CSL Diffuser options

[tnord]

Well that has to do more with how detailed the buyer is with looks. Sure some of those aftermarket can look good. But there’s a bit more to this than just a fitment replica. Many of these China replicas aren’t true OEM CSL part copies. They lack the curve and shape at the bottom edge of the CF by the tips(they’re more roundish). Also having seeing this first hand, the CF weave is rather poor. The CF pattern doesn’t match up with another sheet they used, also and can look twisted going around curves. Then they might only have 2x2 weave and not 1x1(OEM). Lastly I’ve seen some look good for like 2-4 years then the clear of CF starts to haze or crack. For a short term owner this isn’t much an issue.
Having said that many might say it’s low and some of these things can’t really be seen. And are fine with that. So for these people they are fine with these deficits. Which each person weighs pros/cons vs pricing. Others it might bother them and are detailed oriented and willing to pay more.

I'm in on paying for quality 1x1 weave, clear that won't yellow, a part that fits, not china, and a 1:1 replica part. I'm not a short term owner, I bought this car in 2010. But do we know which option meets all of these conditions?

[Casa de Mesa]

^^ agree with everything old///MFanatic said.

Before this turns into pissing contest / EuroConnex slam, let me add to my original point.

My counterpoint to Matt's comment (in my prior post) is that SOME of the beauty covers can look good. The happybuyitnow ones are of decent quality (mostly), but have the shitty metal tabs that most of the rest of the knock-off have. However, with a little extra work, they can look pretty great. I think the one I got is in that camp, but I have seen some Alibaba covers that look absolutely terrible. So YMMV.

My stance on these beauty covers will remain the same. These things are nearly 0% functional and nearly 100% cosmetic. Being so low to the ground, as long as it looks great and can be made to fit great with some effort, I'm a happy guy. For me, this is one of those products I simply cannot justify spending $2k or more on. For others, I completely see where plunking down that kind of cheddar makes sense and I'll not fault anyone for it. There are plenty of other products EuroConnex curate that I would happily plunk down $2k for though. It's a matter of what's important to you and what isn't.

Matt works hard to get this group of enthusiasts really interesting products that would otherwise not exist. Or he gets deep discounts via coordinated group buys. I think he does good by the community and am happy he's here and stoked he's curating unique stuff for us. If he makes a buck or two in the process, great.

[old///MFanatic]

have to admit as much as I don't want to buy cheap junk, it seems like the high $ diffusers are not without issue. so why not just buy the ones from Turner or BW?

Well that has to do more with how detailed the buyer is with looks. Sure some of those aftermarket can look good. But there’s a bit more to this than just a fitment replica. Many of these China replicas aren’t true OEM CSL part copies. They lack the curve and shape at the bottom edge of the CF by the tips(they’re more roundish). Also having seeing this first hand, the CF weave is rather poor. The CF pattern doesn’t match up with another sheet they used, also and can look twisted going around curves. Then they might only have 2x2 weave and not 1x1(OEM). Lastly I’ve seen some look good for like 2-4 years then the clear of CF starts to haze or crack. For a short term owner this isn’t much an issue.
Having said that many might say it’s low and some of these things can’t really be seen. And are fine with that. So for these people they are fine with these deficits. Which each person weighs pros/cons vs pricing. Others it might bother them and are detailed oriented and willing to pay more.

[Epoustouflant]

I think certain folks opinions are bound to be influenced by what makes them money.

I first spend money before I make money - guys like you always forget that distinction. If it isn't aligned with what I want for my car first and foremost, I won't offer it.

As a reminder, I said this:

They look like crap.

None of the CSL replicas are 1:1 designs with the ridge. To some, it has value - it was the intention in creating the master molds. See below for examples and differences.

If a 1:1 replica does not have value to you, then buying 200$ eBay is impossible to beat, and anything can fit well with enough time and money.

As long as owners have the knowledge to take the decision that fits their goal and budget, I consider it a success. He knows, he got it to fit well, he's happy - that's what matters.





Alibaba Diffuser:

[discoelk]

I think certain folks opinions are bound to be influenced by what makes them money.

[Casa de Mesa]

Defaulting to a lesser diffuser has the same problem it ever has: they look like crap.

While I generally agree with this and nearly always subscribe to the "buy cheap, buy twice" mantra, I think we've also proven that lesser quality beauty covers (aka, diffusers) can look great.

Albeit, it may take some work to get it there (zip ties anyone?). Also as with anything, if the foundation is crap...

[Epoustouflant]

have to admit as much as I don't want to buy cheap junk, it seems like the high $ diffusers are not without issue. so why not just buy the ones from Turner or BW?

Old cars have old car problems - they aren't straight anymore and brackets are busted. It's easy to point at diffusers without looking at broader issues. This post was a prime example of pointing at the wrong things.

Take the bumper off, get the brackets straight, glue them again and you'll have a proper fitment with a quality diffuser, including the Genuine BMW units, this one and this one.

Defaulting to a lesser diffuser has the same problem it ever has: they look like crap.

[tnord]

have to admit as much as I don't want to buy cheap junk, it seems like the high $ diffusers are not without issue. so why not just buy the ones from Turner or BW?

[slithershift]

What's the catch with this Bimmerworld CSL diffuser? https://www.bimmerworld.com/CSL-Styl...er-E46-M3.html Is this significantly different or lesser quality than the happybuyitnow/euromotorsport option?

[Casa de Mesa]

Thanks Matt!

Also I reread my post from yesterday. If it came across as short, I was cooking dinner while posting on NAM3. Unintentional.

[Epoustouflant]

Color looks great - I'll never get tired of it. Glad to hear you're happy with it.

Here's a recent install of the 1:1 CSL carbon diffuser that was delivered color matched.

[Casa de Mesa]

Shoot. I'll probably never be able to sell the car on BaT now.

Not sure what to say other than here's another vantage point that's not picking up reflecting light from the outdoors as much. Best I could do without being at the car.

[Nate047]

Maybe I'm tripping but this is the part I was seeing. Could just be the angle though!

[Casa de Mesa]

Your body shop really worked some black magic on this one lol. By repainting it, they made the wave or bowed appearance of the ridge (where the paint line is located) much less noticeable. It makes it hard to get a straight paint line on these diffusers when the ridge is not clearly defined. I assume that is why the manufacturer puts the paint line in the incorrect location.

Rear end looks great with the bootlid and diffuser!

Thank you! This was the missing link for a while, feels good to finally have it on the car.

The shop that painted it are the same ones that painted the car (Vintage Restoration). They turn out some pretty interesting, high end projects. They primarily work on classics, and a lot of custom fabbed restomod type stuff. Think chopped roofs, old school English wheels, etc. Their painter is a talented guy and a perfectionist. I really like how it turned out.

[Slideways]

I think it's the pic. The mask lines are straight. Even if they were crooked, no worries, my parade goes on rain or shine.

Your body shop really worked some black magic on this one lol. By repainting it, they made the wave or bowed appearance of the ridge (where the paint line is located) much less noticeable. It makes it hard to get a straight paint line on these diffusers when the ridge is not clearly defined. I assume that is why the manufacturer puts the paint line in the incorrect location.

Rear end looks great with the bootlid and diffuser!