Wrapping the Rear Diffuser

[3002 tii]

Has anyone attempted to wrap the rear diffuser off 128/135i? I know some have painted but I would like to go for the carbon fiber look since it would match the Performance lip. I just can't justify spending $500 to $1200 on an aftermarket or BMW Performance diffuser that:

a) won't fit very well
b) questionable finish/weave
c) fit and finish are great but it's still a non-functional $1200 aesthetic piece.

The rear diffuser can be purchased new for $75 and if it's no different than other parts, can be wrapped with less than $100 materials. I just wonder how the wrap would bond to plastic as opposed to a painted surface. In the past, I've even covered wrapped pieces with a clearbra over it because finishes like gloss black are notorious for scratching very easily -- if the concern is the wrap might get damaged from street parking or what not. See my thread here

[pj.rodriguez]

WHERE did you get the circuit stickers on the rear glass?! That is WAY better than the stick figure family!!!!!!!! (Totally unrelated.)

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by pj.rodriguez

WHERE did you get the circuit stickers on the rear glass?! That is WAY better than the stick figure family!!!!!!!! (Totally unrelated.)

http://www.trackdecals.com/

But disclaimer if you've never driven the track and put on the sticker, it's more POSER than Autozone stick-on vents LMAO. I can't tell you the number of cars I've seen with decals of the 'Ring, I guess Forza or Gran Turismo counts?

[pj.rodriguez]

Originally Posted by 3002 Tii

http://www.trackdecals.com/

But disclaimer if you've never driven the track and put on the sticker, it's more POSER than Autozone stick-on vents LMAO. I can't tell you the number of cars I've seen with decals of the 'Ring, I guess Forza or Gran Turismo counts?

I am NOT one of "those" people. I hate those damn vents. And stickers that mean nothing.

I KNEW those are tracks you've driven on and I would love to do the same. Thanks for the link! haha.

Now about that diffuser.... Why not wrap it? What is it that you're worried about exactly?

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by pj.rodriguez

I am NOT one of "those" people. I hate those damn vents. And stickers that mean nothing.

I KNEW those are tracks you've driven on and I would love to do the same. Thanks for the link! haha.

Now about that diffuser.... Why not wrap it? What is it that you're worried about exactly?

LOL good to know. Regarding the diffuser, 2 things

1) Will the film bond well to plastic?
2) Will the heat from the muffler cause any kind of warping?

I've read some threads for e90post and one or two commented that heat was not an issue so I may try this. Again, no offense to the guys who are rocking the BP diffuser, I would love to have one but just can't justify the cost. $1200 could get me 4 Michelin PSS and camber plates or the BMW Performance Suspension.

[Billup]

I've used Di-Noc on painted and plastic surfaces. Never had any bonding issues with either. It always held up and more than likely won't get destroyed from normal use.

Even if it starts getting a little weathered, it doesn't cost much to re-wrap it, but that will likely be maybe 5 years before it will start to look weathered. The warmth of the exhaust tips will not be enough to cause any warping or crinkling.

[3002 tii]

Here are some pics I found on Bimmerfest by a company called Wu Wraps.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Billup

I've used Di-Noc on painted and plastic surfaces. Never had any bonding issues with either. It always held up and more than likely won't get destroyed from normal use.

Even if it starts getting a little weathered, it doesn't cost much to re-wrap it, but that will likely be maybe 5 years before it will start to look weathered. The warmth of the exhaust tips will not be enough to cause any warping or crinkling.

Thanks very helpful, will try doing this when the next weekend frees up.

[Fifty3bags]

Originally Posted by 3002 Tii

Thanks very helpful, will try doing this when the next weekend frees up.

You could also get the Rieger diffuser in their 'carbon look' it's more of an aggressive diffuser though

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Fifty3bags

You could also get the Rieger diffuser in their 'carbon look' it's more of an aggressive diffuser though

Considered Reiger but it requires drilling into the bumper and their carbon finish doesn't match the OE weave.

[rking117]

plasti dip is also a viable option and only a a few bucks. the outcome looks professional if you take your time and spray it off the car. Plus if you get tired of it. take one corner and peel.

[3002 tii]

I'm going to get some quotes for hydro dipping, I remember seeing this on Wheeler Dealer once and the price is supposedly reasonable. For those who don't know what this process is

[TheSt|G]

The Chinese company that makes iCarbon and such products for them also sells their stuff on EBay.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

The Chinese company that makes iCarbon and such products for them also sells their stuff on EBay.

But I suspect hydro dipping will still be way cheaper and it'll of course have factory fitment. While it won't have the "fins" found on other diffusers it's not like those were functional to begin with.

[Converted1]

I have been thinking of doing the same thing as you. I have the oem CF spoiler and would like the diffuser to tie into it. Watching with interest!

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by 3002 Tii

But I suspect hydro dipping will still be way cheaper and it'll of course have factory fitment. While it won't have the "fins" found on other diffusers it's not like those were functional to begin with.

Yup, not downplaying hydro dipping. No experience with that. Just pointing out most of the "top tier" aftermarket CF can be had direct from the manufacture.

I just don't understand why they made it grey instead of black...

[Billup]

Originally Posted by 3002 Tii

But I suspect hydro dipping will still be way cheaper and it'll of course have factory fitment. While it won't have the "fins" found on other diffusers it's not like those were functional to begin with.

Hydrographics are nice, and usually the finish is very nice, and I assume you would be clearing over, or clear vinyl overlay to protect it. The only thing I didn't like with my hydro dipped pieces was that it seemed to lack texture and didn't look as well in the light as a vinyl wrap.

A buddy of mine had his mirrors dipped on his 911 and ended up wrapping over it because he wasn't "ecstatic" with the end product.

For you it may not make much difference since you are thinking about doing your rear diffuser, though.

[Wakka]

Go for the hydro dip. My company hydrodips parts all the time and they come out looking great.

[cheshirecat79]

The Rieger carbon diffuser is hydrodripped. If you don't like the look, I don't suggest entertaining that particular method of finishing.

IMO, you're going to be best off going with a typical vinyl wrap. Just be sure you have a bit of clearance between your exhaust tips and the diffuser (typical OEM clearance is fine). The heat *will* warp or damage the wrap/dip if it's too close. IMO, anything 1'' or farther is fine.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by cheshirecat79

The Rieger carbon diffuser is hydrodripped. If you don't like the look, I don't suggest entertaining that particular method of finishing.

IMO, you're going to be best off going with a typical vinyl wrap. Just be sure you have a bit of clearance between your exhaust tips and the diffuser (typical OEM clearance is fine). The heat *will* warp or damage the wrap/dip if it's too close. IMO, anything 1'' or farther is fine.

But at least if I get it I hydro dipped myself, I can choose the finish?

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Wakka

Go for the hydro dip. My company hydrodips parts all the time and they come out looking great.

Your company interested in organizing a group buy for 1addicts? Haha

[Wakka]

Originally Posted by 3002 Tii

Your company interested in organizing a group buy for 1addicts? Haha

Highly possible honestly. I can talk to them when i get back in the office on monday and see what we can do for dipping the diffuser.