Has anyone painted the ugly black bumpers on the E70?

I hate the black bumpers on the X5 35d. Has anyone painted the bumpers to match the body color? If so any issues? Also some pictures would be great, especially if the vehicle is white like mine.

I actually like the black bumper "guards". It gives it a more rugged look. I've seen pics of X5's where the owners painted the fenders and bumper to match the paint. Personally, I don't like it. But, to each their own.

I agree with z2G. Even though I don't have them, the black guards are a nice design element. I also like them painted. Basically, I think every X5 is good looking. I should run for office with this answer.

The difference is that they are a design element and not a tacked on "afterthought", in my opinion.

Originally Posted by z2g

I actually like the black bumper "guards". It gives it a more rugged look. I've seen pics of X5's where the owners painted the fenders and bumper to match the paint. Personally, I don't like it. But, to each their own.

Originally Posted by 2010X535D

I hate the black bumpers on the X5 35d. Has anyone painted the bumpers to match the body color? If so any issues? Also some pictures would be great, especially if the vehicle is white like mine.

I completely agree. With white, the black bumpers detract from the otherwise graceful lines. They look big, blocky and cheap relative to other $70k SUVs. The new M Sport package on the 2010's takes care of that but it also cost's a bundle. I've been getting bids to remove my bumpers and have them repainted in body color. Cost is estimated to be $2500 or more if I want to remove the texture.

2010X535D, did you get a bid? I'd love to compare notes.


-Mike

I haven't gotten a bid yet mainly because my wife likes the black bumpers. I like you, prefer the look of the M Sport package available on the other X5's. I'm about dropping by the body shop this afternoon, but things are so crazy with year end and the holidays it may be a couple more weeks. When I get a figure, I will be happy to share it.

Great. Here's what I know. The only difference between the M Sport package and the standard set is the rear bumper (pics attached). I'm looking into what it costs to get that.

If you go with just repainting what you have, the issue is that the bumpers come with a textured coating so that it won't match the body perfectly. To sand the texturing out adds another $1200 to the cost. Also, if you want the side moldings (on the doors) replaced you have to buy new ones since they're only meant for one-time use.

Keep me posted.

i guess you shoulda ordered Sapphire Black.

Even the X3 has less of a black plastic bumper look in the back...why the X5 has such a huge cheap looking plastic in the back?

I'm struggling with this as well. I have an X3 currently with the Sport Package so it's all paint matched and I think more sexy then the X5. Have considered buying the X5M bumpers after purchase or painting the plastic ones after delivery.

The 3.0 and 3.5d don't even have the little fender flares over the rear tires that the 4.8 comes with. Another poster here said you can order those wheel arches and fit them to the 35d, so that's something I'm considering too.

Originally Posted by howellm70

Great. Here's what I know. The only difference between the M Sport package and the standard set is the rear bumper (pics attached). I'm looking into what it costs to get that.

If you go with just repainting what you have, the issue is that the bumpers come with a textured coating so that it won't match the body perfectly. To sand the texturing out adds another $1200 to the cost. Also, if you want the side moldings (on the doors) replaced you have to buy new ones since they're only meant for one-time use.

Keep me posted.

Excuse me but the m package is only avaible in europ not in the states and there are diffrent bumpers between the m and zhe normal version

best regards from germany

Correction...the M package is available in the states....

Originally Posted by sheikh36

Correction...the M package is available in the states....

Not on the 35d

The current X3 started with black plastic bumpers. During it's LCI, they went to painted bumpers.
For the X5's LCI (2011), it will probably get painted bumpers (standard).

I'd pay to have my bumpers made black plastic if they were painted. Those areas take a lot of road abuse and are much more scratch resistant and maintainence free than paint. It also looks more like a SUV/truck as a result IMHO.

I pulled the trigger on getting the bumpers painted last week and should have it back tomorrow. I'll post some pictures when I get around to it.

For those who asked, you can purchase the entire M kit for $4k (unpainted) or you can purchase pieces individually (wheel arches, back bumper, etc.). The only piece that's different than the stock sport package is the rear bumper as far as I can tell.

Congrats! Can't wait to paint mine.

Originally Posted by z2g

I actually like the black bumper "guards". It gives it a more rugged look. I've seen pics of X5's where the owners painted the fenders and bumper to match the paint. Personally, I don't like it. But, to each their own.

Originally Posted by CarbonX5

I agree with z2G. Even though I don't have them, the black guards are a nice design element. I also like them painted. Basically, I think every X5 is good looking. I should run for office with this answer.

The difference is that they are a design element and not a tacked on "afterthought", in my opinion.

I agree with you both. The black/white contrast is spectacular IMO and really makes the car look like a beast. The M-Sport package makes it look watered down, like the car is trying to be something its not.

This is where BMWs are great. They cater for every taste. If you want it fully painted, then there's the M Sport kit (or X5 M), but in my opinion, I like the contrasting black elements of the bumper and the wheel flares etc. It just add enough to show the musculine shape of the X5. Obviously if you're after a more graceful look for crusing along Rodeo Drive, Fifth Avenue or Monte Carlo etc, then perhaps a fully painted bumper would suit.

But for someone like me who takes my X5 to the beach and dunes, these design elements are practical.

I was very set on the 50i m-sport, i luv the painted look. However, i soon realized i luv'd the painted look on a car not SAV.

I use this for snowboarding, winter driving, mountain biking and not just a city vehicle. Therefore i went with a AW 35d, the black plastic really makes sense.

Originally Posted by Cruzmeister

This is where BMWs are great. They cater for every taste. If you want it fully painted, then there's the M Sport kit (or X5 M), but in my opinion, I like the contrasting black elements of the bumper and the wheel flares etc. It just add enough to show the musculine shape of the X5. Obviously if you're after a more graceful look for crusing along Rodeo Drive, Fifth Avenue or Monte Carlo etc, then perhaps a fully painted bumper would suit.

But for someone like me who takes my X5 to the beach and dunes, these design elements are practical.

You discribed me perfectly "Fifth Avenue cruiser ". Hahaha. Great example my friend!

I had a 2008 x5 3si and had the bumpers repainted. I purchased the Hamman body kit , had it all painted space gray with no black except on the trim and it looking killer with the 20s

I'm glad BMW thought of this with the LCI

Originally Posted by 2011 beamer

I had a 2008 x5 3si and had the bumpers repainted. I purchased the Hamman body kit , had it all painted space gray with no black except on the trim and it looking killer with the 20s

Where did u get Hamman kit? How much was it if u don't mind me asking?

got the kit from garage 5 in vancouver british columbia for 2500 installed and painted

In the process