Xoutpost.com - How To: Installing a BMW Hood Protector.

A little board contribution from me, maybe some of you have this installed, but maybe not.

Not wanting the hood to get trashed I opted for BMW’s acrylic hood protector like what we had on our X5, in lieu of clear bra. To me these things just fit SAV's [SUV's]. Fit and finish is typical BMW quality.

Here’s a write-up on how to install it, install time took about 30 minutes and required only a Phillips head screwdriver from the tool chest and a pair of scissors! Easy stuff.

Let’s get started, Part number: 82-11-0-306-543 and cost about $90.

Here’s the packaging:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_001.jpg

And here are the parts:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_002.jpg

First things first, open the hood. After popping the release from the interior, put your finger in and push up on the release lever. BTW, they switched this up from my e38, and it through me for a loop ;) :

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_005.jpg

Now get out the template that came with the instructions and cut the dotted lines:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_007.jpg

I lined up the template on the hood and used some scotch tape to hold them done. Driver side:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_011.jpg

Passenger Side:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_013.jpg

Now take the adhesion promoter bottle, crack it to allow the fluid to penetrate the tip and apply it to the hood where the template shows. Let it dry for about 5 minutes:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_016.jpg

Now take the mounts and stick them on the hood as shown. MAKE SURE you apply them with the groove facing the front of the vehicle:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_017.jpg

Now, rather than using the directions to try and measure where the bump stops should go, I put the shield on, lined it up properly and got a visual then took it off to apply the bump stops. Make Note: The bump stops MUST be adhered to the hood, not doing so will allow them to rub the hood and scuff the clear coat. Don't worry about alignment, I must be cross-eyed today....LOL:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_025.jpg

Now it’s time to put the 3M anti-abrasion pads. I lined those up with the holes on the shield and then stuck them on in about a 60/40 measurement. Meaning, 60% on the hood and 40% on the underside of the hood.

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_031.jpg

Here’s how the main fasteners go together. It’s basically a plastic mount on the top and then a metal “L” bracket that fits under the hood:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_033.jpg

Here’s how the plastic mount fir in the hood. #1 notates the 3M anti-abrasion pads I mentioned and #2 notates the plastic mount:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_035.jpg

Now fit the metal “L” bracket on the plastic mount:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_036.jpg

Now start to thread the screw just a few threads:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_038.jpg

Now line up the hole on the shield with the hole on the hood mount and push the plastic pin in. Now tighten the screw done as tight as you can without stripping the mount. Repeat this for the remaining 2 mounts:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_040.jpg

And viola, you’re done! Sweet looking ain’t it!

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_042.jpg

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_046.jpg

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_051.jpg

Genuine BMW accessory:

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/m...6-2008_052.jpg