Replace sunvisors and bumper reflector/turn signal?

dpsfm3 · 01-10-2011, 05:44 PM

I know there is a lot written about these 2 items in the forum, but just wanted to ask:

My 2011 has the vinyl sunvisors and the airbag sticker isn't removable. Is it better to just order/replace with new european visors or is there a black sticker I can put over top of it to at least make it look a little better? Where do you recommend I make the purchase?

Other question has to do with the front bumper light/reflector. If I replace it with an AW painted reflector, will the light still be functional? Can you see the light through the paint at night? How much are they and where do you recommend I purchase them?

Thanks!

tom @ eas · 01-10-2011, 06:18 PM

Congrats on the new M3.

The reflectors do not have lighting behind them, replacing them with a prepainted version will clean up the look on the front bumper. The euro visors do not come with the "Death" decals and are cloth to match the headliner.

We have the AW PP reflectors in stock, the euro visors will be arriving in a few days.

dpsfm3 · 01-10-2011, 06:25 PM

thx Tom - PM sent

llis · 01-10-2011, 11:10 PM

Painted reflectors always looked like patches to me. For a white car, I think the clear reflectors look better. At least look at the options.

330iTiAg · 01-10-2011, 11:47 PM

I agree!

Quote:

Originally Posted by llis

Painted reflectors always looked like patches to me. For a white car, I think the clear reflectors look better. At least look at the options.

kaykay · 01-11-2011, 02:00 AM

Why people spend $250 on Euro-visors is beyond me. You guys must have too much money to throw in the fireplace.

Stock OEM visors are just fine and do not feel cheap at all.

Side markers - 100% - but Euro visors? Unnecessary. Just my humble opinion.

tom @ eas · 01-11-2011, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaykay

Why people spend $250 on Euro-visors is beyond me. You guys must have too much money to throw in the fireplace.

Stock OEM visors are just fine and do not feel cheap at all.

Side markers - 100% - but Euro visors? Unnecessary. Just my humble opinion.

Some will purchase a euro bumper to not have bumper reflectors in the first place.

Its simply a matter of preference, people are free to individualize as they please.

BobsM3Coupe · 01-11-2011, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaykay

Why people spend $250 on Euro-visors is beyond me. You guys must have too much money to throw in the fireplace.

Stock OEM visors are just fine and do not feel cheap at all.

Side markers - 100% - but Euro visors? Unnecessary. Just my humble opinion.

Have you compared the 2011 vinyl covered sun visors to the 08-10's? There is a night and day difference in the feel and quality. The 08-10's have a nice quality and solid feel to them. The 11's feel and look like something that belongs in a Honda Fit.

///Matthew · 01-11-2011, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llis

Painted reflectors always looked like patches to me. For a white car, I think the clear reflectors look better. At least look at the options.

Agreed. The painted reflectors look amazingly cheesy.

kaykay · 01-11-2011, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

Have you compared the 2011 vinyl covered sun visors to the 08-10's? There is a night and day difference in the feel and quality. The 08-10's have a nice quality and solid feel to them. The 11's feel and look like something that belongs in a Honda Fit.

I disagree, they're not that bad. And yes, I've compared them.

To each his own, I'll go enjoy two very nice dinners for the price of those visors.

NYCMCBM3 · 01-11-2011, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaykay

I disagree, they're not that bad. And yes, I've compared them.

To each his own, I'll go enjoy two very nice dinners for the price of those visors.

+1

geneatals · 01-11-2011, 08:27 PM

any pics of clear reflectors on AW?

edit: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...ear+reflectors

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...3&postcount=10

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...ear+reflectors

kaykay · 01-11-2011, 08:59 PM

I would go with painted reflectors - those clear ones look terrible...

geneatals · 01-11-2011, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaykay

I would go with painted reflectors - those clear ones look terrible...

agreed...too import tuner-ish for my taste...(the clear ones that is)

TTG · 01-11-2011, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaykay

I disagree, they're not that bad. And yes, I've compared them.

To each his own, I'll go enjoy two very nice dinners for the price of those visors.

+1000

I had the "nicer" ones on my 07 and I have the "cheap" ones on my 2011. They are just fine. Complete waste of $250 IMO..... But then this is coming from a guy who is about to dump the stock US spec LCI tail lights to get Euro versions w/ orange blinkers....

It should be a crime to put red turn signals on a European car

kaykay · 01-12-2011, 02:01 AM

Any idea why they're RED here in the U.S. TTG?

DOT regulations maybe???

Make no sense if you think about it...

dpsfm3 · 01-13-2011, 01:20 AM

thanks for all the feedback guys...definitely makes me want to think about this a little more.

I'm still on the fence whether I will replace/mode my reflectors...

As for the sunvisors, agree that's pretty steep...I would almost prefer to put a solid black sticker over the warning sticker instead of replacing them...

TTG · 01-13-2011, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaykay

Any idea why they're RED here in the U.S. TTG?

DOT regulations maybe???

Make no sense if you think about it...

Not a DOT regulation as many cars come with orange blinkers already.

Believe it or not, it is cost savings from BMW's side. There is a thread about it somewhere in here that talks about how having red leds are cheaper than orange ones.... So the N.American market gets the cheapies.....

I believe you have to have orange blinkers by regulation pretty much anywhere else in the world except N. America.

Bugs the heck out of me.

jeffnnj · 01-13-2011, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpsfm3

I know there is a lot written about these 2 items in the forum, but just wanted to ask:

My 2011 has the vinyl sunvisors and the airbag sticker isn't removable.

Sure it is. I used a DIY that I found on e46 Fanatics when I had my E46 M3. Take some masking tape and mask off the outside perimeter of the sticker. Then cover the sticker liberally with Goof Off (available at any hardware store) and allow it to penetrate for a minute or so. It should then wipe off easily. If there's any residue left, repeat the process. Once it's off, clean with water and a household multi purpose cleaner to remove the Goof Off and remove the tape. I would also recommend prior testing the Goof Off on an inconspicuous place on the visor to make sure the vinyl finish is not damaged.
.

Nuge Design · 01-13-2011, 07:40 PM

dpsfm3,

I have a brand new never installed AW bumper cover — reflectors shaved by IND. That will take all the worry out of how to make your front end look good...

Shoot me a PM if interested.

geneatals · 01-13-2011, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuge Design

dpsfm3,

I have a brand new never installed AW bumper cover — reflectors shaved by IND. That will take all the worry out of how to make your front end look good...

Shoot me a PM if interested.

what do you mean by "shaved"? Interested...

lve2xlr8 · 01-13-2011, 09:47 PM

I like painted reflectors and red turn signals. Cover the airbag warnings with $100 bills and you'll still save money

01-10-2011, 05:44 PM	#1
dpsfm3 M enthusiast. BMW CCA member. 13 Rep 156 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 E92 7MDCT AW loaded Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Francisco, CA iTrader: (0)	Replace sunvisors and bumper reflector/turn signal? I know there is a lot written about these 2 items in the forum, but just wanted to ask: My 2011 has the vinyl sunvisors and the airbag sticker isn't removable. Is it better to just order/replace with new european visors or is there a black sticker I can put over top of it to at least make it look a little better? Where do you recommend I make the purchase? Other question has to do with the front bumper light/reflector. If I replace it with an AW painted reflector, will the light still be functional? Can you see the light through the paint at night? How much are they and where do you recommend I purchase them? Thanks! __________________ 2011 ///M3 e92 7MDCT 19", Alpine White, Black Leather/Carbon, Loaded 2005 ///M3 e46 6MT 19", ZCP, Carbon Black, Black/Alcantara seats (sold, but not forgotten!)
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01-10-2011, 06:18 PM	#2
tom @ eas BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 8208 Rep 18,823 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (19) Garage List 2018 BMW i3s [5.00] 2010 BMW M3 [6.50] 2015 BMW M4 [6.20]	Congrats on the new M3. The reflectors do not have lighting behind them, replacing them with a prepainted version will clean up the look on the front bumper. The euro visors do not come with the "Death" decals and are cloth to match the headliner. We have the AW PP reflectors in stock, the euro visors will be arriving in a few days. __________________ Tom G. \| european auto source (eas) email: tom@europeanautosource.com · web: https://europeanautosource.com· tel 866.669.0705 · ca: 714.369.8524 x22 GET DAILY UPDATES ON OUR BLOG · FACEBOOK · YOUTUBE · FLICKR · INSTAGRAM
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01-10-2011, 06:25 PM	#3
dpsfm3 M enthusiast. BMW CCA member. 13 Rep 156 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 E92 7MDCT AW loaded Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Francisco, CA iTrader: (0)	thx Tom - PM sent __________________ 2011 ///M3 e92 7MDCT 19", Alpine White, Black Leather/Carbon, Loaded 2005 ///M3 e46 6MT 19", ZCP, Carbon Black, Black/Alcantara seats (sold, but not forgotten!)
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01-10-2011, 11:10 PM	#4
llis octane chick 79 Rep 1,187 Posts Drives: ex-M Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Colorado iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 ZCP [10.00] 2003 BMW M5 [0.00]	Painted reflectors always looked like patches to me. For a white car, I think the clear reflectors look better. At least look at the options.
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01-11-2011, 02:00 AM	#6
kaykay Lieutenant Colonel 90 Rep 1,769 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E93 328i Conve ... [9.50] 2011 E92 M3 ZCP [8.66] 2008 550i Sport [10.00]	Why people spend $250 on Euro-visors is beyond me. You guys must have too much money to throw in the fireplace. Stock OEM visors are just fine and do not feel cheap at all. Side markers - 100% - but Euro visors? Unnecessary. Just my humble opinion. __________________ '12 CLS550 Palladium Silver - loaded '11 E92 M3 ZCP - SG/B-EXT/CF, M-DCT, loaded '11 E93 328i, BSM over Saddle Brown, sport, loaded '08 550i M-Sport, Carbon Black (Gone but not forgotten), '06 W211 E55 AMG (Gone, miss this animal),'01 E39 540i Sport
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01-11-2011, 08:27 PM	#12
geneatals Ninja 390 Rep 4,014 Posts Drives: 2019 530e Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: So Cal (SFV) iTrader: (3)	any pics of clear reflectors on AW? edit: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...ear+reflectors http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...3&postcount=10 http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...ear+reflectors __________________ 2019 AW G30 530e l ZPP l ZMP l ZDH Retired: 2016 F80 M3, 2012 E90 M3, 2008 535i Last edited by geneatals; 01-11-2011 at 08:47 PM..
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01-11-2011, 08:59 PM	#13
kaykay Lieutenant Colonel 90 Rep 1,769 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E93 328i Conve ... [9.50] 2011 E92 M3 ZCP [8.66] 2008 550i Sport [10.00]	I would go with painted reflectors - those clear ones look terrible... __________________ '12 CLS550 Palladium Silver - loaded '11 E92 M3 ZCP - SG/B-EXT/CF, M-DCT, loaded '11 E93 328i, BSM over Saddle Brown, sport, loaded '08 550i M-Sport, Carbon Black (Gone but not forgotten), '06 W211 E55 AMG (Gone, miss this animal),'01 E39 540i Sport
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01-12-2011, 02:01 AM	#16
kaykay Lieutenant Colonel 90 Rep 1,769 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E93 328i Conve ... [9.50] 2011 E92 M3 ZCP [8.66] 2008 550i Sport [10.00]	Any idea why they're RED here in the U.S. TTG? DOT regulations maybe??? Make no sense if you think about it... __________________ '12 CLS550 Palladium Silver - loaded '11 E92 M3 ZCP - SG/B-EXT/CF, M-DCT, loaded '11 E93 328i, BSM over Saddle Brown, sport, loaded '08 550i M-Sport, Carbon Black (Gone but not forgotten), '06 W211 E55 AMG (Gone, miss this animal),'01 E39 540i Sport
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01-13-2011, 01:20 AM	#17
dpsfm3 M enthusiast. BMW CCA member. 13 Rep 156 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 E92 7MDCT AW loaded Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Francisco, CA iTrader: (0)	thanks for all the feedback guys...definitely makes me want to think about this a little more. I'm still on the fence whether I will replace/mode my reflectors... As for the sunvisors, agree that's pretty steep...I would almost prefer to put a solid black sticker over the warning sticker instead of replacing them... __________________ 2011 ///M3 e92 7MDCT 19", Alpine White, Black Leather/Carbon, Loaded 2005 ///M3 e46 6MT 19", ZCP, Carbon Black, Black/Alcantara seats (sold, but not forgotten!)
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01-13-2011, 07:40 PM	#20
Nuge Design Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 204 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 AW CP Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Indy iTrader: (9)	bumper without reflectors dpsfm3, I have a brand new never installed AW bumper cover — reflectors shaved by IND. That will take all the worry out of how to make your front end look good... Shoot me a PM if interested.
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01-13-2011, 09:47 PM	#22
lve2xlr8 Major 195 Rep 1,186 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (11)	I like painted reflectors and red turn signals. Cover the airbag warnings with $100 bills and you'll still save money __________________ R8 V10 6MT S65 M3 Tesla 3
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