Performance Grilles, AW reflectors
 

The front reflectors were a major BITCH to get out. They are stuck on with double-sided tape and you really have to put some force into them. The passenger's side is easier to access and I had to unbolt part of the front bumper to actually have a way to get some torque on the driver's side reflector. Not a big deal, real easy to put back together. I took pic's through most of the process if anyone else is going to be switching their's out.

Mods I have so far are BMW performance grilles, IND Painted front and rear reflectors, De-badged, BMW trunk liner - which is actually quite nice and cheap, RD LED footwell/courtesy lights, Passport 9500ix - love the quietness, 35% tint, 3M clear bra

With the de-badging and painted reflectors, it really cleans the vehicle up IMO.

Very nice. I like the debadged look; I'll have to follow suit. Where did you get the IND products?

Thanks!

You can contact Nate at the email below and mention I sent you over.

[email protected]

the reflectors sound like they are the same as pre-LCI, just longer... heatgun / hairdryer definitely helps a lot to unglue the tape... I figured that one out on the 2nd one... much easier than the 1st side I did.

It's definitely very clean... lots of days I want to debadge since it gets real dirty behind there and it's not easy to wipe in there... at least mine doesn't say xdrivealksjdklasjdklasjdlkasjdkljlsajd though.

It does look great. However, aren't those reflectors there for safety? Technically, similar to over tinting, aren't painted reflectors technically illegal?

The reflectors are mandated by the US. So? Are you saying noone should replace things that are for "off-road" use only?

yup but it looks better :thumbup:

Looks good Epacy... I ordered my Sapphire Black reflectors (front only) from IND last week and anxiously awaiting them. Reminds me need to call those guys tomorrow!

Were the front Grills (bottom right and bottom left) easy to pop out to access the reflectors? I'm thinking 35i's will be easier to access than 35d's...

As I've stated, it looks great. I am not passing any judgement how to personalize your X5.

The front lower grille on the passenger side is really easy to remove. You cannot access the driver's side grille through that front lower grille, there is a radiator there and the accompanying support for it, blocks access. That's why you have to drop the bumper some and access from the fender well.

Please post these when you can, it would be very helpful...

Yes, I will post them up. Prolly be tomorrow before I can.
Install would be alot easier to do now with knowing how to get at the reflectors. Don't think anyone had done them yet on a 2011.

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Actually I checked today... no radiator in the way on 2011 35i, easy access to the drivers side reflector as well. I have my painted reflectors on the way from IND. I'm on the west coast and they ship ground but I should have them by Friday :D

Wheels, fender flares, black mesh.

ok...

Do you still have those pics of the drivers side install??? Just ordered a 2011 35d....any help on how you got the bumper lose and other install notes would be appreciated!!!
Mike

nice. what did you use to de-badge the X?

Looks real good. Might I suggest painting the mesh under the grilles flat black. When I replaced my grilles I also painted the mesh. The mesh directly under the grilles pulls out, but I couldn't figure how to remove the bottom. Instead of removing the bottom I taped around and taped over the parking sensors. Makes the X5 look a lot better with the black grilles.

Can you just push the reflectors in to pop them loose? You don't need to remove the bumper from the car do you?

It's super sticky tape... you can help it by using a blow dryer from the inside to unstick it a bit... but you have to get inside, can't do it just from the outside.

Bummer

I also have a X5d. Were they any instructions on taking off the original? How does one partially take off the front bumper? Thanks.

epacy--found this thread..thanks....was still wondering if you had some pics or tips on taking off drivers side bumper/flare off for the Diesel....a few others on board are about to attempt this mod as well...you're experience and expertise would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

One side is identical to the link posted above your post. With the other side, driver's side I believe, you have to drop the bumper down a little bit on that side. I'll have to go back and see if I have photos of that. But it's nothing hard and just undoing some bolts.
Would highly recommend you use the heating method as I did not and it was pretty difficult to get enough torque on the reflectors to get the adhesive to break and not bust the reflector, bumper or your hands.