[iroger]

Hi all,

Now i have the car delivered, I checked the lower black trim, and it's made out of plastic, and can be removed easily, I’m definitely going to paint it to have the front a more aggressive look.

Post updated with real pics

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by iroger

Hi all,

Now i have the car delivered, I checked the lower black trim, and it's made out of plastic, and can be removed easily, I’m definitely going to paint it to have the front a more aggressive look. This is a quick paint version, and will post final pics once it’s done, if someone can Photoshop it with quality would be great.

I'm not a professional with photo-editing and do not have Photoshop, and considering the 3-dimensional complexities of the piece you wish to paint I don't have the skills to reproduce the intricate shadowing required to give you a true 'painted look', but here's my attempt at assisting you with your request, iroger.

[iroger]

Thanks so much for your work!!!

Will post real pictures of it on friday!!

[azf100]

Originally Posted by iroger

If I don’t like the final look, can always buy a new pair of plastic OEM parts.

You could always try with Plasti Dip first.

[Bimar]

Originally Posted by Max Well

I'm not a professional with photo-editing and do not have Photoshop, and considering the 3-dimensional complexities of the piece you wish to paint I don't have the skills to reproduce the intricate shadowing required to give you a true 'painted look', but here's my attempt at assisting you with your request, iroger.

Looks better than original especially in light colors.

[KAP8]

I wish we had black kidneys as well. I think everything should be black in the front.

[iroger]

Originally Posted by azf100

You could always try with Plasti Dip first.

I thought about plastidip as well as vinyl, but they will not match the colour of the car.

I'm pretty sure that I will like the final result so will definitely give it
a try

[Keweenawbee]

Also a non-issue on Sapphire or Graphite models. 30i m-sports have the black kidney grills too ......yes! This photo lends credence to your idea to obtain a similar look in white, you can go either way!

[ed4]

Originally Posted by iroger

I thought about plastidip as well as vinyl, but they will not match the colour of the car.

I'm pretty sure that I will like the final result so will definitely give it
a try

I'd prefer the vinyl wrapping if the color isn't too far off since it may stand up better to rock chips and paint integrity.

Paining these pieces Alpine White and a clear wrap is also an option to protect against paint damage...

[iroger]

First Post updated with real pics

[Gudus]

I thought white would look better but I'm not sure now after seeing the real pics. OEM looks more aggressive.

[Zirenz2006]

I like the OEM much better

[ND40oz]

I like it, looks good to me!

[ando]

Looks good. I just wonder why the bumper is so complicated with additional parts.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by ando

Looks good. I just wonder why the bumper is so complicated with additional parts.

I think it has to do with the upcoming X3M. I posted a similar question on the X3M forum a bit ago ( http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1435243 ), trying to understand its future intent. It would seem if they just needed the spacing they could have provided a smooth part rather than such a convoluted 3D shape, so perhaps it is for some cooling aspect. I've tried to imagine how the concave shape can be good for aerodynamics on the front of our M40i, but all I see is a mini-parachute capturing air and making things worse. But again, that is why I'm not an expert in Fluid dynamics.

[sor]

Seeing it painted light really highlights that those are channels. I hadn't really paid much attention before.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by sor

Seeing it painted light really highlights that those are channels. I hadn't really paid much attention before.

I wonder if it would be difficult to fabricate/mold a piece which would have a smooth facade to be in plane with the rest of that bumper area. It seems to make the front too busy when it doesn't need to do so, IMHO. Perhaps a Performance item as part of a front aero treatment?

[iroger]

Originally Posted by Max Well

I wonder if it would be difficult to fabricate/mold a piece which would have a smooth facade to be in plane with the rest of that bumper area. It seems to make the front too busy when it doesn't need to do so, IMHO. Perhaps a Performance item as part of a front aero treatment?

I was thinking the same, but you get used to the shape, I love it!!

New pics of it under sun light on my profile

[Max Well]

How difficult was it to remove the items for painting, iroger? Are there clips, or screws, and how did you know how to do it?

[iroger]

Originally Posted by Max Well

How difficult was it to remove the items for painting, iroger? Are there clips, or screws, and how did you know how to do it?

They are all clips, pulling from below to the top, for the first one i helped myself with a screwdriver

The last one you need a small flat screwdriver you insert it to separate the part, need to be carefull not to mark the black grill next to it

The propper way to do it with out braking anything i suppose y to remove the entire grill untill you can acces the part from the top.

You will probably break the 2 clip, but it attaches well back on.

Didnt want to remove all the grill to avoid later on skeeky sounds.

[Bimar]

I think may do the same to the M40i...may wrap the roof.

[rem40i]

Originally Posted by X4guy

I think may do the same to the M40i...may wrap the roof.

I want to do the same. Has anyone seen the spoiler wrapped as well?