OEM carbon fiber spoiler installation for Z4 MCoupe

[Panchio]

Hello everybody,

I wanted to ask a huge favor. I wanted to see if anybody has the instructions on "HOW to install the OEM Carbon Fiber Spoiler"? I got the CF spoiler and the Bettalink but no instructions on how to install it or the points where you need to apply the Bettalink.

I did Google and search here for some info but no luck so far.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

Cheers

Panchio

[Finnegan]

I'd wait for others to answer as well, but my guess is 3M automotive fastening tape.

And congratulations on securing this rather rare piece.

[inTgr8r]

I avoided using the Betalink.
If you aren't careful that stuff can create a real mess that is a PITA to clean up.
It does provide a more permanent installation, but that also can be a negative.

I choose to install with 3M d.sided tape because I want to be able to remove it if necessary w/o damaging the paint.

The problem with the 3M install is that you can see the tape under the lip.
What I did is run a fine bead of black silicone to hide the 3M and also fill any small gaps, especially at the tips.
IMO, it came out perfect.

I'll grab a couple of pics tomorrow for you.

[Caddyshk]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

I avoided using the Betalink.
If you aren't careful that stuff can create a real mess that is a PITA to clean up.
It does provide a more permanent installation, but that also can be a negative.

I choose to install with 3M d.sided tape because I want to be able to remove it if necessary w/o damaging the paint.

The problem with the 3M install is that you can see the tape under the lip.
What I did is run a fine bead of black silicone to hide the 3M and also fill any small gaps, especially at the tips.
IMO, it came out perfect.

I'll grab a couple of pics tomorrow for you.

[MFGJR]

Mine's on with 3M tape (the stuff from the auto parts store--not Home Depot) as well...the silicone is brilliant and is now my project for tomorrow. Thanks, InTgr8r!

[Mirko]

I used beta link to install mine. It was messy!!! You really dont need to use a lot of it cause it spreads out nicely.

Just make sure to hold it in one spot while it dries. I think it took 1.5hrs to 2hrs to install and harden enough for me to be okay leaving it. It is easy to clean the beta link junk off your car so don't panic if you make a mess. Before the stuff really hardens its fairly easy to take off with the spatula. Two people make this job easier. If it was just me installing it myself I don't think I could've done it as cleanly.

1.) Clean the area with the supplied cleaner
2.) I applied a thin layer all the way around on the under side of the spoiler.
3.) Make sure it is lined up where you want it and start holding
4.) As hold increases due to drying start to clean off the excess beta link gunk on your car. The spatula works great. Don't worry if it hardens a bit, I was able to get the gunk off almost after 2hrs of work.
5.) Leave it over night, I didn't bother putting anything on it to hold it down over night. It was pretty much permanent when I left it
6.) The ends will stick up a little bit, can use a little more beta link to fill the gap or just leave it. I've left mine for now. Hardly notice it.

Hope that helps!

[XMetal]

OP, do you mind posting a picture or two of the bottom side of the spoiler? I'm considering getting one as well, but not sure how I should mount it. The aftermarket one is hollow on the bottom, which makes it difficult to use the 3M double-sided tape without exposing a gap. Is the OEM piece hollow on the bottom side? Thanks.

[Swashplate]

Originally Posted by XMetal

OP, do you mind posting a picture or two of the bottom side of the spoiler? I'm considering getting one as well, but not sure how I should mount it. The aftermarket one is hollow on the bottom, which makes it difficult to use the 3M double-sided tape without exposing a gap. Is the OEM piece hollow on the bottom side? Thanks.

The OEM one is hollow and I also used the 3M tape with no issues whatsoever.

[Panchio]

Thanks a lot everybody, this info helps quite a bit.

When the dealership told me that the job could take around 3 hrs, I was like "whatever!! I'm doing it myself" but maybe now I understand why...

I will post some pictures once the whole thing is completed.

Cheers!

Panchio

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by TheBroker

The OEM one is hollow and I also used the 3M tape with no issues whatsoever.

How secure is the spoiler with the 3M tape? Don't want it to become a flying projectile on the freeway

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by Panchio

Thanks a lot everybody, this info helps quite a bit.

When the dealership told me that the job could take around 3 hrs, I was like "whatever!! I'm doing it myself" but maybe now I understand why...

I will post some pictures once the whole thing is completed.

Cheers!

Panchio

Since you haven't installed it yet. Do you mind taking a picture of the spoiler's underside? Much appreciated.

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by XMetal

How secure is the spoiler with the 3M tape? Don't want it to become a flying projectile on the freeway

lol..
It's VERY solid, just get the good 3M stuff.

[Panchio]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

I avoided using the Betalink.
If you aren't careful that stuff can create a real mess that is a PITA to clean up.
It does provide a more permanent installation, but that also can be a negative.

I choose to install with 3M d.sided tape because I want to be able to remove it if necessary w/o damaging the paint.

The problem with the 3M install is that you can see the tape under the lip.
What I did is run a fine bead of black silicone to hide the 3M and also fill any small gaps, especially at the tips.
IMO, it came out perfect.

I'll grab a couple of pics tomorrow for you.

Sounds like I'll be doing something similar to your setup. Yes please,
send some pictures if you can...

Thanks man!!!

[O-cha]

the spoiler really doesn't fit that great, I had one and didn't like the fit and eventually removed it. Then again I wasn't patient and installed it with regular 3m, which is pretty thick. 3m has some VERY thin double sided foam tape, but you have to order it, it's not in any stores. I think with the thin stuff I might have left it.

I wouldnt use the betalink for the above reasons

[Panchio]

here I send some picture of the CF spoiler. Also, the box came with a long black thin sticker and I have no clue what is that for... where do you use it? or what is it's purpose...

[XMetal]

Thanks for the pictures!

[kennyfrc]

Can you please post installed pics?