4.8 Kit on a facelift 2006 3.0 - And yes, I've searched! UPDATED WITH PICS!

[JCAPX5]

PS - My desire to add the 4.8 kit/look to our 3.0 is due to the fact that we were recently in an accedent and need a new front bumper for our 3.0 anyway.

Our X will be having the front bumper removed and replaced with a new one...pending Geico not somehow forcing me into getting a refurb or used front bumper as part of the claim. We'll see....I just see this as an awesome chance to add the 4.8 kit (rear piece I would just buy and have painted while the work is being done) while it's in the body shop.

Thanks again all!

[Fuego]

That kit on ebay is not OEM, its made of fiberglass. It might look nice as your driving by, but its no 4.8is. Anyway who's getting on their knees to inspect it.

[JCAPX5]

Originally Posted by Fuego

That kit on ebay is not OEM, its made of fiberglass. It might look nice as your driving by, but its no 4.8is. Anyway who's getting on their knees to inspect it.

Cool thanks...good call.

Anyone else confirm once-and-for-all my questions above regarding this 4.8 front bumper upgrade thing?

Thanks again y'all.

[nra0707]

It also looks like from the "kit" pictures on ebay that the lower front trim piece sticks out more than the OEM because you have to mount it over the regular bumper cover. The OEM one is more flush and doesn't look like you put a chin strap on there.

[powers1]

Originally Posted by nra0707

It also looks like from the "kit" pictures on ebay that the lower front trim piece sticks out more than the OEM because you have to mount it over the regular bumper cover. The OEM one is more flush and doesn't look like you put a chin strap on there.

So in total this Ebay guy will charge 835.00 usd to supply and deliver!Althought its cheaper than the oem parts,this is by no means cheap,especially considering that it it "cheap" breakable fibreglass!
nra0707 nicely pointed out that the front spoiler is not flush as the oem and does actually look a bit weird on the top edge and it looks as if its stuck on!
I also notice some imperfections,ripples ,typical of fibreglass.
To add to this,the black paint they used to paint the arch fender flares,doesnt match up with the oem natural plastic arches!

I am not you ,but if I was in your position I would buy the following oem parts:-

1.Front 4.6 spoiler(although not 4.8 look but looks great and original!)
2.Rear 4.6/4.8 spoiler
3.Rear set only of 4.6/4.8 arch fender flares.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by JCAPX5

Cool thanks...good call.

Anyone else confirm once-and-for-all my questions above regarding this 4.8 front bumper upgrade thing?

Thanks again y'all.

Yes, what MrBMWX5 said about the possible OE bumper upgrades are correct (hence his name ). You have a post-facelift X5 so just go with the 4.8 front bumper that, yes, includes the lower front spoiler section. Unless, of course, you prefer the 4.6 look.

The rest of the stuff - the rear spoiler and wheel arch flares are the same for the 4.6 and 4.8. So, no guesswork there. If you're not planning a full 4.6/4.8 makeover (like changing to 20" staggered wheels/tires) then maybe you don't need the wheel arch flares.

Obviously, think about any details like make sure you order the correct front bumper that includes the front HL washers, if you have them now currently.

Also, IMHO, don't bother with anything other than genuine BMW parts.

Good Luck!

[JCAPX5]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

Yes, what MrBMWX5 said about the possible OE bumper upgrades are correct (hence his name ). You have a post-facelift X5 so just go with the 4.8 front bumper that, yes, includes the lower front spoiler section. Unless, of course, you prefer the 4.6 look.

The rest of the stuff - the rear spoiler and wheel arch flares are the same for the 4.6 and 4.8. So, no guesswork there. If you're not planning a full 4.6/4.8 makeover (like changing to 20" staggered wheels/tires) then maybe you don't need the wheel arch flares.

Obviously, think about any details like make sure you order the correct front bumper that includes the front HL washers, if you have them now currently.

Also, IMHO, don't bother with anything other than genuine BMW parts.

Good Luck!

Alright...if I haven't made this clear yet you guys are awesome, and this board rocks. Can't wait for my new 4.8 front end.

If I can contribute something back, I will share with you all that I've confirmed through a dealer and my bodyshop that the price of the bumper for the (facelift) 3.0 is actually VERY close to the 4.8, with them both costing about $850. Seems interesting and I remain concerned that this is the right piece. How can they be so close in price if the 4.8 version has the extra body-color spoiler at the bottom???

So if I order the correct version (with PDC and headlight washers as my 3.0 has) the 4.8 bumper should bolt right on, just as a new 3.0 bumper would. There will just be the additional paintwork to spray the spoiler at the bottom.

Seems that the rear-spoiler is very straight forward. But just the spoiler (and the two end caps) and it will fit to the rear bumper of our lil' 3.0.

Thanks again guys I'm stupid excited over this. I guess something good will come from this accident!

[nra0707]

The 4.8 bumper will bolt, screw, and snap in exactly like 4.4i/3.0 bumpers. Make sure you save the metal screw guides for the wheel wells (2 each side) and fog lamps (2 each side) from the old bumper if the new one doesn't already come with them. See part #18. RealOEM.com BMW E53 X5 4.8is Trim panel bumper front - HP

Also, you'll need new grids and towing eye flap covers if you didn't break the old ones from the accident. See parts #9, 10 and 11. Same with the fog lamp covers and headlight washer nozzle caps, reuse the old ones if they aren't banged up.

[JCAPX5]

Originally Posted by nra0707

The 4.8 bumper will bolt, screw, and snap in exactly like 4.4i/3.0 bumpers. Make sure you save the metal screw guides for the wheel wells (2 each side) and fog lamps (2 each side) from the old bumper if the new one doesn't already come with them. See part #18. RealOEM.com BMW E53 X5 4.8is Trim panel bumper front - HP

Also, you'll need new grids and towing eye flap covers if you didn't break the old ones from the accident. See parts #9, 10 and 11. Same with the fog lamp covers and headlight washer nozzle caps, reuse the old ones if they aren't banged up.

Again, each of your posts helps to clear this up and get some confirmation on how this will go. Given that I'm doing this as part of a front end bodyshop repair from an accident I really want to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible. Geico and all have been a real pain.

Your point above is excellent about all the little odds and ends. wonderful insight and thanks a million. My body shop already talked about saving/reusing the fog-light & headlight washer covers. I'll have to look at the tow eye flap. What do you mean by "new grids"?

It seems that this thread has clairified (which I could not find otherwise via search) that the post-facelift 4.8 bumper WILL DIRECTLY REPLACE that on the 3.0 or 4.4. Someone should have this noted on the homepage if possible.

It's funny how careful dealer/bodyshop/parts counter guys are about confirming this seemingly simple fact. Apparently far better knowledge on certain details of our E53's is right here on the boards.

So, if I can contribute for others I have the following info/pricing on these parts to share from our dealer in NJ.
2004-2006 X5 3.0 "bumper" (w/ headlight cleaning & PDC) is 51117129297 @ $905.53.
2004-2006 X5 4.8is "bumper" (w/ PDC...no option for headlight cleaning???) is 51117146578 @ $863.43.

Go figure the 3.0 bumper is cheaper?!?!?

Also BMW Parts department said "probably won't work since the 2004-2006 X5 4.8is "bumper" doesn't offer an option for headlight cleaning system....only choice is for PDC or not". I thought maybe this would be due to the fact that ALL 4.8's came with headlight cleaning system therefor no choice for it in the parts system at the dealer???

Thanks a million guys and I'll follow up to let you know it goes. At this point I've got call Geico and get them to come out and see the car then it's go time....maybe a week or two.

Thanks Thanks Thanks!

[nra0707]

Originally Posted by JCAPX5

What do you mean by "new grids"?

These are the plastic mesh grill inserts that are diamond pattern. Some X5s have them in black or titanium. If your original ones are in ok shape, just slide them out and slide lock them into the new 4.8 bumper.

Originally Posted by JCAPX5

Also BMW Parts department said "probably won't work since the 2004-2006 X5 4.8is "bumper" doesn't offer an option for headlight cleaning system....only choice is for PDC or not". I thought maybe this would be due to the fact that ALL 4.8's came with headlight cleaning system therefor no choice for it in the parts system at the dealer???

I'm pretty sure it's assumed that all 4.8is bumpers have headlight washers, so I wouldn't worry. If for some reason it doesn't have it, most bumpers have the hole patterns outlined in the interior side of the plastic, so they can be carefully drilled or cut out so that the headlight washer jets and cap can fit. A Dremel would make easy work of this.