alex123

I know the story - where not legal in US and available for about 26 bucks at the dealer. The question is if they are legal and available should my car come with them or at least given to me for free? Every picture on BMWUSA has them. It makes the car look cheap is that an idea or am I just being cheap?

kscarrol

I agree the black inserts look cheap and that the car was designed for, and should come w/ the red reflectors. Call your salesman, maybe you can get them to throw them in for free. Also seems that the 2005's are now coming w/ the inserts painted to match the color of the car. Haven't seen one in person, but unless they are made to be flush with the bumper like the spot for the tie-downs, it will still look odd having the depressions, I think.

realtyman

On the other hand... It's only $26 an about 1.5 minutes.

price9195

Is the 'insert' destroyed in its removal? Anyone with a picture of the back side of the insert or a red reflector so I can see what holds it in before I use the fishing line removal tool?

mihusky

Price - I got my reflectors from Bekker's today. It seems there is a flexible metal clip that is on the side furthest from the license plate which is engaged with the tool/fishing line. The other side has a rigid plastic handle. I'm bringing my reflectors to Erhards on the day my arrives from VPC and letting them install them along with my other accessory requests. My SA said they would do it - if not, they seem easy enough to pop in and out with the fishing line technique.

Bokke

mihusky - you and I have done the same thing - ordered from Bekkers and will have the dealer install at delivery....also going to have the dealer hardwire the V1 at delivery...

twinzor1

The Green Circle is where the reflector hooks into the bumper.
The Green arrow is where the tab snaps into the bumper,

I drew a loop to show where the string would go...

Loop the string on the side of the reflector near the License plate and work
it toward the outside of the car, This should cause the tab to release.

You can also try using a Tie Wrap or zip tie in place of the string

RN123

I just pulled mine out with the screwdriver. Took me all of two minutes to get the reflectors in there. No damage to anything and looks mint.

price9195

Thanks twinzor1! Have you been tracking it across the Atlantic, Mihusky?

mihusky

Yes, I have. That ship tracker is a great site.

cheers