Anyone have personal experience replacing the E90 side gills?

I searched and found this DIY on removing the side gills on E90 M3:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229037

Has anyone used this method with any luck? I'm not exactly sure how much pressure I'm supposed to apply to that end, but I'm a little hesitant to use any more force than I already am.

Would love to get some feedback from someone who has done this themselves with success.

Chances are you're not pulling hard enough. The E90 requires more force than the E92.

I didn't feel comfortable using a screwdriver to pry something off my car, regardless of how much tape was wrapped around it.

Personally, I used the tape method. Attach 1 piece of packing tape on the top and bottom towards the rear of the gill. Then, grip and pull. Once the rear end is loose, wiggle the front out.

AnisotropyIsKey wrote

Chances are you're not pulling hard enough. The E90 requires more force than the E92.

I didn't feel comfortable using a screwdriver to pry something off my car, regardless of how much tape was wrapped around it.

Personally, I used the tape method. Attach 1 piece of packing tape on the top and bottom towards the rear of the gill. Then, grip and pull. Once the rear end is loose, wiggle the front out.

Just pull? No prying whatsoever?

Pull The Living Shit Out Of It!

I did it, can't remember how. Hope that helps!

Arnold_Powers wrote

Pull The Living Shit Out Of It!

I'll give that a try this afternoon. Fingers crossed I don't pull my fender off.

blue flowers wrote

I'll give that a try this afternoon. Fingers crossed I don't pull my fender off.

Don't do that, you'll break the clips. Tape up the surrounding areas and use an old credit card to pry them out.

I watched several videos and read posts about how to remove the existing markers. The first thing I did was buy a cheap set of trim tools off ebay for $4. This made the work a breeze. 2 minutes on one side and about 30 seconds for the other. I started at the back and worked my way forward. One side the whole black mesh came out with the marker, but on the other, just the marker came out.

Boiled Peanut wrote

I watched several videos and read posts about how to remove the existing markers. The first thing I did was buy a cheap set of trim tools off ebay for $4. This made the work a breeze. 2 minutes on one side and about 30 seconds for the other. I started at the back and worked my way forward. One side the whole black mesh came out with the marker, but on the other, just the marker came out.

Can you show me the tools you purchased and explain how you did it? I actually have a set of interior trim removal tools but thought they weren't rigid or sturdy enough to pry the pieces off.

Thanks!

Try using gloves made for an extreme grip and go after the skinny end first

EJT86 wrote

Try using gloves made for an extreme grip and go after the skinny end first

I followed this DIY and work well. Good Luck

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=531297&highlight=gill

Here is the trim kit I purchased. It was $6.50 not $4 if that makes a difference. I have read they have these kits at Harbor Freight, too.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/400465362750?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Pulled the gills out using the tape method described above. I place pieces of packing tape on both ends of the gill, and started from the back of the gill and moved forward.

Managed to replace both fairly quickly. Broke a piece of the bottom rear mounting tab on the drivers side mesh piece, but it isn't visible and is easily replaceable.

If I was to do this again I'd probably use the trim removal kit. Didn't really like breaking anything.

Thanks again for your help!