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BMW M5 F90 (2018+) General Forums Cosmetic Modifications    Rear Reflector Delete Install Tips

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      02-09-2020, 10:46 AM   #1
MXNSITH
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Rear Reflector Delete Install Tips

I watched IND’s reflector delete video and it looked simple enough for DIY but the first one took me about 20 min to figure out. Once I figured that one out the second one was maybe 5 min at most and less frustrating. It may be that my hands are larger or something but I thought I’d share my findings to help anyone else who will take on this pretty simple DIY mod. IND's video for reference:



I found the two bolts IND recommends for removal were not enough. I couldn’t fit my hand between the fender, heat shield, muffler and lower bumper trim piece. My first tip would be to remove all three bolts in the picture below in addition to pulling away the lower bumper trim piece (black on M5C, body color on M5B) in the order showing in the pic. Each number is a tab and they pop out very easily. I was able to get my hand in significantly easier once I did that.

Pulling away the black trim piece also allows you to pull on the reflector to help pry it off. Though the video does show the reflector tabs are pliable, they are not easy to squeeze between your index finger and your thumb – at least not for me – because of the space constraints. What worked well for me was pulling on the top of the reflector with one hand from the outside and then pushing down on the top of the tab with the other hand until it gave a little. While still pulling I then pushed up on the bottom of the tab and was able to then completely release the tab. I then did the same with the next tab and then the third, constantly pulling from on top.

It seems obvious to me now but the first one was tough until I removed that third bolt and then figured out how best to release the tabs. Before you put in the delete, make sure you install the lower bumper trim piece first otherwise you may struggle since the reflector could then be the way.

Also, maybe it’s because I don’t have a lift or maybe because I am not as flexible as the lad in the video, but I could not get my right hand in to push on the tabs with the correct angle for the right reflector as shown in the video. I used the left hand for the right reflector and vice versa for the left reflector.

Anyway, overall pretty simple but significantly less frustrating for me after I figured it out. Hope this helps someone!
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      02-22-2020, 11:11 PM   #2
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THANK YOU!

Your tips are what saved me here. I couldn't for the life of me do the pinch from underneath technique. Did more searching and found this thread. 5 mins each side later and I was done.

Highly recommended this technique. Super easy!
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      03-05-2022, 06:15 PM   #3
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Also wanted to say thanks for this info. It was much easier and took me about 20 mins or so.
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      03-13-2022, 07:53 PM   #4
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Video please!!! I have tried several times and I cannot for the life of me get them off
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      08-20-2022, 01:59 PM   #5
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Removing the third one saved tons of time. Only part where I was cursing was when I did the right one. This guy is definitely not a leftie.
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      08-27-2022, 01:48 PM   #6
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Thank you for posting, these tips made it so easy.
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