Options for a new hood?
 

So here's the deal, the underside drivers front corner of the hood on my X is starting to bubble (rust), and a truck kicked up a massive stone that took a dime sized chunk out of the paint right above the headlight (we're talking right down to the metal). I'm not going to bother repaint the hood for various reasons.

I've been looking to see if any of the tuning companies offer anything, but my search has yet to yield any real results. Now before everyone jumps on the "changing the hood is a rice mod" bandwagon, let me make it clear right now: I'm not looking for a wild looking lemans X style hood or something with 40 hood scoops. Im simply after something with a slight variation on the factory look. I have nothing against a good quality CF hood either (it'll be painted over though of course).....just hoping some of ya might have input before I go order an oem one! Thanks :)

check to see if this would be covered under BMW rust-through warranty - is it 10 years, unlimited mileage?
as a matter of fact, just was looking at the hood by AC Schnitzer and Hartge - check their websites, maybe something that you like...

I may look into that for the rear hatch (Its starting to bubble right on the inside of the bottom lip right along the seam). I wonder if they just blast it and then repaint it....aren't all our body panels coated from the factory with rust inhibitors before paint? If OEM replacement panels come coated and primed, I would sooner replace the whole thing.

Back to the hoods though, where are you seeing an AC schnitzer or Hartge?? I looked through their websites and e53 brochures to no avail (Hamann as well). This one has a mean look from the front, but I cant find any info or detailed pictures of it: Karter guard BMW X5 E53 51130392919 | tuning-sport.com

I'd kill for and exact copy of an OEM hood with the factory upper vents replaced with ones similar to what we see on the Vorsteiner's.....but thats what we'll call wishful thinking! :rofl:

i am sure, you have seen this one... check bavauto, they used to have some body items for the X5, when it was relatively new model...



BMW X5 Exclusive Carbon Fiber Hood

If you look at the rust warranty, it normally states perforation, not just surface rust or bubbling or blister. The panels needs to be perforated before they will fix it or replace it.

that CF hood is gorgeous!! I'd trade you my 03 hood for a CF one if you find one cheap enough. My hood has had 3M on it since new and is in really good condition. I think a detail shop could touch it up a bit to make it look new.

Yeah, I fired off an email for the production specifics....They don't list much info on their site.....My main concern is the material quality and craftsmanship of the hood. I don't have any problem throwing down the bucks if the quality is there. BavAuto had zip, I'm thinking that its such a limited market that there weren't many to begin with.....with even less so now. I guess one of the benefits to a CF hood is that if I don't like the look I can simply paint over it.

That's fair. If anything, Ill look into whether they would fix it or replace the panel....I'd much rather just purchase a whole new rear hatch piece than have a body shop fixing pieces of it.

Haha, that sounds like a good deal! :bustingup
Whatever I end up doing, the replacement is definitely getting the 3m treatment. Like I stated earlier, I'm not going to bother touching it up; Its not worth the headaches IMO. (Its rusting right on/under the front seam)

I like the one on that link .( Tuning -sport.)

I love the the "eye-lid" look as well; my only concern is how the looks from the side....Since the hood looks like it goes over the headlight.