How To Replace A Bmw Bonnet Or Boot Badge
Anyone who has owned a BMW for any length of time will know that the round BMW bonnet and boot badges do need replacing from time to time
. Several things can happen to the badges. Most commonly, the lacquer starts to peel or blister making the badge look very untidy.To replace the badge, it is useful to know how it attaches They mostly fit in one of two ways. The vast majority of them have two prongs on the back. One is at the 3 o'clock position and the other is at the 9 o'clock position. These prongs simply push into two plastic grommets that are themselves pushed into holes in the bonnet or boot.
In addition, the badges on some BMW models also have self adhesive material on the rear in order to give them extra adhesion. If you have purchased the correct original replacement badge, you can tell whether your old one is likely to be attached using adhesive by looking at the back of the new badge.
If your badge does have adhesive, it is advisable to break the adhesion before trying to remove the badge. The easiest way to do this is by using some strong nylon fishing line. Taking a length of line, wrap the ends around each of your hands so as to get a good grip. Ensure that you leave about 15 cm (6inches) in between which you can pull tight. With the line pulled tight and moving it from side to side, try to get the line to slide down between the badge and the surface of the boot or the bonnet. You may have to locate the place where the badge is not such a close fit to do this.
Once the fishing line has started to slide under the surface of the badge, move it from side to side in a sawing type of motion towards the centre of the badge. This should cut through the relatively soft adhesive. Do this for either the top or bottom half of the badge until you feel the resistance caused by the prongs that are holding the badge in place. Then, remove the line and repeat for the other half of the badge. This should then release the majority of the adhesive, allowing you to move onto the next step.
Next, it is simply a case of pulling the badge off. However, it is unlikely that you will be able to grip the edges of the badge. In order to remove the badge sufficiently to grip it, you will need to use a thick, strong cloth and a credit card or similar stiff plastic card. It is advisable that you use a card that is no longer required as the process can damage it.
Firstly, locate the position where there appears to be any sort of gap between the badge and the bonnet or boot of your BMW. The closer to the prongs on the back, the better. Once the position has been identified, place your cloth on the paintwork and push it up tight to the edge of the badge. Resting the credit card on the cloth, try pushing the edge of the card between the badge and the surface of the bonnet or the boot. If necessary, ensure that the cloth is adjusted so that the card does not make direct contact with your paintwork. If there is no gap, you may have to carefully push the card under the badge to create a small gap, constantly making sure the cloth prevents contact between the card and the paintwork.
Once the card is in position, use firm force to lever the badge away from the bonnet or boot. Continue this at different positions around the badge but always as close to the two prongs as possible. The badge will gradually lift with each application of the card until it is far enough away from the surface for you to grip hold of with your finger tips and pull off.
Where your boot or tailgate badge is the type that moves to expose the lock, the fishing line and the card need to be inserted between the badge and the surface of the sliding lock cover.
Once the badge is fully removed, the plastic grommets should remain in the holes. They can easily be pushed back in if they come out. They very rarely need replacing but if they do, they are inexpensive to buy.
Before fitting your new BMW bonnet or boot badge, ensure that the newly exposed paintwork is cleaned. Use warm soapy water. You may have to remove any remaining adhesive carefully with your fingernail. If it has hardened, it can be softened using a hair dryer, being careful not to burn your fingers as you try to scrape it off. Use polish that you would normally use on your paintwork in order to remove any sticky deposits.
Once the surface is clean, the new badge can be fitted. If the new badge is self adhesive, remove the backing first. Position the prongs of the badge over the holes in the grommets and then simply push it on. Give it a good firm press, especially if your badge is self adhesive. That is all there is to it.
It is worth noting that many badges don't have any adhesive. Also, some of the badges fitted to later models are slightly different in that they have two hollow prongs on the back. These simply push onto the corresponding fitting on the bodywork. The method to remove and replace is the same otherwise.
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