Rear bumper add-on
 

Anyone seen a titanium or metallic look version of the black rear bumper step protector? Not a fan of the black.

Gracias,

JV

I've only seen it in black.

I'm still trying to figure out why it is needed, since the lower half of the rear hatch folds down :dunno:

I was inspired by the look of the new bumper protector on the new ML, so I like the way it looks. It's also useful for times when your lady drives your X5 to Home Depot, buys stuff, pops the hatch while setting a box on the bumper, with a staple conveniently protruding from the bottom, and scratches it. And she'll do it again, trust me. :D

As you all know the back of the X gets almost as dirty as front rims, so the black protector is to protect the paint from accumulated dirt. Also, many people step on the bumper to get to top of vehicle, so you don't have to worry about scratching paint w/ shoes. The bumper is also a lot sturdier to sit on when putting on golf shoes, so that's where I lay my fat ass!

True but half the times I don't fold down the lower hatch unless loading something large or heavy.

Lets all be honest. It looks cool. Isn't that why most people add body upgrades.

I think the strip below the BMW emblem in chrome looks great. A guy was selling them on EBay awhile back and it looks kinda classy, similar to the strip on the E38 740il and 750.

Not that you'd be speaking from experience, of course... this is all hypothetical, obviously.... :D

Juan

You know what I'm talkin' bout, man. Oh yeah. :D

JV

I have an idea. I think you can have one fabricated out of brushed stainless steel and glue it to the rear bumper. You can either have it smooth or have some raised areas stamped into it. Find a metal shop and check on that. I'm kind of surprised no one has done it.

I look at my aftermarket door sills on my Boxster and think that a larger version would be about right for your application.

I think a visit to Racing Dynamics is called for! GREAT idea! What do you guys think? Add some design to it? Or keep it smooth? X5 logo maybe?

JV

I would suggest either keep it smooth or have something like this on the new ML500. The smooth look would be easier and cheaper to make as well as being more subtle. The looks of smooth, brushed stainless steel would look nice.

http://members.roadfly.org/gregwminm...1205-17-sm.jpg

Here is an alternative that is easily cheaper but a stick on thing. They make them in black or clear. I don't really like them but it's an option for you.

Another good alternative. It was also suggested to me by the guys at the local grease pit to use the same type of clear protector material as the clear bra is made of. I like the idea of a 'custom' piece, even if it does go on the rear bumper. I will see what I can come up with this coming week.

Gracias, Kevin.

JV

Wanted to bump this to ask if y'all think it'd be sacrilege to try to match the fit on the X rear bumper to the rear bumper guard from the Cayenne or new ML? At this point I have no idea if it'd fit and before I sneak up on someone's back bumper with a tape measure and level, anyone got a thought?

JV

Nope, go for it :thumbup:

I would suggest just buying the part that is on the ML from Mercedes and sticking it on the X5... it'd probably end up looking like it was made for it...

plus you could test fit it before taking the backing off the tape to make sure it looks ok.. if not, taking it back to the benzo stealer.