2011 x5 35i Painted Reflector Install DIY
 

Finally got my painted reflectors yesterday from IND, thanks Epacy! They weren't cheap but I gotta say they do it right. The quality is very good and the color match is perfect, I think they paint and bake them themselves.

As big and ugly as the orange reflectors are on 2011 LCI x5's, this simple mod made a *HUGE* difference... pictures don't do it just justice. I know that KEF already has a DIY for e70 painted reflectors but 2011 is slightly different so thought I'd do another.

This DIY is for my 35i, I presume 50i will be the same but 35d is a bit different due to the radiator on passenger side making it more difficult to access the inside of the fender to get the reflector out.

Last but not least, please pay no attention to my ugly wheels, I'm working on the replacement as I type :D

Step 1: Use the hole in the grill to remove it.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...lectors/01.jpg

Step 2: Grill pops out easily (I know there's no "e" in Grille, but I was hungry)
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...lectors/02.jpg

Step 3: Locate the reflector inside the fender.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...lectors/03.jpg

Step 4: *VERY IMPORTANT*, this one will make your life a lot easier. Use a hair dryer on High/Hot setting inside the grill for 3.5 minutes. Make sure the *outside* of the reflector is hot to the touch when you stop. This loosens up the glue/adhesive and makes things a lot easier on you. This is also my wife's contribution to the mod, so that she feels more involved.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...lectors/04.jpg

Step 5: Start by pushing the reflector inwards from the outside, while simultaneously pulling/holding the fender from the inside. You should do this with 2 hands, but my other hand was on the camera. If you press too hard, the bottom part of the fender may separate from the black plastic, but don't worry it pops right back in.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...lectors/05.jpg

Step 6: If you hair dried properly, you should be able to get a pretty clean break without leaving much adhesive behind as shown here.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...lectors/06.jpg

Step 7: Make sure you get out allllll the sticky junk before moving on.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...lectors/07.jpg

Step 8: Take a minute and enjoy the lack of orange while the fender cools.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...lectors/08.jpg

Step 9: No brainer.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...lectors/09.jpg

Step 10: Wait until fender is cool, put the reflector in place and put back the grills.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...lectors/10.jpg

Step 11: Enjoy.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...lectors/11.jpg

Looking good!

Good job. Thanks for DIY.

Excellent DIY! Written and illustrated to the lowest common denominator...(Me). :D

Thanks. They look great! Well worth the $$ me thinks. :thumbup:

No pressure, but when are you going to do the rear ones ;)

X

Where did you get those?

I want them for my 2010's.

Trust me if I can do it, anyone can do it ;)

I was thinking the same thing after finishing the fronts... probably won't be long!

I got these from IND (Welcome to INDustry Distribution)

They are the only ones that have 2011 reflectors. For 2010 you can find them a number of different places, but if IND has them I suggest getting from them as well as I'm sure the quality will be better than others.

The rears are super easy to do as you just lower the tailgate and pop them out from under the tailgate.

Awesome job and looking good Aqua! Man, you non diesel guys have it easy. It was pain in the arse to do mine.

- DaRip

haha, it's about time we reap some benefits - you guys save all the money in fuel costs and get ECO credit... having to remove some screws from the front bumper to install your painted reflectors is a small price to pay :bustingup

Oh ya DaRip, I'm not done copying you yet - hoping to get my wheels in another week or 2 ....!