You talking about this?

https://youtu.be/ogZoxIPJu-Y

 

Does my 2016, w its non lightedsideplate have "vestigial" connectors behind the quarter panel so that I could install illuminated side markers?

 

Seen it. That's for E92, not F10.

 

I thought the technique still applied for removing/ replacing, but I personally have not done either.

 

On the e92, there's only a light, and the vid shows removing that light (easy) and replacing with a part that looks like an F10 part.

I'll just have to tinker with it and be careful, I really do not want to scratch my car. I have a set of plastic prys, I guess I'll report back with the steps I used.

 

Yeah. The video shows pre-LCI model where F10's still had light on side marker.

There is this thread from Bimmerpost discussing, including links to how-to's: http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=19435684

One link even shows a guy using a butter knife which I would be really worried about my paint.

Another thread shows a F10 M5; not quite the gill either, but they are using tape and plastic tools to protect: http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=743206

Good luck with your project. I might look into getting rid of my chrome gills one day as well.

 

Yeah, I saw the butter knife one, made me shiver. He's got the right approach tho, and described where the tabs were but didnt show all the places where they were. I think with a cotton or microfiber towel protecting and using a thin plastic pointy pry I can get it off.

 

Months ago I tried using a credit card and it was nearly impossible to unclip the tabs. I ended up just vinyl wrapping the side markers with them on and it was pretty easy and looks great.

 

I've had mine off a couple of times and the PDF is accurate. Tab A needs to be moved towards the rear of the car. Tabs B need to be moved towards the center of the trim (like you are squeezing them towards each other). Then you "should" be able to wiggle the unit out. The plastic housing the trim attaches to looks like it would be the same as the non-LCI models (room for a light fixture, etc.). I have broken most of the tabs off of mine, so they are now attached with double sided tape (and any remaining non-broken tabs).

I used plastic trim removal tools and put masking tape in the areas where the tool would have touched the paint.

 

Did my f10 lci myself. Two thin laminated business cards on the top and bottom to depress clips inward. Then, use the corner of another card to pry from the rear most portion of the marker pushing the tab in and towards the front of the car.

Applying blue painters tape around the marker is a cheap and easy insurance policy