Aero Catch Placement

[DRLane]

Would greatly appreciate insight into where folks are placing the pins on the interior bar. And did you have trouble getting a tight hood fit when closed? Mine has a slight gap.

My struggle is the head of the pin is too long, would be great if they offered a smaller option.

I'm not using a nut above, instead a single washes above and a washer nut and jamb nut on the bottom. Only way I could get it low enough.

I might see if they have alternative hardware.

[Bpark1977]

Looks like every E9x M3 out there. The front bumper and fenders are plastic and, from my experience, all fit a little bit different.
I think BMW calls it "character" 😂

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by Bpark1977

Looks like every E9x M3 out there. The front bumper and fenders are plastic and, from my experience, all fit a little bit different.
I think BMW calls it "character" 😂

Appreciate that, but this is specific to the aero catch mechanism. This isn't factory, and yes the factory fitment was a bit lower.

[roastbeef]

Have you tried turning your hood bumpers? Those little rubber knobs?

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

Have you tried turning your hood bumpers? Those little rubber knobs?

Yeah, they're not in the way. It's a question of lowering the pins further or reducing the hole size in the pin.

Was just curious how others installed or if they had similar issue with getting the pins to seat far enough down.

I probably should've flipped the orientation and used the metal bracket holding the original hood catch mechanism.

[kyippee]

I'm just curious... why is this needed? Is it because it's an aftermarket lightweight CF hood that doesn't secure well enough with the stock solution?

I've only been black flagged once for a slightly bouncing hood, and that was because I didn't close my stock hood properly.

[roastbeef]

There is good weight loss potential with these.

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by kyippee

I'm just curious... why is this needed? Is it because it's an aftermarket lightweight CF hood that doesn't secure well enough with the stock solution?

I've only been black flagged once for a slightly bouncing hood, and that was because I didn't close my stock hood properly.

More secure, can open the hood without getting in the car, weight savings if you remove the old clasp mechanisms and the final catch.

[kyippee]

Oh! how much weight savings?

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by kyippee

Oh! how much weight savings?

That's a good question. Probably very small but for those hunting... It'll be in the latches, cabling, and possibly brackets.

[slicer]

Originally Posted by DRLane

That's a good question. Probably very small but for those hunting... It'll be in the latches, cabling, and possibly brackets.

3 lbs

[Shmelgy]

Here shows where mine is mounted. You can see where I used to have them mounted, like yours, and had to trim down behind it in order to get the hood to close flush. Racewerkz said I installed it in the wrong position and they put it in the correct spot for me, pictured.

[slicer]

Originally Posted by DRLane

Yeah, they're not in the way. It's a question of lowering the pins further or reducing the hole size in the pin.

Was just curious how others installed or if they had similar issue with getting the pins to seat far enough down.

I probably should've flipped the orientation and used the metal bracket holding the original hood catch mechanism.

I mounted mine in this location as well. I needed to use a washer as the upper stop to get it as low as possible. My pin sits about 5mm lower than yours which made the hood height acceptable.

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by slicer

I mounted mine in this location as well. I needed to use a washer as the upper stop to get it as low as possible. My pin sits about 5mm lower than yours which made the hood height acceptable.

Thanks Slicer!

I did the same. Used a washer as a stop on top, and then doubled the nuts below to create a jam.

Made a couple other adjustments and I'm very close now. Just a couple millimeters off from where it sat with the OEM latches.

[rhyary]

I need to add 2mm hood clearance. Can this be used?

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by rhyary

I need to add 2mm hood clearance. Can this be used?

Add hood clearance? There are little black rubber height adjusters for the hood. Try that.

[rhyary]

Originally Posted by DRLane

Add hood clearance? There are little black rubber height adjusters for the hood. Try that.

I already have to slam the hood down. Not sure I can add 2mm. Can I adjust the latch?

[rhyary]

Originally Posted by rhyary

I already have to slam the hood down. Not sure I can add 2mm. Can I adjust the latch?

I take it back, I was able to add some hight.
Will have to see if this solve the issue. Thank you

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by rhyary

I take it back, I was able to add some hight.
Will have to see if this solve the issue. Thank you

Btw - I believe you want to lightly slam the hood. Pressing it can dent the aluminum.

[rhyary]

Originally Posted by DRLane

Btw - I believe you want to lightly slam the hood. Pressing it can dent the aluminum.

Yes, I drop it from a measured distance for the desired affect.

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by rhyary

Yes, I drop it from a measured distance for the desired affect.

The aero latches = no more dropping. They're f'ing awesome.

[rhyary]

Originally Posted by DRLane

The aero latches = no more dropping. They're f'ing awesome.

tempting