Most exterior styling parts fit in one of four ways: adhesive tape, clips, screws or bolts, or a mix of them, and some need drilling. The Installation tab on each product page says how that part fits, so read it before you order. Here's what each method involves, how the main parts usually fit, and when it's worth having them fitted for you.
Before you start
- Check it's the right part. Parts are listed by chassis code, and some are made for one bumper style, or for facelift (LCI) or pre-facelift cars only. Our BMW chassis code guide explains the codes. If you're not sure, send us your reg on WhatsApp (07540 331557) and we'll check before you order.
- Check the part when it arrives. Look it over before you fit it. If anything is damaged, faulty or wrong, email sales@projectstyling.co.uk with your order number and photos of the part, the box and the label.
- Read the Installation tab. It says whether the part uses tape, clips, screws or bolts, and whether it needs drilling or wiring.
- Test-fit first. Hold the part in place before you fix anything, to check it lines up. Aftermarket parts can need minor adjustment or trimming to fit well.
The ways parts fit
Adhesive tape
Many boot spoilers, trims and smaller parts stick on with automotive double-sided tape, such as 3M tape. Tape only bonds well to a clean surface, so wash the area, wipe off any wax or grease with a panel wipe, and fit the part on a dry day when the panel isn't cold. Press it firmly along its whole length.
The tape needs about 24 hours to cure, so don't wash the car until then. A taped part can be hard to remove cleanly later, so test-fit it carefully before you peel off the backing.
Clips
Some parts replace your original part and use its clips. Many grills unclip from the bumper, and the new grill clips into the same place. On some cars the bumper has to come off first.
Old clips can be brittle and may break when panels come off, especially on older cars, so it's worth having spare clips to hand.
Screws and bolts
Front splitters, rear diffusers and side skirts usually screw or bolt on, often at the car's existing mounting points. Exhaust tips usually clamp or bolt onto the exhaust pipes, so check the pipe size in the listing first.
Drilling
Some parts need holes drilling to fix them securely, often splitters, side skirts, diffusers and some spoilers. Drilling is permanent, so measure twice and test-fit first. If we fit your parts, we always ask before drilling.
Parts with wiring
Some parts need power, such as LED grills, lights and diffusers with lights. These may need wiring in, for example with a fuse tap, and some cars need coding afterwards. If your car has a front camera or parking sensors, check that the listing says the part works with them.
How the main parts usually fit
Swipe the table sideways to see all of it.
| Part | How it usually fits | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Boot spoilers | Adhesive tape, sometimes with screws | Some need small holes drilling |
| Front splitters | Screws or bolts under the front bumper | Often need drilling |
| Rear diffusers | Screws or bolts to the rear bumper | Some need drilling; ones with lights need wiring |
| Side skirts | Screws or bolts along the sill | Often need drilling |
| Mirror covers | Most replace the original mirror caps; some stick on over them | Check which type the listing is |
| Front grills | Replace the original grill, usually with clips | LED grills need wiring; check for camera and sensor cut-outs |
| Exhaust tips | Clamp or bolt onto the exhaust pipes | Check the pipe size in the listing |
These are the usual methods, not a rule for every part: the Installation tab on the product page says how that part fits.
Fit it yourself, or have it fitted?
Taped spoilers, trims and stick-on mirror covers can be a manageable job at home if you're patient and careful. Parts that mean taking a bumper off, drilling or wiring are harder, and a mistake can be expensive to put right.
If you'd rather not do it yourself, we can fit parts at our workshop in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, by appointment. Tick “Request a FREE fitting quote” in your basket, or see how fitting works. We test-fit every part before fixing it, and we always ask before drilling.
After fitting
- If a part was fitted with tape, don't wash the car for about 24 hours.
- Check the parts are secure after your first few drives.
- Avoid brush car washes, and don't aim a pressure washer at the edges of fitted parts.
- Some modifications must be declared to your insurer. If you're not sure, ask them.
Looking for parts? Popular car pages: BMW M4 G82, BMW M3 G80, BMW 3 Series G20, BMW X3 M F97, VW Golf Mk8 and Audi A3 8Y.
Pick your car to see what fits, or read carbon fibre vs gloss black vs carbon-look to choose a finish.