Game, set, match.
"In this Product Series, I document the initial development of the 1:1 Carbon Mirror Replacement Caps with Karbonius back in 2020. I discuss the prototype, my first impressions and its eventual discontinuation in 2023.
In 2025, I have set out to create a new option for sourcing 1:1 replica of the original BMW Performance caps.
This entry documents my test fit of the prototype along with the first production run in 2021."
- Matt
My specs.
After internal testing was completed by Karbonius, the first pre-production unit was manufactured and shipped to me for documentation. Karbonius offered additional customization options over the original BMW Performance caps.
- Weave pattern:
- 1x1 matches the roof panel.
- 2x2 is the original BMW Performance weave
- Clear coated finish:
- High gloss matches the original finish.
- Satin matches the original GTS front lip and rear spoiler clear coated finish.
I spec'ed my set in keeping with the 1:1 approach to replicating the BMW Performance units. They were 2x2 weave with high gloss finish. I receive the caps in March 2021 and immediately proceeded with installation.
Uninstalling the OEM plastic caps.
Removing the OEM caps is probably the most nerve racking part of the process. The original caps are made from ABS plastics. As such, make sure you work in a heated environment as it will loosen the clips and brackets hold onto the mirror housing.
Apply gentle pressure at the edges all around. Pull, and then pull harder! Trim tools can be useful. Make sure to cover their edges to avoid damaging the paint.
Installing the 1:1 carbon caps.
The pre-preg carbon mirrors are fitted and held solely by the 4x 3D printed brackets discussed in the previous entry. Align the brackets, and push!
That's really all there is to it.
The continuous weave is subtle. It's most definitely a if you know, you know characteristic of the original design.
The thin edges of the carbon caps sit on the edge of the mirror housing.
The carbon caps make the side profile much cleaner by blending in with the shadowline trims, tinted windows and gloss black fender trims.
The carbon mirrors help perceptively lower the car by eliminating body colored parts at the horizontal edges of the car.
I eventually got the caps protected with PPF. Rock chips will damage the clear coat, and potentially the weave. Carbon weave cannot be aesthetically repaired to original aesthetics. I highly recommend you get them PPF'ed.
The crowdfunding.
Upon validation of the prototype, the crowdfunding was launched on EuroConnex.co to M3 V8 and 1M owners. 50x spots were made available and rapidly
Caps fresh out of the mold, ready for clear coat, wet sand, and polish.
The 1x1 OEM matching weave is clearly seen on the caps at the bottom of this picture.
The caps are left to cure after being polished to limit probabilities of any clear coat outgassing prior to delivery.
The caps were then packaged and shipped.
Fitment issues and discontinuation.
In late 2022, fitment issues were reported by customers. The 3D printed brackets had been misglued by Karbonius during production on certain batches. The units were warrantied.
Later on, it was discovered the mold went out of tolerance. Karbonius opted to discontinue the product without a clear timeline for a new mold. And with that, we were back to square one.
In late 2024, I sourced a used BMW Performance cap and set out to re-create this product.
Up next: I document the development of this new option made in Germany.
