NIO ET5T CMST Carbon Fibre Body Kit: Full Install Guide
The CMST carbon fibre body kit for the NIO ET5T (B-spec) installs using a combination of OEM mounting points and adhesive bonding, with no permanent modifications required to the factory body panels. The kit covers front lip, side skirts, canards, rear lip, and rear wing, and is designed specifically for the ET5T shooting brake (猎装车) platform. Allow two to four hours for a careful first-time fit.
- Vehicle: NIO ET5T (B-spec)
- Pieces: Front lip, canards, side skirts, rear lip, rear wing
- Material: Dry carbon fibre
- Fitment: OEM clip points + 3M VHB tape
- Difficulty: Moderate — two people recommended
- Time: 2–4 hours
Tools and Preparation
You will need: plastic trim pry tools, 10 mm and 8 mm sockets, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipes, 3M automotive VHB tape, masking tape, a heat gun (low setting for cold conditions), and a second person. Work above 15 °C. Wash and dry the lower perimeter of the car, then wipe all mating surfaces with IPA — wax or polish residue will prevent a reliable tape bond.
Front Lip Installation
The front lip locates against the lower edge of the factory front bumper. Always test-fit without adhesive first:
- Check for symmetrical gaps left-to-right. The ET5T bumper has a slight curve — verify the lip follows the full contour before marking OEM push-pin positions with masking tape.
- Apply 3M VHB tape 10 mm in from the trim face, peel liner, align centrally and press from centre outward for 60 seconds.
- Insert factory-style retaining clips at pin locations. Quarter-turn only — do not over-tighten plastic retainers.
Allow 24 hours before high-speed driving; full adhesive strength is reached at 72 hours.
Front Bumper Canards
The canards sit at the outer corners of the front bumper, angled rearward into the wheel arch to reduce turbulence and front-axle aerodynamic lift at speed. They are handed — left and right are not interchangeable.
- Test-fit each canard in its designated slot and confirm the fin slopes rearward and outward.
- Apply VHB tape to the flat mating face, peel liner, press firmly for 30 seconds.
- Where bolt holes are provided, fit M6 bolts finger-tight, check alignment, then torque to 4–5 Nm. Carbon can crack around holes if over-tightened.
Side Skirts
Side skirts run the full rocker panel length using OEM clips and VHB tape. Verify fore-aft alignment at both wheel arches before committing to adhesive — the front edge should sit flush with the rear of the front bumper lower section, and the rear edge with the front face of the rear bumper lower trim. Apply two parallel strips of VHB tape along the inner face of each skirt (one near each edge), press from centre outward, and insert OEM retaining clips at each end.
Rear Lip
The CMST rear lip uses a dual-wrap-corner design that keeps factory reversing sensors and tail lamp clusters fully accessible. Remove the tow hitch cover if fitted, test-fit to verify sensor hole alignment, then apply VHB tape and press firmly — the corner wraps carry more load, so ensure full contact along both. Press each corner wrap until the retaining tabs click into the factory bumper edge.
Rear Wing
The CMST rear wing for the ET5T is the only piece requiring drilled mounting points through the boot lid. Its stepped bilaterally symmetrical lattice design provides a defined trailing edge where the factory bootlid has none.
- Use existing panel holes where possible, or pilot-drill to the supplied paper template using a sharp 6 mm bit. Mask the area, centre-punch accurately, and back the panel with a timber block to prevent pull-through.
- Feed bolt shanks through from the underside; place a large stainless fender washer under each nut to spread load across the inner skin.
- Torque to no more than 8 Nm — over-tightening is the primary cause of cracked carbon fibre around wing mounting holes.
- Check level with a spirit level across the wing span before final tightening.
Final Check and Post-Installation
- Verify every piece is flush, symmetrical, and free of panel gaps over 3 mm.
- Open doors, boot, and bonnet — confirm nothing fouls moving components.
- Check all sensors, cameras, and ambient lighting strips are unobstructed.
- No washing for 48 hours; no pressure-washing adhesive edges for 72 hours.
- After 500 km, check every clip and adhesive edge for movement — especially side skirts near tyre spray zones.
For professional installation of CMST body kits across Australia, AME Motorsport can connect you with experienced fitment specialists. Alternatively, browse the full range of carbon fibre body kits available through AME Motorsport, including options for the NIO platform and other performance EVs. If you're assessing the broader CMST range, the CMST collection at AME covers body kits, bumpers, and exhaust systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the CMST ET5T kit require drilling into the factory body?
Only the rear wing requires fasteners through the boot lid panel. The front lip, side skirts, canards, and rear lip all use adhesive tape combined with existing OEM clip points — no drilling needed for those pieces.
How long does installation take?
A two-person team with prior experience fitting carbon aero pieces should complete the full kit in 2–3 hours. First-time installers should allow 4 hours to fit carefully and avoid damaging the carbon finish.
Can I pressure-wash the car immediately after fitting?
Avoid pressure washing for at least 72 hours after installation. Direct high-pressure water on adhesive edges before the VHB tape reaches full bond strength can cause edges to lift. Hand washing with low-pressure rinse is fine after 48 hours.
Will the kit affect the ET5T's regenerative braking or sensor systems?
The CMST kit does not modify the drivetrain or electronics. Provided parking sensors and cameras are not obstructed during install, the car's ADAS and regen systems operate normally. Always verify camera and sensor clearances during test-fit before committing to adhesive.
Is this kit compatible with both Standard Range and Long Range versions of the ET5T?
Yes — the CMST ET5T B-spec kit is designed to the shared body shell used across all ET5T variants. Wheel arch canards may need minor repositioning if non-standard wheel spacers are fitted.
What maintenance does a carbon fibre kit require?
Wash with pH-neutral car shampoo. Avoid alkaline cleaners, which can break down carbon fibre's clear coat over time. Apply UV-resistant ceramic spray or carnauba wax every 3–6 months to protect the gloss clear over the carbon weave from UV yellowing in Australia's high-UV climate.