I believe the front plastic fender/bumper on the E70 is not painted by the BMW factory, but comes from the 3rd party manufacturer already painted the final color. This is also true of the small plastic parts above the rear bumper on the sides.

I know for a fact, these plastic parts are not painted on the X5 assembly line in Greer, SC at the same time the metal body is painted. During the factory tour, our host said BMW works closely with the fender mfg and paint mfg to insure a match, but he did not go into further depth on the subject.

Just a thought, but maybe the plastic parts can be ordered in final color. Motorcycles (including BMW) have been like this for years - metal parts come primed, plastic parts are available in final color.

I know it's probably too good to be true, but worth looking into.

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Carpe Diem