Pics of all black Kidneys (goodbye chrome)

[HaroldC]

I finally got around to taking some pictures of my car. Unfortunately it was dirty and lighting wasn't ideal. I was hoping to hold out until a few more mods were done, but it was time to change my sig anyways.

On my past BMWs I left the kidneys chrome, but on the X I wanted to make it more aggressive looking. I ordered a set of the 3.0 kidneys, because the slats were black to begin with. Then I took the kidney apart and separated the slats from the chrome surround. Sanded off the chrome with 240 grit and then cleaned it thoroughly with rubbing alcohol. Then laid down a few coats of black primer, followed by 5 - 6 light coats of black. Then followed it up with 3 - 4 light coats of matte clear. I then repeated the black and clear the next day to really layer the paint and build it up. Also when it chips, which is inevitable, it'll still be black. Reassembled the kidneys and also installed the factory non-sport upper and lower grilles. Here's the result:





The DRLs/angel eyes have been changed to Hoen bulbs, but you wouldn't know it from the second pic. In person, the color is similar to the first pic, which is pretty white. I installed the IPF 5000k bulbs, but they were not as white or bright as the Hoens. I really am interested in the PIAA LEDs, but would like to see what other products get released in the future.

Next mods:
-painted reflectors; already have them in a box.
-H&R lower springs up front, custom links to lower the rear.
-20mm spacers all around
-21" style 128 wheels and tires.
-exhaust; not sure which one yet, but RE may use my car for a prototype exhaust.
-slight tint on the rear lights; just to darken it a little but not make them black.