Don't suppose anyone has any tips for removing the wing badges on the E89 - have done a few searches but drawn a blank?
E89 Wing Badge Removal - E89
- Thread starter RickyBobby
- Start date
You mean badge or indicator light Garrie?
Tony.
Tony.
To remove the BMW emblem badge, if you look down the inside of the wing, at the back you can see 2 pins which locate the badge.
To remove the badge you need a plastic trimtool and an old credit card. Use as shown. The card prevents any dents in bodywork.
IF, you meant the indicator lights, you need a long flat blade screwdriver to release the clip at the front if the light unit shown in next picture.
If you're fitting the new style chrome indicators you will need to do this.
This is one of my original ones.
Tony.
To remove the badge you need a plastic trimtool and an old credit card. Use as shown. The card prevents any dents in bodywork.
IF, you meant the indicator lights, you need a long flat blade screwdriver to release the clip at the front if the light unit shown in next picture.
If you're fitting the new style chrome indicators you will need to do this.
This is one of my original ones.
Tony.
Bloody marvellous Tony will take a look tomorrow and yes I meant the badge rather than the indicator.
I actually prefer the old style indicators although my previous E89 was an LCI model with the new style chrome versions.
Tony I can see the two retaining pins that you highlighted which hold the badge on but I can't work out how I could get to them to secure the replacement badges. The back of the wing nearest the driver and passenger door is blocked by what looks like sound deadening foam. How did you manage it? Cheers
When you remove the badge the pins pull out of two plastic inserts, they are what hold the badge in place.
Tony.
Tony.
Oh OK thanks.
So the retaining inserts remain in place so you can just push the new badge in - I thought they would just fall off?
How’s this done in a Z3 guys?
Much the same, the badge needs to be prised out, preferably without damaging the paintwork. I put masking tape around the edge and used two plastic trim tools to pull as level as possible. Came out OK without damage, but care is needed.
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Pretty much the same IIRC Dawn, just they are on the gills not the wings. Been a long time since I had my Z3.
Tony.
Tony.
I know Tony. Re: long time.
Watched some YouTube videos and the surrounding paintwork has been damaged via this method so I’m wondering if there’s a method which doesn’t mark the paintwork.
Watched some YouTube videos and the surrounding paintwork has been damaged via this method so I’m wondering if there’s a method which doesn’t mark the paintwork.
That's why the old credit card.
Tony.
Tony.
The one for the dashboard cluster removal will come in handy then 
another great Tony idea.
another great Tony idea.Although the 'trim tool and old credit card' method is extremely good for removing badges there are other ways if you don't have those tools:
1. a fairly thin flat-bladed screwdriver, the wider the better, covered in electrical tape at the blade. Stick masking tape all around the badge (two or three layers is best) and insert the screwdriver blade at various points around the whole badge and lever gently. NEVER twist the blade as it will dent or at least mark the panel. As the foam double sided tape starts to 'give' carry on at all points gently until the tape peels away. It can take a while this way as you need to be fairly gentle, but saves buying a trim tool (and applying for a credit card)! Any residue of glue can be removed with most alcohol-based solvents, but I find a bit of T-cut is great as it is very gentle on the paintwork.
2. Same method as above but for really stubborn adhesive a short length of 15-20lb fishing line (or similar nylon 'string') can be used to 'saw' the tape up to the locating pegs all around.
HTH.
1. a fairly thin flat-bladed screwdriver, the wider the better, covered in electrical tape at the blade. Stick masking tape all around the badge (two or three layers is best) and insert the screwdriver blade at various points around the whole badge and lever gently. NEVER twist the blade as it will dent or at least mark the panel. As the foam double sided tape starts to 'give' carry on at all points gently until the tape peels away. It can take a while this way as you need to be fairly gentle, but saves buying a trim tool (and applying for a credit card)! Any residue of glue can be removed with most alcohol-based solvents, but I find a bit of T-cut is great as it is very gentle on the paintwork.
2. Same method as above but for really stubborn adhesive a short length of 15-20lb fishing line (or similar nylon 'string') can be used to 'saw' the tape up to the locating pegs all around.
HTH.
Nylon fishing line is no good. As you pull it back and forth it heats and will make it snap. What you can use is "Braid" if you know any Carp fishermen, it won't heat and snap. You only need a foot or so.
Tony.
Tony.
Worked for me many times, just have to be gentle.
I’ll be trying it out shortly ..does that work for the bonnet one ?
It does. The 2 pegs are at the sides of the badge.
Tony.
Tony.