Painted front reflector install question

[Ginger Jay]

I have a '13 X5 M Sport. I bought painted reflectors and went to install them the same way I did on my '11 5 series with m sport. Looks like you can't just pull back the rubber guard, heat the OEM reflectors and pop them out.

Anyone have any tricks or does the whole bumper need to come off? In that case I will pass on doing the install. Thanks in advance.

[Jazzyj13]

The tire needs to be removed as well as part of the plastic wheel well to access the reflector. I too thought it would be an easy DIY install but I could not access through the fog light grill because of the radiator there and trying to peel back the wheel well plastic enough to get my hand in made me feel like I would snap the fender flare. I had my dealer do it and it looks great, totally changes the look of the truck. I got mine from IND so they really fit flush.

[Ginger Jay]

Originally Posted by Jazzyj13

The tire needs to be removed as well as part of the plastic wheel well to access the reflector. I too thought it would be an easy DIY install but I could not access through the fog light grill because of the radiator there and trying to peel back the wheel well plastic enough to get my hand in made me feel like I would snap the fender flare. I had my dealer do it and it looks great, totally changes the look of the truck. I got mine from IND so they really fit flush.

Thanks for the reply. Yes, that's I figured would need to be done. You know what the dealer charged for the install?

[Jalndrs]

Originally Posted by Ginger Jay

Thanks for the reply. Yes, that's I figured would need to be done. You know what the dealer charged for the install?

I would be curious on what BMW charges as well. Have the x5 going in for service next Friday and the IND reflectors are in a box.

[Ginger Jay]

Hopefully $100 or less. Wouldn't want to pay much more than that.

[Jazzyj13]

Bit of a long story but I raised hell about my rear flares and lower rear doors getting sand blasted, brought in a stack about 1 inch thick documenting the known issue about paint chipping on our X's with the painted flares. They agreed to repaint all affected areas and put the 3m film at no charge and for my pain and suffering they installed the painted reflectors on the house as well. I will call the body shop they sent it to tomorrow to find out what they would have charged.

[Jazzyj13]

The body shop said it would have cost about $150 to have the reflectors installed.

[Ginger Jay]

Originally Posted by Jazzyj13

The body shop said it would have cost about $150 to have the reflectors installed.

Ok thank you. I might get a quote from dealership and then get a quote from independents. Appreciate your help.

[Jazzyj13]

Not a problem.