Need Some Front Lip Advice

[Money2536]

I would really like some advice. I bought and installed an Arkym front lip. It fits pretty well, but isn't flawless. I don't really want to take all of the tape off, re-tape, and reinstall for a third time. The bottom OEM Bolt locations pull the front of the down. So the plan is to use 3M tape to hold the top tight to the front bumper. After washing the car over and over again, the tape get dirty and pops loose. I'm super anal, so it's driving me crazy.

It looks great in photos, but something about it in person just doesn't feel right to me. I don't know how to explain it. Here are the photos.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...=mans+blue+e92

So I'm consider three options: keep the Arkym and suck it up, get OEM splitters, or get Challenge lip.

I like the fact that I know I won't have any issues with the OEM splitters.

I was back and forth between the Arkym and the Challenge. I just don't see the Challenge lip having any issues due to it's different design.

What would you do?

[datbimmerdoe]

since ur "super anal" i doubt u'll jus suck it up n re-install 4 a 3rd time, shiet, i kno i wouldn't.
plus, this ain't the 1st time i'm hear'n bout this particular arkym lip w/ fitment issues...

anywayz, unless ur gon fork out the xtra $$$ on a challenge -which's my choice- jus get the oe splitters, either way ur gett'n a better product.

[Moxie]

Doubt you'll have any issues with aftermarket splitters either. Unless saving $ is an issue. Watch the classifieds -

[CBS]

OP: I can only speak from my experience, I have a Challenge front lip and love it's look. I painted it (yes, it's carbon fiber) and have received numerous comments on how it looks factory. I have a few photos posted in my BMW Garage.

However, I hit almost everything with it! The Dealer installed it (bolted because I Track) and I smashed it pulling out of the Dealer's lot on the grade of their driveway. Owned it for all of 5 minutes and had to have it rebuilt! ARGH... I have now had it almost a year and the Dealer has rebuilt it 3 times. I have become much more aware now but I'd probably do splitters next time.

Hope this helped.

Chris

[SchnellM3]

Originally Posted by CBS

OP: I can only speak from my experience, I have a Challenge front lip and love it's look. I painted it (yes, it's carbon fiber) and have received numerous comments on how it looks factory. I have a few photos posted in my BMW Garage.

However, I hit almost everything with it! The Dealer installed it (bolted because I Track) and I smashed it pulling out of the Dealer's lot on the grade of their driveway. Owned it for all of 5 minutes and had to have it rebuilt! ARGH... I have now had it almost a year and the Dealer has rebuilt it 3 times. I have become much more aware now but I'd probably do splitters next time.

Hope this helped.

Chris

Chris is right the Challenge is the way to go if you aren't worried about price. I was back and forth between it and the Arkym as well and even ordered one but in the end I ended up getting the Challenge. It keeps the OEM lines on the bumper and looks as if it could have been stock. Mine is painted Black as well and again as Chris said people comment on it all the time. As for scraping I'm still on stock ride height and its a little bit of a challenge to not scrape it. Just have to be watch where you go, I always back into parking spots.

So my vote goes for Challenge, 100% spot on fitment and great a product. Just remember the box of tissues in the back for the first time you scrape the underside of it

[CBS]

Originally Posted by SchnellM3

...Just remember the box of tissues in the back for the first time you scrape the underside of it

Box of tissues?? Zach, I have a whole carton! But you're right, you can't beat it's looks... Best regards! Chris

[SchnellM3]

Originally Posted by CBS

Box of tissues?? Zach, I have a whole carton! But you're right, you can't beat it's looks... Best regards! Chris

Lol Then I wouldn't have any room for all my quick detailers and towels

[Money2536]

Thanks for the input! I'm going to mess with it this weekend.

[Rshane]

Personally, I have been going with knock off brands. I had the Arkym, and it got destroyed and I now refuse to pay so much for something that is "disposable" it is only a matter of time before they get damaged.

I also had the problem with seeing the tape, so I put a thin bead of black adhesive along the area between the lip and the bumper. Now I can't see the tape at all, and the black sealant blends in really well. Just a thought.