Pics of all black Kidneys (goodbye chrome)
 

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:

http://members.roadfly.com/haroldc/e70x5_1.jpg

http://members.roadfly.com/haroldc/e70x5_2.jpg

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.

Wow~!
 

Looks awesome! :thumbup:

Looks great!!!! Love the signature pic!!!!!!!!!

Love the look with the Space Gray. Makes it much more menacing looking! Now, I wonder if some nay sayers are going to accuse you of trying to make your 4.8 look like a lowly 3.0. :rofl:

Okay, okay. Jab taken with a grain of salt. :nanana: He he he

how many coats of wax did you put on that baby? LOL Makes me wanna go out and take some updated shots!

Thanks for the comments! It's still a work in progress.......

Can you believe that the X is dirty, save for the wheels. It was 46 degrees outside today, so I only washed the wheels. Also, no wax! Not yet at least... I'm going to wait until it's warm outside.

looks good!

Very nice...Your pics almost look like "action shots"....The blacked out grill, really sets it off, as well as the aero kit. I don't think I've seen pics that really show off the notable difference the aero kit makes, as these do...

Looks Great!!!

Looks good, but I wonder what it would look like if the grill was painted as the same color as the body (space grey).

Looks good, I can't decide on the fender flares.

Canon EOS 20D = wax. ;)

<-- Must.Invest.In.Nice.Camera.

:rofl: :iagree:

Beautiful shots!

AGRESSIVE!! Verrry nice!

Nice harold!

Is there a SC in your X's future?

Thanks again everyone! I just changed my reflectors today, so I guess some more updated photos are needed........ maybe I'll wait until I lower the X some time next week.

08WhtX5 - I don't think so, I'll probably move to the 'is' version when my lease is up. Hopefully, it'll already be FI so I could just 'chip' it. But for now, I enjoy just cruising and haven't felt the need to go crazy. I already have a car for that. ;)

Yeah nice way to knock $4k resale value off your car !!!