[David1]

Just did mine. Put the back of the car on ramps to make the job easier. Done in 30 minutes. The center tabs are a pain but come out. I thought I was going to fall backwards when the first center tab released. New diffuser popped right in with a slight pound with my hand over each tab. Mine also has that slight extra space on the driver side if you know it's there. For CF, the BMW part fits 9.8 out 10. I think a little 3M tape will help the driver side if needed. I do not think the tabs on carbon fiber will survive removal if you want to sell this part later on.

[metrickid]

Mine looked a bit off when I installed it too but after a few days all gaps had self healed.

[ryem3]

Originally Posted by David1

Just did mine. Put the back of the car on ramps to make the job easier. Done in 30 minutes. The center tabs are a pain but come out. I thought I was going to fall backwards when the first center tab released. New diffuser popped right in with a slight pound with my hand over each tab. Mine also has that slight extra space on the driver side if you know it's there. For CF, the BMW part fits 9.8 out 10. I think a little 3M tape will help the driver side if needed. I do not think the tabs on carbon fiber will survive removal if you want to sell this part later on.

After doing mine, i would suggest doing the outer tabs of the carbon piece first and then three center ones. I shaved the outer tabs a bit to get them in better. I'm wondering if it would survive removal as well.

[SM2]

Yup went to the dealer today for 2 hours couldn't get the diffuser to fit. The tabs are too thick. Ordering another one probably will take another month or two.

[David1]

Originally Posted by SethC

Yup went to the dealer today for 2 hours couldn't get the diffuser to fit. The tabs are too thick. Ordering another one probably will take another month or two.

You have to pound it in. They don't know what their doing. 2nd one will be the same.

[NO_USER_]

I agree it's install error most likely. I had TWO diffusers, EAS installed them both and actually fucked my bumper up so the tabs will always be visible unfortunately...

[SM2]

I just don't understand why BMW can't make this part fit better. Anyone else just get this part after 6 months of being on back order?

[MineralGreyMetallic]

Just received this part and wanted to bump this thread in case anyone has any new tips on how to make the install easier. It's a popular piece so I'm wondering if most people have the dealer install it or try to do it themselves.

Thanks for the write up, btw.

[BSMF87]

Originally Posted by MineralGreyMetallic

Just received this part and wanted to bump this thread in case anyone has any new tips on how to make the install easier. It's a popular piece so I'm wondering if most people have the dealer install it or try to do it themselves.

Thanks for the write up, btw.

I noticed people here had problems removing the stock diffuser, the tabs on the ends release easy but the center can be a real pain, what I did was run my fingers from one end towards the center till I got as close as I can to the first tab in the center then gave it a quick firm tug and it came off. Keep running your fingers down the center as close as you can to the next tab and give another quick firm tug, mine came off easy this way.

When installing I just banged it in with the back of my fist, I had a problem getting one of the pop rivets back in the drivers side but just left it till I get it on a lift. The rest went in fine, fits perfect.

[MineralGreyMetallic]

Great info BSMF87. Thanks!

After reading the trouble people had in this thread with installation I ended up getting in touch with Andrew@SupremePower. They had experience installing this piece and made quick, easy work of it. I think total time was something like 15-20 minutes, and it looks great!

[ryem3]

Originally Posted by SethC

Yup went to the dealer today for 2 hours couldn't get the diffuser to fit. The tabs are too thick. Ordering another one probably will take another month or two.

Tabs are too thick? Pretty simple, make them thinner. I had the same issue. I used an exact knife and very carefully shaved down a couple of the tabs. Really a challenge to use the same installation with carbon as with plastic - the carbon has no flex and will not "snap" into the bumper. I also expect it will be more challenging to remove. With the plastic one, you can just forcefully pull it off.

[longbeachbluem2]

Originally Posted by David1

Just did mine. Put the back of the car on ramps to make the job easier.

David1 Did exactly just that. Made it much easier to access the back.

Followed everyone's advice and started from each end before working towards the middle. Unscrewing the heat shield and sliding your hand up to the tabs made it easier. Last, I was able to get all the middle tabs out in only a couple minutes once I figured out the following. The tabs are held in place by the notch on top (duh) and the bumper has a second tab that keep the diffuser tab engaged. From the inside, I put a screwdriver between the bottom bumper tab, had someone then push on the diffuser releasing tension on the diffuser tab, and used my finger to squeeze down on the black diffuser tab and it slid right out. It was too cramped and dark to take a pic, but here is a diagram of what I did. Hope this helps others!

[MerlinPurple]

^ Many thanks for taking the time to draw up that diagram, very helpful

[eeyang92]

Today I installed my new diffuser and had a lot of trouble, even when removing the four extra screws under the car to access the underside of the diffuser.

After all that, I decided to try using my pry tool in order to get the tabs disengage. To my surprise, they popped out one by one, very easily. What I did was get the pry tool directly above the tab and apply downward pressure, then pull the diffuser towards me with my other hand. Once I figured this out, I was able to remove the diffuser within minutes. If I had known this from the start, I think this could have been a 10-15 minute job. Removing the extra screws underneath is unnecessary.

[longbeachbluem2]

Originally Posted by eeyang92

After all that, I decided to try using my pry tool in order to get the tabs disengage. To my surprise, they popped out one by one, very easily. What I did was get the pry tool directly above the tab and apply downward pressure, then pull the diffuser towards me with my other hand.

I debated doing the same, but didn't want to wedge the tool between the paint. Similar to taking the rear reflectors out, I decided to go from behind because pulling the clips through could possibly damage the original panel that holds the diffuser. Note that the middle holes have that tab sticking up to keep pressure on the diffuser tab/clip. Pulling it back could break those, but as long as you're careful this method works too.

[just blaze]

Originally Posted by eeyang92

Today I installed my new diffuser and had a lot of trouble, even when removing the four extra screws under the car to access the underside of the diffuser.

After all that, I decided to try using my pry tool in order to get the tabs disengage. To my surprise, they popped out one by one, very easily. What I did was get the pry tool directly above the tab and apply downward pressure, then pull the diffuser towards me with my other hand. Once I figured this out, I was able to remove the diffuser within minutes. If I had known this from the start, I think this could have been a 10-15 minute job. Removing the extra screws underneath is unnecessary.

Thank you!! Finally got around to doing my RKP diffuser install today and was able to do it in about 20 mins or so by following what you did and using the pry tool. Make no mistake though, so parts of the install still felt a little violent lol.

[wanofakind01]

Think I was one of the luckier ones, 10 min job to swap! My stock diffuser popped out without the use of a pry tool, simply popped the sides off first, and then rocked the middle tabs back and forth from the ends of the diffuser and they just came out.

I actually bought my mp diffuser a month ago and was just putting off the install based on the horror stories I've read. Super satisfied with the piece though, really changes the rear of the m2 for the better!

[Inuyasha]

Hey All,

I have the M performance rear diffuser port installed, so I dont have the OEM diffuser lying around. I want to buy and reinstall the OEM diffuser. My question is do I need to buy the OEM clips and bolts or can I use the clip and bolts thats already on my M performance diffuser?

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

[horsepower_and_hounds]

Originally Posted by Inuyasha

Hey All,

I have the M performance rear diffuser port installed, so I dont have the OEM diffuser lying around. I want to buy and reinstall the OEM diffuser. My question is do I need to buy the OEM clips and bolts or can I use the clip and bolts thats already on my M performance diffuser?

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

I have one for you off mine if you need one, took it off at 250 miles. It has the black backing clips also as stock. PM me

[Inuyasha]

Damn it... thanks but I just ordered a new one this morning after closely reading this thread cause you can reuse the same clips/bolts!

[Stef]

OK. I just did it. My advice is: pull hard! and do not be afraid.

It took me (I did time it) 22 minutes from start to finish, not a second more.

As you pull on the diffuser, the bumper will bend, but I was never afraid it was going to break, and I did not pull “as hard as I could” and I did not “almost fall backwards”.

You just pull, and it comes out. That’s it. No worride to break anything. The bump bends as you pull, but that is what it is supposed to to: flex and bend.

The CF diffuser snapped right in, and I could not be happier!

Why pro installers have a hard time doing this? I cannot understand (at least the removing part, installing the new diffuser might be harder depending on the one you bought...)

[Stef]

Pics