Is Replica Carbon Fiber worth it? Or is OEM the way to go? (Mirror Caps Install)

Find me on Instagram: @TommyLGarage
My KZbin Camera Equipment (Amazon Affiliate Links):
Sony A7iii: geni.us/atZOaDE (Amazon)
16MM Lens: geni.us/QosOcg (Amazon)
New Wireless Microphone: geni.us/topBaY (Amazon)
Rode Microphone: geni.us/X87oBJ (Amazon)
Camera Rig: geni.us/Da3BY (Amazon)
Rig Handle: geni.us/5fO0Q (Amazon)
Mavic Pro Drone: geni.us/IGNtbZ4 (Amazon)
GoPro 4: geni.us/Vizmq (Amazon)
GoPro 4 Lavalier Microphone: geni.us/G1QePg (Amazon)
Other:
Sony A7iii Case: geni.us/BaRBY (Amazon)
Sony A7iii Neck Strap: geni.us/7Qq4Xpg (Amazon)
Tripod (mini): geni.us/M9B0 (Amazon)
Tripod (large): geni.us/2iwFUf (Amazon)
Memory Card: geni.us/et9InQO (Amazon)
UV Filter: geni.us/DA1HpBE (Amazon)

[@psuambassador1]

Received my knock off version yesterday. Beautiful weave. Installed in about 5 minutes. I had the same fitment problem that you did on one side but noticed that a tiny lip on the cap was causing the issue. I just gently made sure the lip fit under the mirror fixture and pushed in. Voila! Perfect fit and look for a fraction of the OEM cost. No reason to spend gobs of money on something else.

[@TommyLGarage]

Good job!

[@BosaFTW]

Which did you buy? Do you have a link?

[@optiononemarketing]

Thanks for the video. I have the oem mirror caps since I bought the the car 2015 and like u said perfect fitment and zero yellowing from the sun. Also, can’t wait to see what you do with headlights. Like you, I’m also trying to Blackout some of, if not all of the chrome.

[@TommyLGarage]

More to come in it in about 3 weeks I hope. It’s an involved process

[@optiononemarketing]

@@TommyLGarage Oh no "involved process"? Yikes, sounds like this mod will be above my pay grade.

[@yermailmain206]

OEM FTW!!!! Oh and those are pretty easy to steal off your mirrors🤐

[@TommyLGarage]

oem are harder to remove. Replicas are super easy to pop off.

[@MrFranciscoooooo]

@@TommyLGarage still 900€ to lose very easy

[@importcamel03]

I have replica covers on my F80 and they look nearly identical to OEM. Perfect fit. They exist if you look hard enough.

[@TommyLGarage]

I’m afraid to risk it again

[@BosaFTW]

Which did you buy? There are too many on aliexpress and I don‘t know which seller has good carbon mirror caps.

[@KenjiLo1]

You do get some good replicas!! And for like 1/3 of the original OEM price!

[@TommyLGarage]

Kenji's Garage hard to find those but they do exist

[@Californification]

Your recent videos seem to suggest you regret going with the aftermarket replicas. I am so glad I learnt this important lesson way back during my E46M3 ownership. After all the headaches of returning CF parts that didn't fit and the month long waiting for replacements I swore never to buy anything else except OEM when it comes to CF Parts.

[@TommyLGarage]

///M that’s where I stand. Granted there are a few high quality carbon fiber sellers (Kies for example - his carbon is spot on!). But for the most part the eBay stuff is all garbage

[@Californification]

Tommy L Garage EBay yes but I have had experienced even with parts from RKP and Vorsteiner. Nothing beats OEM. I always buy used or on sale.

[@jayp716]

Those will look nice on my bmw. The Next day “what happened to my mirror caps” haha I stole it 😹😹 thanks for showing us how easily it is to steal it😆

[@TommyLGarage]

Hahah shhhh don't tell anyone

[@leekindell9937]

I went for genuine carbons as got them for 290 quid. One thing you can’t do is remove Oem ones from outside you need to remove mirror as they clip on way more snug.

[@TommyLGarage]

Agreed. You would break all the clips if you were to remove oem CF caps like that

[@dougcampos5518]

Tommy I bought a new all black ‘19 Zl1 1le last Saturday! 3 miles on it. Car is an absolute beast. Smiles to the gallon is all I got to say and I’m still in break in mode😂. You need to get one of these! I love my sexy M4 but this car is a joke.

[@TommyLGarage]

Oh damn. Congrats!!! That’s a beast

[@dougcampos5518]

Thanks my friend! So I connected my blend-mount/uniden R3 yesterday. Wiring was a little tricker than the bmw but I tapped into the dome light and it looks super clean (you were my inspiration 🙌) Also just switched out the stock tires which are literally racing slicks that come with it to super pilot sport 4s so I can daily it in the rain. 305s on the rear and 295s on the front - massive tires. Tinting it tomorrow and I think that’s it for mods leaving it stock- my BMW is fast but this car is another level - like a caged lion 😊

[@TommyLGarage]

Doug Campos sounds like a beast! Any track day plans ?

[@dougcampos5518]

Tommy- yes eventually for sure I’m gonna track it but want to break it in first and get a good feel for it. I never thought I would be a camaro owner but they made a great machine with this one.

[@g.dubyou6263]

I muddled over this for months after I collected my G82. I ordered everything, when I specd my car. Even CCBs, and I didnt get the carbon exterior package. I have since ordered all of the OEM pieces, and just finished replacing my mirror caps, yesterday. There is nothing like the OEM caps. Unfortunately the G82 OEMs are over $1,600.

[@TommyLGarage]

Oem is the way to go

[@fatbikedaddy8644]

Hi Tommy. Do you feel like the replica misfit could be an issue to the point where you would have water and salt affect the mirrors mechanism longevity?

[@michaelvineckejr.3530]

what is the ending song ?

[@kevinrichardson2047]

I have a white F82 and most my friends wanted me to install replica carbon fiber mirror caps, man I just decided to stick with the stick white until I can get my hands on some OEM. honestly I think the stock caps are perfect...i guess there is something called ‘too much carbon fiber’

[@TommyLGarage]

Yup. I went through the same. Sometimes too much carbon fiber is just well....too much

[@carpediem5952]

I like using "IND" for carbon fiber parts, etc. Definitely not the cheapest, but I know I'm getting quality parts.

[@TommyLGarage]

I heard the same

[@JrzyG80]

Well put It doesn’t deserve cheap replicas

[@TommyLGarage]

Agreed

[@jaymackk1236]

My replica ones faded kinda over time, I wonder if I can buy something to clean and make em shiny again? Or just buy again?

[@TommyLGarage]

You can buff the clear but I wouldn’t bother. Oem doesn’t yellow

[@alvarogrados1763]

Didnt you have to put screw yours from the inside? in my f36 i needed screws from the inside so it secures the thing from being robbed

[@TommyLGarage]

No screws. But oem are harder to remove. Replicas are super easy to pop off.

[@dougcampos5518]

Tommy, I know you like the M3 because of the performance and the friendly family factor? You’re realistic dream car if you could pick? I know you like Porsche;) which one? The GT3 RS? 911? What color? Manual?

[@TommyLGarage]

I’d do an orange GT3 manual. Or silver Or red But yes. GT3 Manual. How about you ?

[@nabeelmustafa8651]

Seeing how easy this is, it scares me if thieves find this video

[@TommyLGarage]

Sssshhhhh! Don’t tell anyone. But yes I agree

[@danysofoke10]

What is your online source for this parts ? If you don’t mind me asking

[@TommyLGarage]

Bimmerpost or Craigslist

[@0Mudman]

Always prefer the OEM

[@SA-nh3cq]

Have these from bmw actual oem but the fit is not good at all any help??

[@TommyLGarage]

Can you return and replace ?

[@MichaelNNguyen]

OEM ftw!

[@TommyLGarage]

Yup

[@Shadowmanners]

Thumbs up. I tried to save too, got the same look of replicas, couldn't handle it overhanging the edge and not lining up 100%, returned them for a refund and stayed with the white for a while. Remember I told you about my totaled m4? Insurance still didnt decide what to do 5.5 months later, I'm driving a rental amg gts in the meanwhile that they're paying $500 a day for lol. First car I actually like kind of more than the m4...

[@TommyLGarage]

IsraeliPilot that’s insane! At least you’ve got an amazing loaner

[@matthewconnolly1722]

How much for the replicas? If you’re just getting rid of them I might be interested haha.

[@TommyLGarage]

I sold them already. Sorry!

[@matthewconnolly1722]

No worries man, glad you were able to. Really enjoy the channel, keep up the great content!

[@Boostd4]

For something that is exposed to the elements and could/will get damaged over time...I'd rather be able to replace the replicas 3x and still have pretty close to OEM quality.

[@TommyLGarage]

Would you say the same thing about the hood ?

[@Boostd4]

@@TommyLGarage I would say yes as long as the fitment and quality are "near" the OEM parts. Spending large sums of money on parts that are OEM just so I can say they are OEM isn't worth it to me. I'd rather spend that money on tires and other consumables for track days.

[@peppino9255]

id recommend putting some PPF film on those mirror caps

[@TommyLGarage]

I might do that actually. Should be an easy diy

[@christianbouchard7136]

At 10 times the price for the OEMs, no thanks!! I paid 30$ for my replicas and they are just fine and the fit is good, obsessive compulsives be welcome to pay 300$ a pair.

[@TommyLGarage]

Sure thing

[@djryanmcdonald]

Where did find them for $30?

[@Rancid_Sanity]

Where did you get them?

[@margaritayohan309]

Hi where do I get this side mirror

[@TommyLGarage]

Kies Motorsport sells them. Tell them I sent you you’ll get a great deal

[@margaritayohan309]

Thank u so much

[@margaritayohan309]

Btw is real micro fiber?

[@margaritayohan309]

Sorry I meant carbon fiber?

[@mariusvranceanvirixDerTod]

What’s OEM

[@TommyLGarage]

Original Equipment Manufacturer

[@andrewmilne1738]

What does oem mean

[@TommyLGarage]

Made by the manufacturer

[@javierromo8910]

Where did you purchase these ?

[@TommyLGarage]

Kies Motorsports sells quality pieces www.kiesmotorsports.com/products/bmw-f80-m3-f82-m4-f87-m2-competition-oem-replacement-dry-carbon-fiber-mirror-covers?aff=7

[@SoOoObADD]

I would be a millionaire if i got a Nickle for each time you said OEM.

[@TommyLGarage]

OEM is the way to go. Here is another nickel!

[@SoOoObADD]

@@TommyLGarage Hey man, if you sleep better at night knowing that the mirror caps are OEM carbon fiber. Then it makes you feel better and I'm genuinely happy for you.

[@TommyLGarage]

@@SoOoObADD i appreciate it. You seem like a nice person.

[@SoOoObADD]

@@TommyLGarage You seem like a nice person yourself. It would be cool one day to go on a cruise. You in the BMW and me in RS3.

[@Raider1805]

The only issue for me with this video is that there is many other "high end" companies that sell CF mirrors that are much better quality than the "replicas" you have there and much much cheaper than the OEM BMW ones. If it's not an OEM BMW $900 mirror cap, then it's considered as a replica correct? RW Carbon, Auto Teknic, Dinan, etc I would consider a true test to be a comparison of these companies vs OEM BMW.

[@TommyLGarage]

Ok fair point

[@andrewlee5237]

If I cannot afford quality OEM parts then I manage without until I can. Replica parts never have the feel or quality of the OEM!!

[@TommyLGarage]

Agreed !!!

[@capitao2259]

i found more inperfections in the oem...

[@TommyLGarage]

You sure they’re oem ?

[@capitao2259]

@@TommyLGarage Well the ones you called oem :)

[@maxnix346]

Replica means not original. 1mm or 2mm makes a lot of difference in fit.

[@TommyLGarage]

Max Nix yup

[@drss3]

If you have the money for carbon fiber parts then why not ? 😆 people in the comments saying no but on the low the want them 🙄👀

[@TommyLGarage]

Hehehe perhaps

[@StreetDrivenDaily]

3 dislikes. I assume they drive something else.

[@TommyLGarage]

Perhaps !!

[@KilaByte33]

@@TommyLGarage No, they have replicas :D

[@992turbos8]

Plastic is plastic black fiberglass / synthetic material Less then 10% of Carbon fiber is true carbon fiber.

[@TommyLGarage]

So which one is the oem one?

[@Steveindajeep]

im fairly certain your rear spoiler is going bye bye lol

[@TommyLGarage]

Ssshhhhhh ;)

[@Steveindajeep]

@@TommyLGarage my bad 🤦‍♂️...you going to kies motorsports get together july 7?

[@seangso]

Hey brother how is going, im installing the front lip and mirror covers in carbon fibre tomorrow, i have already done the rear spoiler on my M440i with the black badging, and looks awesome. Check out the car before, and will update once all the carbon is on. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3ysk5JmdpyAeck

[@kevinkolodziej6858]

Fuck OEM... Love the replica fuck the company pricing... I don't even saw any difference. And you can work on them if they do not fit 100%

[@TommyLGarage]

The poor fitment is very noticeable

[@TheDarryledmonson]

You get what you pay for.

[@TommyLGarage]

Agreed

[@thelegendaryredx7710]

Tomato tomato

[@TommyLGarage]

I like tomatoes !

[@michaela2776]

The rule of thumb is, if it looks cheap don’t buy it, but if the replica looks very close to the original buy it and save.

[@Servant-Of-Al-Qudus]

La ilaha illAllah

[@TommyLGarage]

Huh?

[@Servant-Of-Al-Qudus]

@@TommyLGarage you got WiFi to Research?

[@stockey]

The replica are the way to go, no one will see the difference.

[@TommyLGarage]

It’s noticeable for sure

[@DocentUSA]

I don't have anything to say, so, just like and comment.

[@TommyLGarage]

Hahaha spasiba

[@xXeFilmsXx]

I have a replica, complete garbage and alot of wind noise

[@TommyLGarage]

That’s the issue I had too - terrible wind noise

[@Supraking129]

In my opinion, i never get non oem aerodynamic parts. BMW spent probably hundreds of hours perfecting the aerodynamics of the vehicle and there is no way in hell imma let some dude on ebay ruin that. Even one small plastic piece can add or subtract many pounds of force at speed.

[@TommyLGarage]

Agreed. Actually my aftermarket caps whistled in the wind. The oem ones - none

[@vdubskiee5356]

50% less…. just tell us what you paid lol people are funny

[@TommyLGarage]

$300 for the pair

[@yg78t76t7]

Wow that replica is horrible!

[@TommyLGarage]

I know!

[@gatecar1980]

Always prefer the OEM

[@TommyLGarage]

Agreed!