[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Roof Rails Removed!

I'm incredibly pleased how the project turned out, with kudos and much appreciation to the amazing team at the BMW Certified Paint and Body business who did the work. The Owner of this large firm even came out to greet me as we came to pick her up this afternoon, commenting how nice it came out.

It gave me a chance to ask about the process, as I couldn't believe how full OEM it looked (and should have been able to be ordered this way from the factory IMHO). He indicated getting to the rails and actually replacing them was very straightforward, but the painting and prep work for such is where all of the expertise resides. Clearly he and his team know this process of dismantling, prepping and painting, and putting back together like the back of their hand, and I can see why they earned the coveted BMW Certified status (along with every other major brand of plaques they had on their walls). I believe I counted 8 or 9 different steps they took to get the paint applied (could've been more as he wasn't counting the steps, but rather explaining each step in order they had to do, so I tried to count as he discussed). He also indicated they sealed all of the screw holes as larsmin indicated.

The really great thing about using a BMW Certified firm - you almost feel like you're getting the work done at the Dealership Svc Center with the formal BMW brochures and folders (and warranty) they give you when completed.

So here are some images I took on the way home just a bit ago. Absolutely recommend this to anyone even considering, especially if you have this done at a BMW Certified facility. Definitely not something I would recommend DIY, unless you have incredible skills with painting and have all the requisite equipment, and even then, the abilities to dismantle and assemble.

Really hoping BMW takes a serious look at offering paint-matched roof rails on every X3 model going forward, be it G01 or F97 lines. Simply make the rails an option like so many others they offer. And seeing how every other model line gets paint-matched roof trim, they have already proven it can be done even on their lower-priced lines.

Looks great! Will definitely be looking into this after delivery.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Roof Rails Removed!

I'm incredibly pleased how the project turned out, with kudos and much appreciation to the amazing team at the BMW Certified Paint and Body business who did the work. The Owner of this large firm even came out to greet me as we came to pick her up this afternoon, commenting how nice it came out.

It gave me a chance to ask about the process, as I couldn't believe how full OEM it looked (and should have been able to be ordered this way from the factory IMHO). He indicated getting to the rails and actually replacing them was very straightforward, but the painting and prep work for such is where all of the expertise resides. Clearly he and his team know this process of dismantling, prepping and painting, and putting back together like the back of their hand, and I can see why they earned the coveted BMW Certified status (along with every other major brand of plaques they had on their walls). I believe I counted 8 or 9 different steps they took to get the paint applied (could've been more as he wasn't counting the steps, but rather explaining each step in order they had to do, so I tried to count as he discussed). He also indicated they sealed all of the screw holes as larsmin indicated.

The really great thing about using a BMW Certified firm - you almost feel like you're getting the work done at the Dealership Svc Center with the formal BMW brochures and folders (and warranty) they give you when completed.

So here are some images I took on the way home just a bit ago. Absolutely recommend this to anyone even considering, especially if you have this done at a BMW Certified facility. Definitely not something I would recommend DIY, unless you have incredible skills with painting and have all the requisite equipment, and even then, the abilities to dismantle and assemble.

Really hoping BMW takes a serious look at offering paint-matched roof rails on every X3 model going forward, be it G01 or F97 lines. Simply make the rails an option like so many others they offer. And seeing how every other model line gets paint-matched roof trim, they have already proven it can be done even on their lower-priced lines.

Looks absolutely terrific, Max! Can't wait for my kit to be shipped by r33_RGSport .

[allinon72]

Fantastic results!

[Dobie Dog]

Well done sir Soooo clean looking lines are

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Max Well - Job well done. And I thought I was the only one without the pano roof...

[2kaccordocoupe]

Looks good sir, glad it worked out for you. I know you put a lot of time and effort into researching it.

[Max Well]

Many thanks for the positive comments, all. Here are two more views showing the roof lines a bit better from the rear and front.

Now I just have to talk my wife into getting her F97 done as well!

[allinon72]

Mind sharing the total cost of the project?

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Mind sharing the total cost of the project?

That's a fair question, for if others are considering it then cost will undoubtedly be a major part of that equation. It was about $1,300 - but I didn't lift a finger. They ordered the parts and did everything, I just dropped off my key and they called me when it was ready. I will say a pretty sizable portion of that was in the painting as so many steps were involved, and was higher than their first quote when I didn't mention the sanding and how I wanted the surface to look pristine OEM.

Considering the CFRP diffuser was $3,000, and how much the rail removal significantly improves the global aesthetic to my eyes, I honestly would've paid more.

And one other thing that might make it easier to explain your goal for the project if you do use a shop - reference this thread and they can get up to speed pretty fast. I did so and it really helped clarify to everyone on the team what I was trying to do and the look I wanted to achieve.

[allinon72]

I'd say $1300 is pretty reasonable given the scope of the project.

[Dobie Dog]

$1300 is not bad at all. I was expecting more. Thank you for this thread.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by Dobie Dog

$1300 is not bad at all. I was expecting more. Thank you for this thread.

Thanks, Dobie Dog . Suspect if there are cost differences they'll be attributable mostly to local hourly labor costs which understandably vary across the country (metropolitan vs outlying...). This is an overall labor-intensive process, at least relative to parts burden.

Will be interested in following others' projects.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Max Well - that BSM paint looks perfect & in some light / angles it almost looks gray. You have an X3 M with no pano-roof, which means that's a rare combo. The SAV really does look much more sleep & coupe-esk (if there is such a word) without the roof rails. Just wish there wasn't so much labor dropping the head liner to get access to those bolts...

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by Kevin_The_Clean1

Max Well - that BSM paint looks perfect & in some light / angles it almost looks gray. You have an X3 M with no pano-roof, which means that's a rare combo. The SAV really does look much more sleep & coupe-esk (if there is such a word) without the roof rails. Just wish there wasn't so much labor dropping the head liner to get access to those bolts...

I've always felt M Division did a great job designing the aerodynamics of our F97, yet the rails prevent the smooth roof lines and slopes from being fully appreciated IMO. Not only do they give the illusion of even more height (which an SUV doesn't need help with), they also hammer home the utilitarian truck slant. That may be the marketing take BMW wants to show, but at least for the true M models, we should be given the option of allowing the performance aspects to shine (and removing the rails accomplishes that for us).

And to clarify, I didn't get a sense from the shop's owner that accessing and replacing the rails with trim was the hard part (at least for them). The majority of the labor charge went into the painting. If BMW provided paint-matched trim kits, this would really be straightforward for these expert technicians.

[Max Well]

Appreciation to DKX4///M for allowing photo-editing of his great build (showing with and without rails).

[Max Well]

And thanks to Dobie Dog as well

[larsmin]

Congrats Max Well !!!
It looks much better on the dark color vehicle.

[Dobie Dog]

Originally Posted by Max Well

And thanks to Dobie Dog as well

Thanks Max!.....Something else to add to my list of upcoming mods

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by larsmin

Congrats Max Well !!!
It looks much better on the dark color vehicle.

And thanks again for coming up with the idea!

Originally Posted by Dobie Dog

Thanks Max!.....Something else to add to my list of upcoming mods

Looking forward to seeing your real images! Gotta say I'm enjoying this one as much as any I've owned, and that's after ~1-1/2 years ownership. I wouldn't mind a CFRP aero roof, and maybe the Revenant amp, but gonna have to wait on that for a while I guess.

[spuntyb]

So I'm confused. NA spec F98s *can* be ordered without roof rails? Or is it literally just the US that can't delete them? I know the F97 they can't be deleted here.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

So I'm confused. NA spec F98s *can* be ordered without roof rails? Or is it literally just the US that can't delete them? I know the F97 they can't be deleted here.

That's my understanding. I've tried building the F98 on the bmwusa website and have never found a way to delete the rails (just like the F97 here in the US as well). Perhaps GOLFFRR can comment to confirm.

On the bright side for the F98 Drivers, though, would think they should be able to order paint-matched roof trim strips which would bypass the most labor-intensive aspect of the replacement process. Would be interesting to read if that's true.

[GOLFFRR]

Originally Posted by Max Well

That's my understanding. I've tried building the F98 on the bmwusa website and have never found a way to delete the rails (just like the F97 here in the US as well). Perhaps GOLFFRR can comment to confirm.

Ill double check with my guys and let you know. I believe you use to be able to delete the roof rails at one point just not sure when or if you still are able to. Its a little early over here but as soon as the morning starts ill shoot them a text and let you know