Crowdfunding: 1 to 1 OEM Replica of CSL Diffuser

[SQ13]

Posting my feedback now that I have both diffusers installed. Both of mine have that gap in the top right corner that others have posted about. I think either the moulding has a defect or the donor diffuser to make it had the defect. The paint on both of mine have some pinholes which I thought might be a significant issue, but they’re so small that they’re not noticeable after install. What is noticeable and annoying to look at is the waviness/running in the clear coat at the tape line. For those who have not received their diffuser yet, I’d recommend getting it in primered form and having it painted after you receive the diffuser. Overall, the diffuser looks great and fits well. The waviness in the clear won’t stop bothering me every time I look at it tho.

[Epoustouflant]

René is feeling better and has stepped up production to 3x a week. The next 3x will be next week.

These new CSL 1:1 diffusers showcase Alpine White, Carbon Black and ready-to-spray primer’ed all using OEM matching 1x1 carbon weave.

Some of you changed to ready-to-spray primered, here's an example!

[Epoustouflant]

Most of my imperfections are not from the paint work itself, but from poor prep work. Good prep makes the entire difference as I’m sure you know.

The paint also has nothing to do with the chips and gouges in the pictures. Hidden or not, for the cost of a true 1:1, I call it unacceptable. Comparing to all the pictures of the others, I’m sure mine is an anomoly.

This piece won’t go on my car, as my old HBIN still looks better to be honest.

Disappointed to say the least, but hopefully something gets worked out.

A very good friend of mine is in charge of BMW body shop here, if I have time tomorrow, I will bring it down and see what he says.

There are a few different issues, you're right on that. If I start numbering pictures using circled one.

001: is this a notch in the carbon outline?

002: pin holes on clear

003: dust specs

004: pin holes on clear

005: unsure

006: notch in outline? Seems like this got hit.

007: From my vantage point, this misapplied metallic flakes causing the "moustache" effect you're seeing. It's a common misapplication of metallic paint.

Overall, it's a poor spray job. I've answered your DM, let's go from there.

[JaredU]

Hey Jared,

Glad to hear you got your diffuser. Sorry to hear about the imperfections.

The issues you have isolated all appear to be solvable by a wet sand and polish - which René has covered for past imperfections on prior diffusers.

I can't discern the peeling from here. If you can take a few minutes to send over via email a video under lighting, I will chat with René on covering the repair.

---

As a PSA, and for those next in line, I want to take the time to remind why this happens, along with my recommendations on the paint match service according to your expectations.

I discussed this on the initial unbox here.



I also chatted about it again regarding the actual color match here. I knew it would be off on my car as it's been shoddily resprayed.

Most of my imperfections are not from the paint work itself, but from poor prep work. Good prep makes the entire difference as I’m sure you know.

The paint also has nothing to do with the chips and gouges in the pictures. Hidden or not, for the cost of a true 1:1, I call it unacceptable. Comparing to all the pictures of the others, I’m sure mine is an anomoly.

This piece won’t go on my car, as my old HBIN still looks better to be honest.

Disappointed to say the least, but hopefully something gets worked out.

A very good friend of mine is in charge of BMW body shop here, if I have time tomorrow, I will bring it down and see what he says.

[Epoustouflant]

Hey Jared,

Glad to hear you got your diffuser. Sorry to hear about the imperfections.

The issues you have isolated all appear to be solvable by a wet sand and polish - which René has covered for past imperfections on prior diffusers.

I can't discern the peeling from here. If you can take a few minutes to send over via email a video under lighting, I will chat with René on covering the repair.

---

As a PSA, and for those next in line, I want to take the time to remind why this happens, along with my recommendations on the paint match service according to your expectations.

I discussed this on the initial unbox here.

The nit picking:

There is some clear coat popping and I found 1x dust spec in the clear.

Search for it in the picture below.



Why it may happen, and how it's fixed.

René needs to balance the community's desire to get their hands on the product rapidly and finish quality. 2-component clear coats harden and continue evaporating solvents for over 30 days after application.

This is commonly called "outgassing". It's why most PPF installers & Ceramic Coating applicators require a 30 to 90 days waiting period after any resprayed body panels. It's also why you'll have a slight "paint" smell when unboxing the diffuser.

If this happens, René is usually cover on helping provide a solution local to you. I do recommend professionals do the correction. Last thing you won't is burning through the clear coat.

My bottom line of the value of the color matchpaint service.

The color matching service is offered by René at 70-100$ extra over the ready-to-spray primered option.

It's worth it [...] unless you're OCD about your paint and for things no one else but you will see.

This is me.

I ordered the paint service knowing all the above. I wanted to take you guys into the nitty gritty details.

The car will be getting fully resprayed and we plan on correcting the slight imperfections.

I also chatted about it again regarding the actual color match here. I knew it would be off on my car as it's been shoddily resprayed.

My 0.02$

I previously stated my opinion about the color match service in my unboxing impressions.

My opinion hasn't changed.

"1. If you are OCD, and know your car has been in an accident, resprayed or had aftermarket diffusers previously fitted, get the primer'ed version. Don't bother with DIY and drop this off at a body shop for paint & fitment.

2. If what you see here meets your goals (and your car wasn't due for the junkyard), get the color match option. It's less expensive, looks great, and is easily fitted."

[JaredU]

Never got tracking for this but it showed up at my door today.

Packaged well, and secure in its box lined with styrofoam, and wrapped in foam and bubble wrap, but not entirely happy with this.

Smelled like fresh paint when I opened the box, Pinholes everywhere, paint looks “scratched” under neat the clear in some places around the paint line, small imperfection in one of the carbon attachment holes where clear is starting to lift already, couple places where it was not sanded smooth before paint so there are “bumps”.

While I realize some of this is hidden and not a big deal, I was excited to get this, but not willing to spend more to make this right, on top of another $200 COD to UPS. The imperfection in the carbon attachment hole, and clear peeling already, it will just peel further. To me it needs to be stripped and fully refinished unfortunately.

Can’t comment on fitment as my car is in storage.

[Epoustouflant]

The *real* A07 Mystic Blue is here with a classic 300 Alpine white en prime.

2x others are at paint on Monday. Every passing day Rene feels better and recovering step by step from his accident.

He’s been grateful for you guys’ patience on this.

I posted a video of the latest diffusers here.

[Epoustouflant]

SQ13 check your emails.

New update here.

[Epoustouflant]

Received my diffuser yesterday. Out of the box, it looks fantastic!!

Glad to hear!

Finally received and installed today. Overall the fitment looks pretty good to me, the corners don’t fit quite as well as the OEM diffuser (similar to some of the other pictures posted here), but I’m satisfied vs the cheap CSL style diffusers I’ve had on past E46s. Paint match isn’t stellar but it should look a bit better when the car isn’t so dirty/dusty. The paint line looks great though, as does the CF work itself.

Appreciate your feedback: glad to hear this is an overall positive for you.

I've had some luck playing with the slotted corner pins to get a tighter fit. I had to file down a tab on my diffuser due to the car having previously been poorly resprayed. One of the OEM bumper gaps was off.

I'll snap my final "DIY" install pictures shortly and document it on the journal.

During this Winter's teardown & body restoration, I'll document a bumper-off, professional install to get the gaps even tighter.

[Interlagos]

Finally received and installed today. Overall the fitment looks pretty good to me, the corners don’t fit quite as well as the OEM diffuser (similar to some of the other pictures posted here), but I’m satisfied vs the cheap CSL style diffusers I’ve had on past E46s. Paint match isn’t stellar but it should look a bit better when the car isn’t so dirty/dusty. The paint line looks great though, as does the CF work itself.

[toy4to]

Received my diffuser yesterday. Out of the box, it looks fantastic!!

[toy4to]

Thank you!!!!

[Epoustouflant]

Just added them check your emails!

[Epoustouflant]

Anybody who received the 10/6-13 batch email gotten tracking yet?

I have them. Adding tomorrow morning.

[Interlagos]

Anybody who received the 10/6-13 batch email gotten tracking yet?