Photoshoppin' my Silver '06 3.0i
 

I'm looking to make my new-to-me '06 3.0i X5 look a little tougher and less like a grocery-getter. I realize some will cringe at my suggestions here, but I like to mess around in photoshop just see what certain changes would look like and would be happy to do the same for your X (time-permitting).

Using this Xoutposter's X5 (obviously not a 3.0) as inspiration....
http://s22.postimg.org/64l461vmp/R0012552_f.jpg

I started with this. I already had plasti-dipped the fog light trim, kidney surround, and 3.0i and X5 emblems.
http://s22.postimg.org/lekzd8r4x/IMG_3970_as_is.jpg

I then photoshopped in black or gunmetal wheels, eyebrows, black door handles, and a "titanium" lower grille mesh to add some contrast to the all-black 3.0 bumper. I think I prefer the body color handles and am on the fence about the eyebrows. Okay, maybe it still looks like a grocery-getter, but what do you think?
http://s12.postimg.org/xyh7plgql/IMG...s_eyebrows.jpg

I'm sorry, but please don't touch it any further that what it is right now.

I can appreciate that and no reason to apologize. I wouldn't have posted these if I didn't want feedback. I also wouldn't have used just plasti-dip on the existing trim if I was certain I wouldn't go back to stock.

If it were me, I'd get the 4.8is body trim and wider wheels. That'll make it look significantly more aggressive than what it is now. I'd also pass on the eyebrows.

I agree. The 4.8is bumpers look considerably more aggressive and I will look into them down the road but was just considering quick (cheap) "improvements" at this point.

New and likely wider wheels will definitely be considered when these tires wear out. And I agree on the eyebrows - look much better on the other X5. Thanks.

Fwiw that other x5 doesn't have eyelids. It looks like he vinyl wrapped part of the hood and fender to make them look more E70ish.

Start with bigger and wider wheels and tires.
Add the iS kit as mentioned. I'll have one for sell from my iS soon, after I have the aero bumper painted.

Or you can add a decorative skid plate if you can find one.
My old 3.0i

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...psdbfb74a2.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...ps75906b3f.jpg

I do like the look of the skid plate but a quick search and it could be tough to come by (pelican parts may have some) and it doesnt seem to really serve any function other than than lowering the front clearance. Any one know of a metal aftermarket one? Not that I'm going off road but I do drive on quite a few rocky potholed unmaintained dirt roads on the way to hiking/camping.

I actually don't mind how the rear bumper looks stock. Thanks for the feedback - lots to think about.