X6M F86 side vent badge install

[blown99]

Yo bimmer fam!

Wanted to post this to hopefully help others when changing out the side vents on the X6M. I read through forums and there is tons of info on the X5M, IND posted a nice walk through but quite honestly there needs to be more detail on the F86 because its not as straightforward as on the F85.

If you are planning this install read through this first for tips and tricks on removal. https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1119249

Pro tip, if you leave it out in the sun they come off way easier. It is WAY easier to do with the wheel off, honestly not sure how well you could get in there with it on, maybe if it was turned away but guessing it would take longer messing with it vs taking the wheel off. I did it at the same time as Ceramic coating the wheels and putting in carbon ceramic brake pads.

Items you will need for install
8(4 per side) 1/2" screws, could use shorter but this is what I used. I think I used #8 or #6 size.
Double sided 3m Automotive tape.

Prep your new vents with tape as shown in the picture. Use the same location as mine, I test fit multiple times to make sure it was in a place that would stick nicely but also make sure it fit flush.

Make sure you clear out the slots from the old badge or these won't fit in well.

After you have test fit and comfortable with how to put it on right, pull the tape and push it on, the bottom clips in, the rest just slides in.

Now the "hard" part, helps if you have a helper and a good head light. While your helper pushes the badge in, you will run a screw into the 4 fins you can see from the back side. Put the screw as close to the plastic on the car so the badge sits in tight and doesn't back out. I started at the top and worked down. See Picture. Make sure where you place the screw is hidden in the notch of the vent. They need to be angled up slightly and in the center of the fin.

All in all its not very hard honestly, and I think it fits tighter than it did stock. Hopefully this helps someone get through it or helps you in your decision to replace the hideous chrome ones!

PS sorry the pictures are sideways. They aren't on my computer

[8202632]

Nice!

[musa]

Excellent! Thanks for posting this . Really appreciate it. I've been putting off installing mine for 2 years! They're just sitting in the garage out of site . Now I feel confident to install them given your F86 DIY. Thanks again!

[blown99]

Originally Posted by musa

Excellent! Thanks for posting this . Really appreciate it. I've been putting off installing mine for 2 years! They're just sitting in the garage out of site . Now I feel confident to install them given your F86 DIY. Thanks again!

Nice glad to hear it!! Post up pictures when you get it done!

[onionzzzzz]

Nice DIY - is your fender vent OEM? Where could I get my hands on them?

[blown99]

Originally Posted by onionzzzzz

Nice DIY - is your fender vent OEM? Where could I get my hands on them?

Yes OEM. Found the best price on Turners site! Took about 1.5 weeks to get

[ayenson]

quick question, are these chrome or black, hard to tell, and second, where did you purchase these fender vents?

[blown99]

Originally Posted by ayenson

quick question, are these chrome or black, hard to tell, and second, where did you purchase these fender vents?

Black. Bought them from Turner