So long my carbon fiber front splitter :-(

hamh · 10-14-2020, 12:36 PM

After 4+ years, my original carbon fiber front splitter gave in while I was driving on the highway. It fell half way and scratched the ground so bad that the carbon fiber was torn horizontally.

I have to pull over on the highway curb, use a bungy cord to hold it temporarily, and then head to a near by gas station to get some duck tape to hold it better

So should I buy the same part again from BMW, or is there other options from other shops that you guys think is comparable and have good fitment? I've seen something similar from rw carbon but not sure how good they are.

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blue dragon · 10-14-2020, 12:39 PM

Not what I want to hear. I'm waiting for Betalink K2 to install mine. How as yours installed? Double sided tape, or Betalink?

hamh · 10-14-2020, 02:05 PM

when I did mine, I use the 3M tape, and it last for 4+ years...

and I was coming back from a road trip on the highway, may be the speed, wind and downward pressure were to much for it to stay on anymore ...

Where do you guys order the front splitter these days?

DenBel · 10-14-2020, 02:08 PM

Sorry to here that( when I installed mine with 3m it lasted for a month, then I used betalink 1 and no issues so far. If you are getting the new one, then betalink is the way to go. There was one for sale without the hardware in classified resently

1norseman · 10-14-2020, 02:12 PM

Sorry about your spoiler, but I'm not surprised if it was only held by 3M tape.
3M tape is a great product, but anything that catches a lot of wind like a spoiler, needs more than just 3M tape.

The Betalink K2 is way more secure than 3M tape.
FYI: If you use it, tape/mask all surfaces that are not to be glued, and have an extra person to help you line up the parts.
Once the glue dries, it has to be cut to to remove, a real pita..

hamh · 10-14-2020, 02:16 PM

yikes........ that's going to be a pain...

I might also explore into plastic wrapping my car, I assume I should still glue on the spoiler before wrapping it?

skoold2003 · 10-14-2020, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamh

After 4+ years, my original carbon fiber front splitter gave in while I was driving on the highway. It fell half way and scratched the ground so bad that the carbon fiber was torn horizontally.

I have to pull over on the highway curb, use a bungy cord to hold it temporarily, and then head to a near by gas station to get some duck tape to hold it better

So should I buy the same part again from BMW, or is there other options from other shops that you guys think is comparable and have good fitment? I've seen something similar from rw carbon but not sure how good they are.

Attachment 2437555

I have the RW carbon 3D lip and it fits perfectly. Just add a couple extra screws and some 3m tape and it's not going anywhere.

hamh · 10-14-2020, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skoold2003

I have the RW carbon 3D lip and it fits perfectly. Just add a couple extra screws and some 3m tape and it's not going anywhere.

Nice setup!

Amit_Grey_F16 · 10-14-2020, 03:15 PM

Have you considered repairing the current splitter? You could potentially put it back together or re-skin it using Carbon Fibre. It's not too hard to work with. I repaired a split in my rear diffuser not too long ago. Bought a CF repair kit from Ebay. There are places you can go to get the whole thing re-skinned.

You could have a go at patching it up and if it doesnt come out too great you could always wrap it.

Just a suggestion that could potentially save some money.

hamh · 10-14-2020, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amit_Grey_F16

Have you considered repairing the current splitter? You could potentially put it back together or re-skin it using Carbon Fibre. It's not too hard to work with. I repaired a split in my rear diffuser not too long ago. Bought a CF repair kit from Ebay. There are places you can go to get the whole thing re-skinned.

You could have a go at patching it up and if it doesnt come out too great you could always wrap it.

Just a suggestion that could potentially save some money.

Good suggestion, I'll have to take it off this weekend and see how bad it is first. Right now I still have it duck taped to the car

blue dragon · 10-15-2020, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1norseman

Sorry about your spoiler, but I'm not surprised if it was only held by 3M tape.
3M tape is a great product, but anything that catches a lot of wind like a spoiler, needs more than just 3M tape.

The Betalink K2 is way more secure than 3M tape.
FYI: If you use it, tape/mask all surfaces that are not to be glued, and have an extra person to help you line up the parts.
Once the glue dries, it has to be cut to to remove, a real pita..

I did that with the rear diffuser and still managed to get betalink in places where it wasn't supposed to go. Luckily Betaclean removed it. I ordered a twin cartridge gun to do the front lip so it would be less messy

hamh · 10-15-2020, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue dragon

I did that with the rear diffuser and still managed to get betalink in places where it wasn't supposed to go. Luckily Betaclean removed it. I ordered a twin cartridge gun to do the front lip so it would be less messy

what kind of twin cartridge gun do you use?

Any tips on installing the front lip with betalink? I keep reading I only have a very short window to glue it before it dries out.

blue dragon · 10-15-2020, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamh

what kind of twin cartridge gun do you use?

Any tips on installing the front lip with betalink? I keep reading I only have a very short window to glue it before it dries out.

I'm waiting for Amazon to deliver. The gun should be here on Sunday, I'll take some pics of the lip install then.

1norseman · 10-15-2020, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue dragon

I did that with the rear diffuser and still managed to get betalink in places where it wasn't supposed to go. Luckily Betaclean removed it. I ordered a twin cartridge gun to do the front lip so it would be less messy

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamh

what kind of twin cartridge gun do you use?

Any tips on installing the front lip with betalink? I keep reading I only have a very short window to glue it before it dries out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue dragon

I'm waiting for Amazon to deliver. The gun should be here on Sunday, I'll take some pics of the lip install then.

I was cheap, and just pushed the the cylinders one at a time, with a rod. Was easy, and quick to mix, but did possibly give me a slightly shorter window before glue hardened.
I did not have help, and I'm not totally happy with my install, but I'm pretty much the only one noticing it.
Still this is why I recommend taping everything around the glue area, and having a friend to help. As long as you use the cleaner, before it sets up, it will clean easily. But be prepared and have lots of paper towel ready, because it will require a new piece of paper towel for every wipe, or you will just make a bigger mess.
This is where I failed, while I was cleaning up glue on places it should not be, one side of my spoiler moved about 1/8" up. Only way to remove it now, is a plastic wedge, and sharp knife.

Ferg · 10-16-2020, 10:54 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the OEM CF spoiler has a mounting piece that you drill into the bumper to avoid just this.

blue dragon · 10-16-2020, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferg

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the OEM CF spoiler has a mounting piece that you drill into the bumper to avoid just this.

You need to glue the CF piece to the bracket, which itself must be glued and screwed to the bumper. Some people choose to take their chances with double sided tape to facilitate a reversible install.

The install with Betalink is meant to be permanent

Breezer88 · 10-16-2020, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamh

After 4+ years, my original carbon fiber front splitter gave in while I was driving on the highway. It fell half way and scratched the ground so bad that the carbon fiber was torn horizontally.

I have to pull over on the highway curb, use a bungy cord to hold it temporarily, and then head to a near by gas station to get some duck tape to hold it better

So should I buy the same part again from BMW, or is there other options from other shops that you guys think is comparable and have good fitment? I've seen something similar from rw carbon but not sure how good they are.

Attachment 2437555

Sorry to hear, I have the RW 3D Carbon and like it!

DenBel · 10-16-2020, 02:01 PM

You can use betalink 1, you don’t have to mix it, holds strong, but takes twice more time to dry.

hamh · 10-17-2020, 11:57 AM

so with betalink 1, does it mean I can apply the glue to the spoiler, and I will still have time to move it a bit here and there to place it correctly?

DenBel · 10-17-2020, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hamh

so with betalink 1, does it mean I can apply the glue to the spoiler, and I will still have time to move it a bit here and there to place it correctly?

Yes

blue dragon · 10-18-2020, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue dragon

I'm waiting for Amazon to deliver. The gun should be here on Sunday, I'll take some pics of the lip install then.

Bracket sanded

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Test fitting the bracket to mask off areas that I do not want to get Betalink on

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Inside surface of CF lip sanded

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Need to clean and prime (drying time 5 minutes), then apply the Beta link and tape up the lip.

elec cert · 10-18-2020, 03:18 PM

Betalink K2 is the only way to make sure it never comes off, I did 3M tape before and never did a proper job also never fits snug.

10-14-2020, 12:36 PM	#1
hamh Second Lieutenant 85 Rep 299 Posts Drives: X5 MSport + VW GTI Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Somewhere cold iTrader: (0)	So long my carbon fiber front splitter :-( After 4+ years, my original carbon fiber front splitter gave in while I was driving on the highway. It fell half way and scratched the ground so bad that the carbon fiber was torn horizontally. I have to pull over on the highway curb, use a bungy cord to hold it temporarily, and then head to a near by gas station to get some duck tape to hold it better So should I buy the same part again from BMW, or is there other options from other shops that you guys think is comparable and have good fitment? I've seen something similar from rw carbon but not sure how good they are. __________________
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10-14-2020, 12:39 PM	#2
blue dragon Lieutenant Colonel 1190 Rep 1,544 Posts Drives: '22 Tesla MY + '23 Tesla MY Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Land of high taxes and crappy healthcare iTrader: (2)	Not what I want to hear. I'm waiting for Betalink K2 to install mine. How as yours installed? Double sided tape, or Betalink? __________________ \| '22 Tesla Model Y P - My daily \| '23 Tesla Model Y LR - Wife's daily \| '17 F15 35D - missed daily \|
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10-14-2020, 02:05 PM	#3
hamh Second Lieutenant 85 Rep 299 Posts Drives: X5 MSport + VW GTI Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Somewhere cold iTrader: (0)	when I did mine, I use the 3M tape, and it last for 4+ years... and I was coming back from a road trip on the highway, may be the speed, wind and downward pressure were to much for it to stay on anymore ... Where do you guys order the front splitter these days? __________________
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10-14-2020, 02:08 PM	#4
DenBel First Lieutenant 232 Rep 337 Posts Drives: F15 50i, F13 650i Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (1)	Sorry to here that( when I installed mine with 3m it lasted for a month, then I used betalink 1 and no issues so far. If you are getting the new one, then betalink is the way to go. There was one for sale without the hardware in classified resently
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10-14-2020, 02:12 PM	#5
1norseman Captain 398 Rep 648 Posts Drives: X5 50i Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Pavement iTrader: (0)	Sorry about your spoiler, but I'm not surprised if it was only held by 3M tape. 3M tape is a great product, but anything that catches a lot of wind like a spoiler, needs more than just 3M tape. The Betalink K2 is way more secure than 3M tape. FYI: If you use it, tape/mask all surfaces that are not to be glued, and have an extra person to help you line up the parts. Once the glue dries, it has to be cut to to remove, a real pita..
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		BMW X5 and X6 Forum (F15/F16) > BMW X5 (F15) and BMW X6 (F16) Forum > BMW X5 and X6 (F15/F16) Forum
So long my carbon fiber front splitter :-(

10-14-2020, 02:16 PM	#6
hamh Second Lieutenant 85 Rep 299 Posts Drives: X5 MSport + VW GTI Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Somewhere cold iTrader: (0)	yikes........ that's going to be a pain... I might also explore into plastic wrapping my car, I assume I should still glue on the spoiler before wrapping it? __________________
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10-14-2020, 03:15 PM	#9
Amit_Grey_F16 New Member 14 Rep 17 Posts Drives: BMW X6 F16 30D Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Have you considered repairing the current splitter? You could potentially put it back together or re-skin it using Carbon Fibre. It's not too hard to work with. I repaired a split in my rear diffuser not too long ago. Bought a CF repair kit from Ebay. There are places you can go to get the whole thing re-skinned. You could have a go at patching it up and if it doesnt come out too great you could always wrap it. Just a suggestion that could potentially save some money.
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10-16-2020, 10:54 AM	#15
Ferg Master of my own domain!! 153 Rep 1,049 Posts Drives: F82 M4/F15 X5 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Huntsville, AL iTrader: (0)	Correct me if I'm wrong, but the OEM CF spoiler has a mounting piece that you drill into the bumper to avoid just this.
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10-16-2020, 02:01 PM	#18
DenBel First Lieutenant 232 Rep 337 Posts Drives: F15 50i, F13 650i Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Brooklyn, NY iTrader: (1)	You can use betalink 1, you don’t have to mix it, holds strong, but takes twice more time to dry. Attached Images
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10-17-2020, 11:57 AM	#19
hamh Second Lieutenant 85 Rep 299 Posts Drives: X5 MSport + VW GTI Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Somewhere cold iTrader: (0)	so with betalink 1, does it mean I can apply the glue to the spoiler, and I will still have time to move it a bit here and there to place it correctly? __________________
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10-18-2020, 03:18 PM	#22
elec cert New Member 8 Rep 6 Posts Drives: BMW X5 F15 m50d Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: England UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW X5M50D [0.00]	Betalink K2 is the only way to make sure it never comes off, I did 3M tape before and never did a proper job also never fits snug.
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