Touring Spoiler Removal

[twright]

My rear "spoiler" needs to be painted. It would be so much easier to do if I can take it off.

Does anyone know how that thing comes off?

[roguetoaster]

I believe it's only clipped in, so probably just lifting/prying. Checking the part diagram http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E3..._single_parts/ the clip looks like it slides in to the spoiler as well. But according to these pics https://www.classiceuroparts.com/pro...iler-oem-used/ it looks like there may be fasteners on the ends.

[twright]

I don't see any clips anywhere. Do I have to take off the trim on the inside of the rear hatch to find the attachments?

[twright]

Here's some more info: https://www.e30zone.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=277797

[roguetoaster]

The back of the spoiler has about 6 expanding clips that push into a channel on the tailgate. On top of that there's probably some kind of adhesive that's been used too. All you can do is get a wide, thin edge under the lower edge of the spoiler and prise it off. You're pretty much guaranteed to break the clips, and prise it very carefully because if you put a kink in it you won't get it out again!

QF posterity.

[cory58]

QF posterity.

Interesting reply in the same thread: IIRC, the clips are only to locate the thing in place, so not really necessary. The real fixing is by polyurethane adhesive.

I have a new spoiler from BMW on the shelf, so I'll take take it out of the box and report back.

[twright]

Interesting reply in the same thread: IIRC, the clips are only to locate the thing in place, so not really necessary. The real fixing is by polyurethane adhesive.

I have a new spoiler from BMW on the shelf, so I'll take take it out of the box and report back.

I'm anxiously waiting for an update to this. Any new info?

[cory58]

Here are photos of my new spoiler straight out of the BMW box. The orange stripe is adhesive. Doesn't seem like much to hold it on. The close up shows a hole that may be for a locating pin.



Spolier 2 by cory58f5, on Flickr
Spoiler 1 by cory58f5, on Flickr

[twright]

I guess I just peel it off. Maybe a heat gun would loosen it up.

[323i E30]

Since it's just for the purpose of painting the spoiler; why not remove the tailgate as a whole, and tape off what needs taped off?
Seems easier than messing with adhesives, but that could very well be just me, because I never like messing with that stuff.

[twright]

Since it's just for the purpose of painting the spoiler; why not remove the tailgate as a whole, and tape off what needs taped off?
Seems easier than messing with adhesives, but that could very well be just me, because I never like messing with that stuff.

That sounds like a pretty good idea. Any idea how hard it is to remove the door?

[323i E30]

Not too hard, but looking at this video I'm coming back on my words and would just remove the spoiler after all.. :)
Around 4:30 the spoiler comes off. Around 7:00 the tailgate.

[twright]

It looks like masking it in place might be easier.

[cory58]

Not too hard, but looking at this video I'm coming back on my words and would just remove the spoiler after all.. :)
Around 4:30 the spoiler comes off. Around 7:00 the tailgate.

Thanks for posting the video. Bookmarked for when I get around to the body restoration of my Touring!

Cory

[bmwcalvin]

I actually have done this a few times now... the best way to remove it for me was a heat gun from inside the glass. Get it nice and hot, take your and use a fishing line to cut through the adhesive. Those holes have plastic clips in them usually, but I have found that all 3 I removed have had some sort of extra bonding on them and the clips were either broken or slide out easily. Be very careful not to bend the edges there is thin metal that is inside it and once it gets deformed it takes alot of work to get back to a normal shape.