It’s been a long time coming… but FiFi is decked out tastefully *sesto elemento* from front to back now!
Last week, I installed carbon fiber side skirt extensions that I got off of eBay. It turned out to be a really easy mod to install on my own at home. I LOVED that they arrived with holes already pre-drilled, plenty of double-sided tape, and self-tapping screws that I was able to drill in & secure the extensions onto the car without any stress. I’m definitely new to the whole “DIY BMW mods” life, so this was a great buy for me. With everything already laid out and provided, there was no guess work to do during the installation process. I am super pleased with how perfect the fitment is, considering they aren’t OEM side skirt extensions!
The only thing that could make these side skirt extensions better is if the carbon fiber wrapped underneath. Sometimes, if I’m not careful, I’ll scratch my ankle getting out of the car. Also, in photos, the side skirts look too thin and almost invisible from certain angles because the CF doesn’t wrap underneath. From above though, they looks AMAZING! Weave quality is decent, and overall they aren’t too shabby for about $330 after tax.
A couple days later, I drove out to European Auto Source to have them finally install the DTM style carbon fiber front lip I’ve been wanting for the longest time. I had EAS order it directly from JL Motoring, and they did a beautiful job installing it. The lip looks just as sexy in real life on my baby as it does in photos on other cars! I’m sooooo pumped for it. I really wish I had the opportunity to ceramic coat it before the installation, and get some SLiPLO on prior… but unfortunately it didn’t work out that way.
Before I drove the 2+ hours back home, I actually saran wrapped the entire lip and secured the wrapping with painter’s tape. I was hopeful that this would help prevent possible minor scuffs and rock chips, and keep it clean so that it’s easier on me when I finally ceramic coat it. It did prevent dust from getting in and those rock chips… but…
I was super bummed to get home and realize that the bottom of the lip had already gotten scraped… UGH! She isn’t even lowered, and I didn’t feel or hear it… so not entirely sure where or how it happened. The only place I could think of is a gas station parking lot that I pulled into to get some water for the ride home. It wasn’t unusually steep… so there’s a real problem if I’m already scraping trying to do normal day-to-day type driving. Looks like I need to relearn how to drive? LOL!
After the painful discovery, I didn’t hesitate to order a SLiPLO DIY kit. This lip protrudes quite far and is clearly prone to scraping. The last thing I want is my lip cracking prematurely from regular contact with the ground. Luckily, I received it two days after ordering and was able to install it with ease. I’d say that even though things didn’t go totally as I’d hoped, I still lucked out because the SLiPLO completely covers the little bit of damage from the drive home. Here’s to hoping I’m able to keep this lip for a while now… 🙂
This morning, I went out for a Starbucks run across the street. When I got home, I saw that the SLiPLO had already gotten scraped. Now that I’m super cautious and aware, I noticed that coming up onto my driveway scrapes it! The good news is, no more scrapes on the lip itself, and SLiPLO is holding up well and doing its job absorbing the impact!
A couple weeks ago after a car wash, I also swapped my chrome badge for the gloss black 430i badge. I honestly didn’t think this minor mod would make such a difference, but it definitely makes the rear end look better. For under $5 from AliExpress, I can’t complain. No more chrome on Fi!
SHEESH. She’s got attitude like momma now! 😉
Palm Springs needs to cool down already so I can drive around comfortably with the top down and take new photos & videos of the new set-up! My boyfriend bought me a gimbal for my phone that I’m really looking forward to using more when time & weather permits.
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