The CMST ABS body kit for the AITO M8 (Huawei Wenjie M8) fits directly to the factory bumper mounting points with no cutting or permanent modification, using a combination of OEM-style push-pin clips and automotive-grade adhesive tape. The kit is moulded from ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic, making it suitable for colour-matching by any professional body shop. Installation requires two people and should be completed in a clean, temperature-controlled environment.
- Vehicle: AITO M8 (Huawei Wenjie M8)
- Material: ABS plastic
- Pieces: Front, side, and rear bumper kit sections
- Fitment: OEM clip points + 3M VHB tape
- Finish: Primer-ready for paint or wrap
- Difficulty: Moderate — two people recommended
- Time: 2–3 hours
ABS vs Carbon Fibre: Quick Comparison
ABS plastic bonds and paints in the same process as factory bumpers — prime, base coat, clear coat — and is less prone to surface print-through than FRP. The trade-off against carbon fibre is weight, though on a large SUV like the M8 the difference is minor. The primary reason to choose ABS is body-colour integration: a painted ABS kit looks factory-flush, while a carbon weave kit sits visually distinct from the painted body. Both are valid choices; the decision is aesthetic.
Tools and Preparation
Gather the following before beginning:
- Plastic trim removal tools (curved and straight pry bars)
- 10 mm and 8 mm socket set
- Isopropyl alcohol wipes (minimum 70% IPA concentration)
- 3M 08609 or equivalent automotive VHB double-sided tape, 19 mm width
- Heat gun for tape activation in cool conditions
- Masking tape for dry-fit marking
- Torque wrench capable of 4–8 Nm for plastic fasteners
Wash the M8's lower body thoroughly, then wipe all mounting surfaces with IPA to remove wax, polish, and silicone contamination. ABS bonding fails almost exclusively because of surface contamination, not adhesive quality.
Front Section Installation
The M8's factory front bumper has a wide lower apron with several OEM push-pin locations along the underside lip. The CMST front kit sections use these as primary anchors, with VHB tape providing additional bond across the face of the mating surfaces.
- Dry fit first. Offer each front section up to the bumper without removing tape liners. The M8 has a prominent lower intake opening — confirm the kit sections clear this cleanly on both sides before committing.
- Mark clip positions with masking tape on the bumper surface, then set the pieces aside.
- Apply VHB tape to the inner mating surface of each kit section, running continuous strips 10 mm in from each edge. For corner sections, run tape around the curve without gaps.
- Peel liner, align to marks, press firmly from the centre of each section outward. Apply continuous firm pressure for 60 seconds minimum.
- Insert OEM push-pin clips at marked positions. The M8 uses a double-lock push pin for lower fascia retention — ensure the inner pin is seated before pressing the outer cap flush.
Rear Section Installation
The rear bumper sections on the CMST M8 kit are larger and require more care during positioning because the M8's rear diffuser area has visible geometry changes that must align precisely with the kit pieces.
- Remove the lower tow hitch cover if fitted to access all clip positions.
- Dry-fit the rear section and check the alignment of any exhaust tip cut-outs against your actual exhaust configuration. The M8 has different exhaust layouts across its hybrid powertrain variants.
- Apply VHB tape as described for the front, paying particular attention to the corners which take the highest peel load.
- Press the rear sections into position and insert all clips. Allow 24 hours before high-speed use.
Painting and Finishing
ABS pieces are supplied primer-ready. For a colour-matched finish: scuff-sand with 400-grit, apply a plastic adhesion promoter (Bulldog or equivalent — non-negotiable for ABS, as base coat will delaminate at flex zones without it), two coats of automotive primer sanded at 600-grit between coats, body colour base coat matched to the M8's compliance plate paint code, then 2–3 coats of two-stage clear. Alternatively, 3M 1080 series cast vinyl wraps ABS cleanly without the flex cracking that affects cheaper films on curved panels.
Post-Installation Checks
- Verify all parking sensors and cameras are unobstructed — the M8 carries a full sensor array for its ADAS stack.
- Check that no kit pieces contact tyres at full steering lock.
- Confirm boot lid and fuel/charge port doors open without fouling any new trim pieces.
- For adhesive-bonded sections: avoid car washes for 72 hours, particularly any brushless high-pressure rinse directed at lower edges.
Browse the complete range of CMST bumper and body kit pieces for a variety of platforms, or explore the full body kit collection at AME Motorsport. For CMST-specific products across body kit, exhaust, and wheel categories, visit the CMST brand page at AME.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the CMST ABS kit for the AITO M8 need painting before fitting?
No — the kit can be installed in its primer-ready state and painted after installation, or painted before fitment. Most installers prefer pre-painting for cleaner edge finishing, but both approaches work. Do not install in raw ABS without any protective coating, as prolonged UV exposure will chalk and degrade the material surface.
Will the body kit affect the M8's range or aerodynamics?
A well-fitted lower body kit typically has a neutral to minor positive effect on aerodynamic drag at everyday road speeds. At motorway speeds the improvement is negligible, but the kit does clean up the lower body airflow and reduces wheel arch turbulence. No meaningful range impact is expected for typical driving.
Can I fit this kit myself or do I need a professional?
An experienced DIY enthusiast with trim-fitting experience can complete this installation. The critical steps are surface prep and dry-fitting before adhesive application. If you are not confident using automotive VHB tape and OEM push-pin clips, professional fitment is recommended to avoid costly rework.
What adhesive tape does CMST recommend for the M8 kit?
3M 08609 double-sided foam tape (automotive grade VHB) is the industry standard for bumper and body kit adhesive attachment. Equivalent products from Sika or Tesa Automotive also perform well. Avoid hardware-store foam tape — it lacks the shear strength needed for lower body pieces at highway speeds.
How do I remove the kit if I want to revert to stock?
VHB tape is removed using dental floss or a plastic cutting wire slid behind the tape bond, combined with a heat gun to soften the adhesive. The factory bumper surface may retain adhesive residue, which is removed with IPA or a dedicated adhesive remover. No permanent damage to the factory bumper should result from careful removal.
