How to install fender trim on a BMW G8X M3 and M4

Here's how to replace the BMW G8X fender trim with new carbon fiber units. Install takes about an hour in total.

G8X-fender-trim

This will be a part of a story on deleting all of the Shadowline Trim from my M3. While all the lower sections are best left to those with access to a lift, the BMW G8X fender trim is easy enough to remove on your own. I’ll detail the steps below – set aside about an hour.

What you’ll need

Please note that BMW does not sell those little badges separately, so you’ll need to remove the old ones from the original trim.

How to remove the fender trim on a BMW G8X M3 and M4

BMW G8X M3 and M4 fender trim
Step 1: Place painters tape over the edges to protect the paint.
BMW G8X M3 and M4 fender trim
2: Using your trim tool, pry up from the back at the top, middle, and bottom. Be careful not to lose the white plastic clips into the fender itself.
BMW G8X M3 and M4 fender trim
The trim safely removed.
BMW G8X M3 and M4 fender trim
3: Remove the three white plastic clips from original trim, and set aside.
BMW G8X M3 and M4 fender trim
4: Use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm up the glue on the badges.
BMW G8X M3 and M4 fender trim
5: Use a small trim tool to lift up the badges at their edges. Use more heat if they are stubborn.
BMW G8X M3 and M4 fender trim
6: Use Goo Gone or another adhesive remover to wipe away excess old glue. Use alcohol mix to prep surface for new tape once clean.

How to install the fender trim on a BMW G8X M3 and M4

G8X Fender Trim install
1: Add tape to the badge, and use an X-Acto blade to cut around the edges.
G8X Fender Trim install
Cut as close as you can, but you will not see any uneven edges once installed on the car.
G8X Fender Trim install
2: Using painter’s tape, measure the original badge’s location and create a template to place on the new trim. This will ensure it’s installed straight.
G8X Fender Trim install
4: Prep the surface with alcohol, let it dry, and then install the badges in their proper location.
G8X Fender Trim install
The completed fender trim.
G8X Fender Trim install
5: Place the white clips onto the new trim. There are not available separately from BMW, so install with care.
G8X Fender Trim install
6: Prep the surface with alcohol before installing to ensure the tape will properly adhere.
G8X Fender Trim install
Peel the new tape (it comes installed on the proper locations from NW). Insert the front edge first, then snap in the back edge.
G8X Fender Trim install
Now ready for the next Cars and Coffee.

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