small hands and fingers though.

Does Colorado require a front license plate? It hurts my eyes

[llis]

Originally Posted by bunny

Does Colorado require a front license plate? It hurts my eyes

Yes, and several cities will ticket you for it. It's mostly a pain, and several M3 owners around here scoff at that law, but I got the car from right off the lot and the holder was already mounted. And last thing I want is to drive around with an excuse to be pulled over.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by bunny

Does Colorado require a front license plate? It hurts my eyes

The tow hook mount looks much better.

[Pearlwhitem3]

I bought white painted ones for my m3 from
Www.turnermotorsports.com

Great selection of BMW upgrades.
No special tools required took 5 mi urea and they look great and blend in great!

[Pearlwhitem3]

I bought white painted ones for my m3 from
Www.turnermotorsports.com

Great selection of BMW upgrades.
No special tools required took 5 min. to install and they look great and blend in great!

[///Matthew]

Originally Posted by Kyoshi71

I cant understand why so many folks get so bent over those reflectors. Clear or smoked is one thing, but those painted ones look worse than the reflector because it's obvious that something is supposed to go there.

Agreed.

[pmo7]

So, the smoked reflectors do indeed reflect, correct?
May seem asinine to ask, but I haven't seen a clear answer.
I don't plan on driving around at night with my headlights off as someone suggested earlier, but it is occasionally parked outside after the sun's gone down, and I'd rather someone see it than not.
Thanks. My SG needs these.

[Snow M3]

These dang reflectors are such a problem. Why did BMW even put them on? They have no light behind them like turn signals. Anyway, I posted my opinion regarding these things. I went with the carbon fiber look. They definitely stick out but it matches well with my other CF mods over mineral white. My thread is here somewhere but here's a pic. They are from AutoTecknic for $108 then shipping. Perfect fit, flush all the way. Pricey but the painted ones are not that much less, $70s??

[///M Ryder]

Snow, give us a picture so we can see the entire car.....these look interesting.......Phil