completed my rear diffuser mod.

[BimmerE82]

Just a couple of photos of my rear diffuser mod. I cut out the fake insert and replaced it with mesh and sprayed the entire diffuser in gloss black to match my trim and grilles. I think it came out looking pretty good, considering I used a rattle can to paint it! I may still order a new stock diffuser and do the same modification to it only I'll have it professionaly painted in gloss black with a clear coat. We'll see how long this one lasts without chipping.

[chachacha28]

looks good! i want to do the same thing with my car, but i wont paint mine, wont look good on a black car imo.

[BimmerE82]

Originally Posted by ezeedee

looks good! i want to do the same thing with my car, but i wont paint mine, wont look good on a black car imo.

I think your right about the black car, you kind of need something to break up the color scheme and the dark grey diffuser contrasts it nicely!

[USC2000]

Looks pretty good. What happened to the top of your bumper? Looks warped.

[BimmerE82]

Originally Posted by USC2000

Looks pretty good. What happened to the top of your bumper? Looks warped.

Yea I noticed that a while back, I don't know what happened? I have never hit anything, I was just thinking it was the hot Arizona sun but maybe I will have the dealership check it out next time I go in.

[Harlequin]

Originally Posted by BimmerE82

I may still order a new stock diffuser and do the same modification to it only I'll have it professionaly painted in gloss black with a clear coat.

Mine doesn't have the cutout but I had it done using BMW Shadowline paint codes...

Just to give you some idea what a Professionally painted one looks like:

[BimmerE82]

Originally Posted by Harlequin

Mine doesn't have the cutout but I had it done using BMW Shadowline paint codes...

Just to give you some idea what a Professionally painted one looks like:

Yeah, yours looks ALOT better! I am waiting for Dan from United BMW to get back with me with a price on a stock diffuser. I definately want to do this the correct way, I was just bored and figured I would give it a go! Looks awesome! Thanks for posting!

[MPBK]

What does a rear diffuser do? Is it just for looks?

[BimmerE82]

Just modifying a stock piece on my car, for looks more than functionality. Makes my already rare car even more so where I live.

[Satalite]

Originally Posted by BimmerE82

Just modifying a stock piece on my car, for looks more than functionality. Makes my already rare car even more so where I live.

I believe the price from Dan was quoted for me @ 71.38. Not sure about shipping probably $15. Look great!

[hyper1]

nice job.

I was thinking to do so before buying from Icarbon.
You did a nice job.....good for you.
Maybe (as a suggestion) sprayed black paint on the muffler, so you can't see the aluminum colour thru the mesh.

[WhiteTgr135i]

The diffusers that come on our 1er's don't do s***, there more for looks. A real diffusers function can be found here : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffuser_%28automotive%29.

Originally Posted by MPBK

What does a rear diffuser do? Is it just for looks?

[BimmerE82]

Originally Posted by hyper1

nice job.

I was thinking to do so before buying from Icarbon.
You did a nice job.....good for you.
Maybe (as a suggestion) sprayed black paint on the muffler, so you can't see the aluminum colour thru the mesh.

Yea I was going to do that but I didn't have any heat resistant black spray paint on hand.

[Jive]

Originally Posted by Tycho

The diffusers that come on our 1er's don't do s***, there more for looks. A real diffusers function can be found here : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diffuser_%28automotive%29.

A real rear diffuser would look something like this, and even more intense in real racing applications. I basically channels the air to create a vacuum to provide more grip.

[rjwojcik]

Decided to get mine painted after reading this, so a big

Before:





After:





O, and while the diffuser was off I managed to polish my exhaust tips properly

[DemolitionJim]

great idea/job on the diy guys. really makes it look 100 times better. im thinking i might do this as well.

[1speedbike]

Originally Posted by BimmerE82

Yea I noticed that a while back, I don't know what happened? I have never hit anything, I was just thinking it was the hot Arizona sun but maybe I will have the dealership check it out next time I go in.

Mine's weird like that too. Not as big of a weird bump/warp, but a weird "pinch"..

The diffuser looks great! How did you stick the mesh in?

[BimmerE82]

Originally Posted by 1speedbike

Mine's weird like that too. Not as big of a weird bump/warp, but a weird "pinch"..

The diffuser looks great! How did you stick the mesh in?

The mesh was glued in with automotive GOOP and some double sided tape. Hasn't been a problem yet. I just make sure I don't really push hard on the mesh when I'm washing my car, just in case. As for the weird bump on my bumper? I have no idea what it is? Have to have it looked at by the dealer next time it goes in.

[zkeeper]

Nice job and no would know about the can-paint....but where did you get the actual mesh? I like it. Checked recently at locals and MAY have missed something but did not like what I saw...thanks for any info on this...

[BimmerE82]

Originally Posted by zkeeper

Nice job and no would know about the can-paint....but where did you get the actual mesh? I like it. Checked recently at locals and MAY have missed something but did not like what I saw...thanks for any info on this...

It's just plastic Gutter Mesh that I picked up from the local ACE hardware store for around $6.00 for a roll and the paint still looks as good as the day I sprayed it! No chips or damage even after a few months. Good luck with your mod!

[Xios135]

I just started this project. Picked up the roll of black plastic mesh as well as a strip of the metal stuff to see what I like better. I'm also painting the diffuser myself. Picked up a can of high-temp black spray paint and plan to put a coat on the muffler so it's not as noticable through the opening.

[BimmerE82]

Originally Posted by Xios135

I just started this project. Picked up the roll of black plastic mesh as well as a strip of the metal stuff to see what I like better. I'm also painting the diffuser myself. Picked up a can of high-temp black spray paint and plan to put a coat on the muffler so it's not as noticable through the opening.

Make sure to post some photos of your completed project! I'm pleased with my results! I have had no problem what so ever with my paint job! It still looks as good as the day I painted it!