The top part(small strip of mesh) you can remove.. but the bottom i tried to figure out how to remove but i just got tired of trying and gave up.. i just stuffed the back part of the mesh with newspaper so none of the paint will get into the filter behind it.. i taped up the entire sorrounding with painters tape..

i just sprayed it with regular "textured" spray paint that i got from home depot for like 6 $. I bought one that was made Rust-Oleum, and under the textured cap of the can it said "No Primer Needed."

dont forget to tape up the sensors aswell. that would suck if you have to hear that beeping noise 24/7

Doesn't X5 3.0si already come with black mesh? I believe 4.8 comes with dark grey mesh. So, not sure why you had to paint over with black? Do you have 3.0 or 4.8?

all black looks good!

No, the non-sport pkg 4.8's come with the same black mesh on the 3.0. Only difference is the titanium kidneys.

my x5 came with a grey mesh so i thought it would look nicer so i painted it... =)

should i post pics of my other mods?

Thanks for the information!

no problem... post pics if you do decide to do it..

I would have traded you, lol. I am looking to either paint or buy the sport pkg mesh.