Black Grilles & Spacers on the M40d (& now splitters too)

teaston · 02-15-2019, 10:47 AM

I've fitted genuine M Performance grilles and 15mm Eibach spacers to the X3, I think it gives it a nicer stance and slightly meaner look.

Looking forward to fitting the Eibach springs and summer wheels, which could be soon given the current weather!

KCH1984 · 02-15-2019, 11:06 AM

It's hard to judge conclusively with the silver wheels as they throw the eye, but I think if I was going to keep the black grilles the mirrors and bumper inserts would also need doing.

I actually thought the original fit grilles and mirrors worked nicely against the phytonic blue, but just my opinion of course. The new M version looks great with the black grilles and mirror caps to be fair.

sspade · 02-15-2019, 11:12 AM

fk'n sick ride teaston

As already mentioned... I would definitely match the mirror caps to the grilles.

teaston · 02-15-2019, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCH1984

It's hard to judge conclusively with the silver wheels as they throw the eye, but I think if I was going to keep the black grilles the mirrors and bumper inserts would also need doing.

I actually thought the original fit grilles and mirrors worked nicely against the phytonic blue, but just my opinion of course. The new M version looks great with the black grilles and mirror caps to be fair.

The main thing I didn't like about the standard grilles was the silver slats, which is what the non M Sport models have! Also reminded me of Hannibal Lecters mask!

I'll definitely leave the silver bumper "whiskers", but I'd like a set of carbon or gloss black mirror covers like the X3M when they become available. I've already ordered some carbon wing vents.

KCH1984 · 02-15-2019, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teaston

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCH1984

It's hard to judge conclusively with the silver wheels as they throw the eye, but I think if I was going to keep the black grilles the mirrors and bumper inserts would also need doing.

I actually thought the original fit grilles and mirrors worked nicely against the phytonic blue, but just my opinion of course. The new M version looks great with the black grilles and mirror caps to be fair.

The main thing I didn't like about the standard grilles was the silver slats, which is what the non M Sport models have! Also reminded me of Hannibal Lecters mask!

I'll definitely leave the silver bumper "whiskers", but I'd like a set of carbon or gloss black mirror covers like the X3M when they become available. I've already ordered some carbon wing vents.

Yeah tbh I think with the standard wheels that will all tie-in nicely. You could try a black wrap on the mirrors and see what you think. Didn't realise the slats were silver on the standard grilles, that might've made me do a change as well.

teaston · 02-15-2019, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCH1984

Quote:

Originally Posted by teaston

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCH1984

It's hard to judge conclusively with the silver wheels as they throw the eye, but I think if I was going to keep the black grilles the mirrors and bumper inserts would also need doing.

I actually thought the original fit grilles and mirrors worked nicely against the phytonic blue, but just my opinion of course. The new M version looks great with the black grilles and mirror caps to be fair.

The main thing I didn't like about the standard grilles was the silver slats, which is what the non M Sport models have! Also reminded me of Hannibal Lecters mask!

I'll definitely leave the silver bumper "whiskers", but I'd like a set of carbon or gloss black mirror covers like the X3M when they become available. I've already ordered some carbon wing vents.

Yeah tbh I think with the standard wheels that will all tie-in nicely. You could try a black wrap on the mirrors and see what you think. Didn't realise the slats were silver on the standard grilles, that might've made me do a change as well.

Yeah they're very silver:

EvilDrPorkChop · 02-15-2019, 12:04 PM

I think the old grills look much better! But then again, I do wear Primark jeans though so what does my opinion matter?

mikeoz · 02-15-2019, 12:15 PM

So the modding begins..lol
I think the new grills look good.

Definitely need the summer wheels on..

teaston · 02-15-2019, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvilDrPorkChop

I think the old grills look much better! But then again, I do wear Primark jeans though so what does my opinion matter?

I think the silver ones are more of a luxury look, whereas the black ones are more of a sporty look, so it just depends which look you prefer I guess.

As I say though, the black ones do look better in person, a lot of the detail gets lost in photos so they look a bit like black holes.

330XDave · 02-15-2019, 01:47 PM

They don't do it for me in isolation, thinking it would look mint with black wheels though.

teaston · 02-15-2019, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 330XDave

They don't do it for me in isolation, thinking it would look mint with black wheels though.

Well there is a lot of other gloss black on the car, on the front bumper, around the windows and the roof rails. Probably would look better with black mirrors and the orbit grey summer wheels though.

EvilDrPorkChop · 02-15-2019, 02:04 PM

Out of interest, who's is the silver Peugeot? I'd only assume you'd never buy that, and that it must be a neighbours. Little too close for comfort!

330XDave · 02-15-2019, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teaston

Well there is a lot of other gloss black on the car, on the front bumper, around the windows and the roof rails. Probably would look better with black mirrors and the orbit grey summer wheels though.

Like you say, I don't think your pictures do it justìce

teaston · 02-15-2019, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvilDrPorkChop

Out of interest, who's is the silver Peugeot? I'd only assume you'd never buy that, and that it must be a neighbours. Little too close for comfort!

Yes it’s a shared driveway and semi detached single garage with our neighbours. We do want to to move house but just not the right time for that massive upheaval and stress with our current studying, changing of jobs and looking after a 2 year old!

teaston · 02-16-2019, 02:32 PM

Fitted AC Schnitzer style corner splitters today!

Definitely lost some of the “mums school run” car look now I think!

Watsey · 02-16-2019, 04:25 PM

Glad to hear you're enjoying the car.

I can understand the grilles and spacers (both good additions), but splitters on a 4x4 look out of place to me.

teaston · 02-16-2019, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Watsey

Glad to hear you're enjoying the car.

I can understand the grilles and spacers (both good additions), but splitters on a 4x4 look out of place to me.

Pretty much how I feel about modifying Estate cars!

Jokimg aside though, not that long ago I really didn’t understand people modifying SUV’s, but once you drive one of these you realise it is actually a chunky performance car, just one that looks a bit like a mums school run car as standard!

nastynick83 · 02-16-2019, 10:22 PM

The corner splitters make the front look really aggressive and compliments the black grille.

Makes the silver mirrors stand out even more though

Mike200 · 02-17-2019, 03:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nastynick83

The corner splitters make the front look really aggressive and compliments the black grille.

Makes the silver mirrors stand out even more though

There you go.... this forum is great for spending other peoples money.

Panchoa · 02-17-2019, 03:31 AM

Awesome car buddy......have to say im not convinced on the splitter though, doesnt quite flow right imho!! ETO though and as long as you like it!!

EvilDrPorkChop · 02-17-2019, 04:30 AM

Looking better, but I think if you're going down the black route the winter wheels need to be darker (Either black or Ferric Grey) and the mirror caps black or body colour.

Tbh I never really understood the grey mirror caps on the Mx models, I always think they look better in the body colour.

teaston · 02-17-2019, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvilDrPorkChop

Looking better, but I think if you're going down the black route the winter wheels need to be darker (Either black or Ferric Grey) and the mirror caps black or body colour.

Tbh I never really understood the grey mirror caps on the Mx models, I always think they look better in the body colour.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nastynick83

The corner splitters make the front look really aggressive and compliments the black grille.

Makes the silver mirrors stand out even more though

Yes I'm going to wrap the mirrors black when I get time.

02-15-2019, 10:47 AM	#1
teaston Banned 10995 Rep 32,881 Posts Drives: X3 M40d Join Date: May 2012 Location: The High Seas iTrader: (1)	I've fitted genuine M Performance grilles and 15mm Eibach spacers to the X3, I think it gives it a nicer stance and slightly meaner look. Looking forward to fitting the Eibach springs and summer wheels, which could be soon given the current weather! Attached Images Last edited by teaston; 02-16-2019 at 03:22 PM..
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02-15-2019, 11:06 AM	#2
KCH1984 Major 952 Rep 1,447 Posts Drives: Tesla Model Y LR Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Glasgow, Scotland iTrader: (0)	It's hard to judge conclusively with the silver wheels as they throw the eye, but I think if I was going to keep the black grilles the mirrors and bumper inserts would also need doing. I actually thought the original fit grilles and mirrors worked nicely against the phytonic blue, but just my opinion of course. The new M version looks great with the black grilles and mirror caps to be fair. __________________ Gone: G05 X5 40d M Sport, F15 X5 30d M Sport, F30 330d xDrive, F21 M135i, E87 123d
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02-15-2019, 11:12 AM	#3
sspade Major General 2466 Rep 5,457 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Stevenson, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2016 BMW 320i [7.87] 2014 BMW 328i [6.83]	fk'n sick ride teaston As already mentioned... I would definitely match the mirror caps to the grilles.
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02-15-2019, 12:04 PM	#7
EvilDrPorkChop Lieutenant Colonel 951 Rep 1,643 Posts Drives: Porsche Cayman Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I think the old grills look much better! But then again, I do wear Primark jeans though so what does my opinion matter?
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02-15-2019, 12:15 PM	#8
mikeoz Major General 2856 Rep 5,608 Posts Drives: BMW X3 M40d LCI Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: cambs iTrader: (1)	So the modding begins..lol I think the new grills look good. Definitely need the summer wheels on..
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02-15-2019, 01:47 PM	#10
330XDave Major 629 Rep 1,470 Posts Drives: 330d xDrive Touring Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Nottingham, UK iTrader: (0)	They don't do it for me in isolation, thinking it would look mint with black wheels though.
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02-15-2019, 02:04 PM	#12
EvilDrPorkChop Lieutenant Colonel 951 Rep 1,643 Posts Drives: Porsche Cayman Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Out of interest, who's is the silver Peugeot? I'd only assume you'd never buy that, and that it must be a neighbours. Little too close for comfort!
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02-16-2019, 02:32 PM	#15
teaston Banned 10995 Rep 32,881 Posts Drives: X3 M40d Join Date: May 2012 Location: The High Seas iTrader: (1)	Fitted AC Schnitzer style corner splitters today! Definitely lost some of the “mums school run” car look now I think!
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02-16-2019, 04:25 PM	#16
Watsey Major General 6417 Rep 8,500 Posts Drives: F31 330D sDrive M Sport Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: On sabbatical. iTrader: (1)	Glad to hear you're enjoying the car. I can understand the grilles and spacers (both good additions), but splitters on a 4x4 look out of place to me. __________________ Current : F31 330sD, remapped, Ohlins Road & Track, Millway camber plates, Quaife LSD, Stoptech brakes + Pagid RSL1 pads all round, Weichers front strut brace, Eibach front & rear anti-roll bars, Michelin MP4S.
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02-16-2019, 10:22 PM	#18
nastynick83 Private First Class 33 Rep 148 Posts Drives: 330xd M-sport Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Birmingham iTrader: (0)	The corner splitters make the front look really aggressive and compliments the black grille. Makes the silver mirrors stand out even more though
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02-17-2019, 03:31 AM	#20
Panchoa Major 659 Rep 1,487 Posts Drives: BMW F30 330d M Sport Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Leicester iTrader: (0)	Awesome car buddy......have to say im not convinced on the splitter though, doesnt quite flow right imho!! ETO though and as long as you like it!!
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02-17-2019, 04:30 AM	#21
EvilDrPorkChop Lieutenant Colonel 951 Rep 1,643 Posts Drives: Porsche Cayman Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Looking better, but I think if you're going down the black route the winter wheels need to be darker (Either black or Ferric Grey) and the mirror caps black or body colour. Tbh I never really understood the grey mirror caps on the Mx models, I always think they look better in the body colour.
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