[Landiah]

Has anyone tried any of the carbon grilles off ebay or know of any other alternatives other than the Alpha N ones?

[rcouchh]

Tempted to try... they're $650 vs the Alpha-N is $1500

[Landiah]

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtQ4Va2

This one here is $400 I’m thinking about pulling the trigger.

[Chicanery]

Please report back if you pull the trigger on these.

[Bumpinjeep]

I would think these are cheap plastic parts with a carbon sticker or some really messed up weave. Why not simply take your current grill and hydro-dip it in "carbon?" I would think that would achieve the same look at a much lower price and at least you know it's going to fit properly since it's a true BMW part.

[rcouchh]

Originally Posted by Bumpinjeep

I would think these are cheap plastic parts with a carbon sticker or some really messed up weave. Why not simply take your current grill and hydro-dip it in "carbon?" I would think that would achieve the same look at a much lower price and at least you know it's going to fit properly since it's a true BMW part.

Maybe you don't realize what carbon fiber is, but even OEM BMW carbon parts are just a cheap fiberglass or plastic component with a piece of carbon weave laid on top and clear coated.

Unless you're talking about a roof or pieces like the CS carbon hood, everything is like that. Even more reason to buy cheaper alternatives.

[M_Power Rob]

Originally Posted by rcouchh

Maybe you don't realize what carbon fiber is, but even OEM BMW carbon parts are just a cheap fiberglass or plastic component with a piece of carbon weave laid on top and clear coated.

Unless you're talking about a roof or pieces like the CS carbon hood, everything is like that. Even more reason to buy cheaper alternatives.

Yes, you are cirrect but there are definitely different grades and quality levels.

[Bumpinjeep]

Originally Posted by rcouchh

Maybe you don't realize what carbon fiber is, but even OEM BMW carbon parts are just a cheap fiberglass or plastic component with a piece of carbon weave laid on top and clear coated.

Unless you're talking about a roof or pieces like the CS carbon hood, everything is like that. Even more reason to buy cheaper alternatives.

Incorrect. OP was referring to Alpha N vs eBay/Alibaba knock off, which is exactly that, plastic with a weave sticker on it. The Alpha N part is carbon through and through. That's why one is $1500 and the other is a third (but really should be more like a fifth) of that.

[Chris13002]

Originally Posted by Bumpinjeep

I would think these are cheap plastic parts with a carbon sticker or some really messed up weave. Why not simply take your current grill and hydro-dip it in "carbon?" I would think that would achieve the same look at a much lower price and at least you know it's going to fit properly since it's a true BMW part.

I personally would never paint, hydro-dip, or even wrap a front grill. Rock chips will eat through it much quicker and it will look worse than what you started off with. I also don't like the fact that you lose the M2 emblem in the front.

[Spoolin Montego]

Originally Posted by rcouchh

Maybe you don't realize what carbon fiber is, but even OEM BMW carbon parts are just a cheap fiberglass or plastic component with a piece of carbon weave laid on top and clear coated.

Unless you're talking about a roof or pieces like the CS carbon hood, everything is like that. Even more reason to buy cheaper alternatives.

Simply untrue. Name ONE OEM cf part that is fiberglass base...I'll wait.

There is like 10 different ways to make a CF item all with varying degrees of quality. OEM items are always full CF with no fiberglass.If they used fiberglass you would see black on the back rather than CF weave.

[DBV]

Originally Posted by Chris13002

Rock chips will eat through it much quicker and it will look worse than what you started off with.

I had IND make a "shadow chrome" version of the F80 grille when I had my M3, and it looked amazing until I got the first rock chip. In hindsight, PPF is a must on any front end pieces.