BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

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      08-03-2013, 06:23 PM   #1
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Install Kerscher Splitter

I recently installed a Kerscher splitter on my 135i

Before I decided to purchase and install the splitter I searched 1addicts for information.

I found a few posts but there seemed to be conflicting information.
The main question was if the splitter could be installed without drilling the bumper cover. I would have liked to avoid drilling my bumper cover, however I found that if the splitter was only installed using the existing bumper cover screws or even 3m red tape, I doubt it would hold up to the forces of higher speed & would most likely come loose, fall off.

I strongly suggest that you follow the Kerscher suggested install, I also found that you can do a cleaner job by removing the bumper cover, then reinstall it with the splitter already attached.

I have included a few pictures – hopefully these will help if you are considering installing this splitter.
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      08-03-2013, 06:37 PM   #2
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2008 BMW 135i  [5.66]
You left out the most important picture... Of it on the car!
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      08-03-2013, 08:29 PM   #3
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Installed Pictures

I figured there are lots of pictures of the Kerscher splitter installed - but here are a few more - I am proud of how it looks
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      08-04-2013, 08:24 AM   #4
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love it... i want one for my Lemans blue 1, I think it's going to look awesome with my carbon spoiler. Congrats
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      08-04-2013, 11:37 PM   #5
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Looking good! I have the same lip, I was wondering if your bottoming out all the time like me?
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      08-05-2013, 03:27 AM   #6
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i love this...and hate you for introducing me to this tuning company...i now want to do front and rear bumpers and front lip...ahhhh it never ends does it?
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RIP - E82 135i - 7/7/2021
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      08-05-2013, 03:28 AM   #7
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looks sick BTW, good choice. whats the quality like? any bubbles or inconsistent weaves?
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RIP - E82 135i - 7/7/2021
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      08-05-2013, 07:43 AM   #8
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Well it is definitely fixed strong... Nice look
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      08-05-2013, 06:25 PM   #9
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I installed mine without taking off the bumper. Bolt a few up to the existing holes and then mark the bumper. Drill, bolt, all good. Mine's super solid, no tape either.
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      08-05-2013, 08:15 PM   #10
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Definitely a good idea to use all the mounting hardware. Mine has stayed strong at 220km/h, although you could see it bending in some photos.

I did something different and painted mine gloss black (as well as my stock diffuser) as I had no other CF parts on my car.
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      08-05-2013, 08:57 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Twhill19 View Post
looks sick BTW, good choice. whats the quality like? any bubbles or inconsistent weaves?
This is the first CF component I have purchased - so I don't have anything to compare it to. However quality seems good. No bubbles, and the "weaves" were all very uniform except for a very small part ( <1" ) - which depended on the angle you looked and was towards the back of the splitter (not visible when installed)
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      08-05-2013, 09:00 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by litebulb View Post
Looking good! I have the same lip, I was wondering if your bottoming out all the time like me?
I am very careful with steep driveways and speed bumps so I have not had a problem with bottoming out. Wondering how the splitter holds up when this happens ?
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      08-06-2013, 01:18 AM   #13
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I'm quite careful as well but it happens. So far its been ok. I found a couple of chips but nothing too noticeable. I starting to think due to the increased weight the cabriolet sits lower.


Quote:
Originally Posted by 61etype View Post
I am very careful with steep driveways and speed bumps so I have not had a problem with bottoming out. Wondering how the splitter holds up when this happens ?
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      08-08-2013, 12:24 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by litebulb View Post
I'm quite careful as well but it happens. So far its been ok. I found a couple of chips but nothing too noticeable. I starting to think due to the increased weight the cabriolet sits lower.
Even on stock M-Sport I swear my Vert sat lower to the ground than the Coupe. No idea if that’s actually true, but anecdotally it sure looked lower. I want this lip so badly, but DC streets + Coilovers will = broken. Ugh.
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      02-10-2015, 07:09 AM   #15
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Additional Questions & Answers

I recently received a few questions on how to install the splitter. Below are the Questions & Answers:

My question to you is, that why you left 7 holes open, so that you can screw it against the bumper(1st photo)?

Yes the holes used to screw the bumper cover / splitter to the front of the car. They are identified as the “B” holes in the instructions. Note: in the third picture I posted, you can see two holes in the bumper cover which do not have corresponding holes drilled in the splitter. I believe you will also need to drill these holes, on each side, (I did) in order to mount the splash guards. Also I needed to trim a few inches off the center end of each splash guard in order to allow them to lay flat between the splitter and the bumper cover. Not sure it is worth all the extra effort to maintain the splash guards. I believe the instructions assume that they will be removed.

Did you use the original screw or got longer threads? I would imagine you will need something longer, because you have lip, splash guard, and bumper.

Most of the screws are original – however I believe I did need to buy a couple longer ones where the splash guards were mounted. In the second picture you can see silver colored screws these were longer to hold the splash guards (I believe), the black screws are original bumper cover screws.

My 2nd question is when removing the bumper, did you loosing up the splash guard, but did not remove the whole thing? Do the wind defectors come off too?

There are a few posts (1addicts or just Google it)which explain how to remove the bumper cover. It is not that bad – If I remember correctly I removed all the screws on the bottom of the bumper cover, two screws under each fender, and a few screws on the top of the cover – under the hood. Hopefully you can find a good set of instructions with pictures – I know I did when I did it. (just do not have the link anymore)

And lastly, I noticed on your 2nd photo. One of the bolts is visible (corner). I would imagine if the bolt is underneath the lip, it would be easier to remove the lip, instead of removing the whole bumper take the lip out. Any reason why the bolt is visible?

I needed to have that bolt going down because it interfered with the plastic wheel well cover (inside the fender) , if it was mounted going up like the rest of the bolts. I actually used a shorter bolt than what was provided so it would not stick out / be visible. I guess you could have all bolts going down and it might make it easier to remove. However, removing the bumper cover it not that difficult and I felt it was a cleaner install.

BTW – unfortunately you will probably end up scraping the splitter ( I am very careful and still scraped it) – to touch it up – I actually used a wide black sharpie and kind of blended the touch up with a damp cloth ….works fairly well.
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      02-15-2015, 11:37 AM   #16
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Questions on install

So when you removed the bumper, how did you mount the lip? Did you put the bumper on the ground and line the lip?

I first pre-drilled the holes as marked on the splitter. Removed the bumper cover carefully placed it upside down on a blanket (careful not to scratch it). Also be careful not to over flex the bumper cover it could crack the paint if flexed too much. My son helped me hold the bumper cover while I positioned the splitter and drilled corresponding holes in the bumper cover. As I drilled each hole I placed a bolt in the hole to keep the splitter in place. After I was done drilling the holes - I placed the bumper cover & splitter right side-up on a couple of home depot buckets so I could tighten each bolt/nut.

I want to keep the splash guard on bease in ohio we get all kinds of weather. Did you keep your wind defector and guard on?

I did not permanently remove any parts when installing - left it as stock as possible.

Is your car lowered? I have bmw performance springs so it's about half inch lower than stock.
I will tackle this soon and again thank you for your help!

My car is not lowered. Stock 135i suspension
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      02-15-2015, 11:46 AM   #17
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Pictures of "splash guards" with splitter

I have had a few questions on how the "splash guard" can be installed along with the splitter - (these are the original "splash guards" which come on the stock car)

Here are some pictures which may help.
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