28i vs 35i - is there a visual difference

was just curious if there is a visual difference between the X3 28i and the 35i. in the photos they both say "X3" on the rear (no 28i or 35i in the pics I can see so far) and the bodies and exhaust look the same. anyone know if you can tell them apart by just looking?

I believe the grille and badges are the obvious differences- the 35i gets all an all silver grille. Perhaps the 35i has larger tailpipes. Too bad that 35i didn't get the symetrical dual exhausts like almost every competitor in the class. No reason that couldn't be done, as there is not spare tire to interfere.

so is my X3 going to be badged with a "35i"? if so i plan to de-badge it. but in the pics I've seen so far the only badge I see is the X3 on the back (which is coming off mine as well). and on the configurator they both look the same - the grilles, tailpipes, badges. has anyone seen one in person and seen if its badged - or seen any other differences?

According to the brochure, both the xDrive28i and 35i get a silver grille and the twin tailpipes. The 35i may get chrome tailpipe tips as stated in the German brochure. Wheels are obviously different.

The xDrive model badge on the doors has GOT to go.

IMO I think the badges should be left on. Just saying.

+1 for leaving things stock. If you HAVE to de-badge keep them handy so you can replace them when the car is traded in or sold. You don't want to have to buy new ones~!

Originally Posted by gregoryw1

was just curious if there is a visual difference between the X3 28i and the 35i. in the photos they both say "X3" on the rear (no 28i or 35i in the pics I can see so far) and the bodies and exhaust look the same. anyone know if you can tell them apart by just looking?

I'm surprised nobody has answered your question.

On the front doors (lower front part) it will give the designation xdrive28i or xdrive35i.

In addition the wheels (as Az mentioned) will be different.

I would leave the model with pride. If you take it off, some people will think you are embarrassed ...like you hope people confuse it with the X5. IDK

Reading through the standard features it also looks like the 35i has LED tail lights while the 28i does not. Not sure if this is a mis-print or not.

Originally Posted by JTreehorn

Reading through the standard features it also looks like the 35i has LED tail lights while the 28i does not. Not sure if this is a mis-print or not.

Yes, there is a difference in the taillights but it is dependent on on the headlamps.

Confirmed both on the BMW.de Configurator (which shows a change) and in the owner's manual.

The difference is in the taillights only (brake lights, blinkers, and rear foglights are all regular bulbs). With the bi-xenons, the taillights are in LED technic, whereas the halogen models have the usual P21W, 21-watt bulb as the taillight (similar to the pre LCI E90, E91 I'd believe).

Originally Posted by X3forlife

I would leave the model with pride. If you take it off, some people will think you are embarrassed ...like you hope people confuse it with the X5. IDK

I remove badges because it's easier to detail the vehicle.