Side skirt extensions are a fantastic aftermarket upgrade for BMW F30 owners looking to complement the looks of the F30 3 Series with an M Performance style accessory.
While this is mostly an aesthetic upgrade that will make your car look more modern and sleek, side skirts have been known to improve a vehicle’s downforce capabilities as well. However, don’t expect any noticeable performance increase. A side skirt extension enhances the looks of your M-Sport F30.
In this entry, we’ll outline a few side skirt extension options for your BMW F30, overview the main benefits of each, and also provide installation guidelines:
Side Skirt Extensions for BMW F30 3 Series
1. Carbon Fiber Side Skirt Extensions for 2012-2018 BMW F30 F31
Quick Overview
- M-Performance style extended carbon fiber side skirts
- Installation hardware included
- Drilling holes come pre-drilled for an easier install
- Glossy carbon fiber finish
If you’re looking for carbon fiber side skirts for your F30, these replacement M Performance style side skirts are built with real carbon fiber with a glossy finish, providing a visual enhancement. It adds a nice dimension to the side skirts of the car, but it isn’t overly visible. This is a great modification for those looking to keep stock looks with a bit of additional pop.
To enhance the side profile of your F30 even more, a set of carbon fiber mirror caps are another modification that can go along really well with the carbon fiber side skirts.
Compatible with the 2012-2018 M-Sport BMW F30, the kit includes needed hardware for direct bolt-on installation. Holes are pre-drilled on the side skirt, so you’ll only have to screw it to the car. Drilling is not required to install this product. You can try installing these on your own, but professional installation is recommended.
2. BMW F30 M Performance Style Side Skirt Extensions
Quick Overview
- Includes two full side skirts for a direct replacement
- Resembles F80 M3 style side skirts
- High-quality polypropylene material for increased durability
- Fits M-Sport BMW F30.
The F30 M Performance side skirt extensions offer are a replacement for the factory side skirts. These are not only a cosmetic upgrade but are also built stronger than factory side skirts and reinforced for longer-lasting usability.
With a black finish, they go along well with any color F30, and you can also wrap them in the color of your choice if black is not your preference. Overall, if you’re not a fan of carbon fiber body parts, this are the best side skirt extensions for your BMW.
Inside the package, you only get the left and right skirts. No assembly tools are included. However, these skirts don’t require anything other than the factory hardware for installation. A BMW enthusiast might be able to tackle the installation themselves, but it’s recommended to take your car to an auto shop if you are unsure about the process.
3. Black Side Skirts for 2012-2018 F30 3 Series
Quick Overview
- Unpainted black finish
- Made of durable polypropylene
- Installation screws are included
- For F30 M Performance side skirts
These M Performance style side skirts are yet another option if you’re looking for unpainted skirts that you can paint or wrap to match the color of the F30. You can also use them without painting, as they come in black color.
Made with polypropylene, these have a durable structure that can withstand impacts from road debris and prolonged use in your car. The package includes installation hardware but doesn’t include installation instructions. Still, any avid DIYer should be able to install these, but taking your car to the auto shop is a good idea if you’re inexperienced with aftermarket mods.
Note that these side skirts are only compatible with F30s equipped with M-Sport package side skirts, not with the base side skirts.
Overall, these are very cost-effective extensions for the F30 side skirts. They don’t have the stunning carbon fiber finish of other alternatives but you can paint them or wrap them before you install them on your car.
4. Carbon Fiber Side Skirts Extensions for M-Sport F30
Quick Overview
- Available in glossy carbon fiber finish and black finish
- Compatible with M-Sport and base BMW F30
- High-quality polypropylene material
- Available in four distinct styles
The Kyostart side skirt extensions are an excellent choice for owners of the BMW F30 without the M-Sport package. These fit both base and M-Sport models and significantly enhance side looks with an aggressive side skirt design that stands out. Don’
These side skirts are made of high-grade carbon fiber, which is resilient, lightweight, and effective at giving your car a sporty look. They are also available in black if you’d rather paint the part or wrap it with a custom color.
A downside of this product is that it comes in separate pieces, which can make it a bit flimsy compared to other side skirts designed for the F30.
Compatibility & Fitment
- 2012-2018 BMW F30 3 Series Sedan with M-Sport package (320i, 328i, 330i, 335i, 340i)
- 2012-2018 BMW F31 3 Series Wagon with M-Sport package (320i, 328i, 330i, 335i, 340i)
You should also note that these aftermarket upgrade options are only compatible with M-Sport F30 models except for #4.
How to install side skirt extensions in a BMW F30
- Lift your vehicle to make the process easier (optional).
- Locate factory self-tapping screw holes.
- Align side skirt extension with holes.
- Insert the included self-tapping screws.
- Ensure that the entirety of the side skirt extension is secured.
Installation tip: Use jack stands or a ramp to lift the front of the vehicle. We suggest using a jack to lift the front of the car for easier installation. You don’t have to do it, but you get better access to the installation area if you lift the front. The F30 is already a low car, so there isn’t much room between the ground and the side skirt body panel.
FAQ
How do side skirt extensions work?
Side skirts, and other underbody panels are used to shield the car’s underbody from outside airflow. In high-performance race cars, a side skirt is a crucial aerodynamic piece that creates a ground effect.
Can side skirt extensions improve performance and grip?
No, the side skirt extensions above won’t improve performance on the F30 as they do on a purpose-built race car. In this case, the F30 side skirt extension is designed purely with aesthetics in mind and not for aerodynamic performance. Just like the F30 diffusers, they aren’t tested for true aero improvements.
Closing words
If you’re a fellow F30 owner and are looking to really make your car stand out with a simple mod, the side skirt extensions can add a lot of character to the side profile of your car. A similar mod that can be installed in the front is a front bumper lip, as it extends the factory body panels to add a more aggressive look.
You don’t have to opt for professional installation for this modification, but you shouldn’t completely rule it out either. It’s better to be on the safe side than end up damaging your car.