X5 M Sport Grill/Vent with 50d Front Vent Part Numbers

[MattBianco]

I know some have done this modification, but since I have just signed for my second F15 purchase in two months (details in a different thread to come), and the second one is M Sport, I am providing this for those who want specific part numbers to achieve the X50d look on the now (US Model) closed and nonfunctional vents (that look like black eyes).

My dealer has offered help on this, seeking to have them done at the factory, and if not, to be done by them during inspection. FYI, bumper does not need to come off for this, per my research.

This modification will change part 5 for for parts 4 and 6.



Foolish me I tried to use my German which has been dormant in my brain for 35 years, and noticed the site is multilingual.
Parts catalog detail

Parts needed which your dealer can order from the M aerodynamic kit:

Für Fahrzeuge mit M Aerodynamikpaket (S715AJa)
4 Gitter seitlich offen links 51118064633 (Left Vent -offen means open)
4 Gitter seitlich offen rechts 51118064634 (Right Vent)
6 Spange Gitter seitlich links 51118056867 (Left Trim)
6 Spange Gitter seitlich rechts 51118056868 (Right Trim)
7 Sicherungsring 64118247773 (securing/safety rings)

[r33_RGSport]

Let me know if your dealer can't get them.
I have plenty in stock.

[vadriver]

I like the look, will consider after I get mine next week. r33, since you have done can you comment on the ease of install, is this an easy DIY?

[patrobX5]

What's the reason it's closed in the first place??

[wdimagineer]

Originally Posted by patrob

What's the reason it's closed in the first place??

Aerodynamics. On certain models there's an intercooler on one or both sides.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by vadriver

I like the look, will consider after I get mine next week. r33, since you have done can you comment on the ease of install, is this an easy DIY?

Well, if you have 35i and 50i, they are moderate easy.
But, if you have 35d, the passenger side is a little hard to tackle since there is AdBlu tank behind the grill.

Originally Posted by patrob

What's the reason it's closed in the first place??

@wdimagineer, I can't agree with you with that. The car is a chunk of metal already, where open grill will not affect much of the aerodynamics.

My guess would be, to avoid a blank stare inside the opening where nothing to see in there.

I know what the argument would be, it would trap air inside the empty hole between the bumper and the fender liner. But, there is opening on the bottom cover and row of slits on the fender liner to let the air through.

And based on my mpg, it didn't change before and after the open grill change.

[MattBianco]

Originally Posted by patrob

What's the reason it's closed in the first place??

Pure speculation on my part:

• Theoretically, aerodynamics as pointed out by @wdimagineer
• Practically, aesthetics, as pointed out by @r33

I would not be surprised if there is a bumper facelift in the future for M that blends function and aesthetics better.

I have had the crazy idea of painting the upper, closed portion of the open vents, the same color as the car. That part is only $50 each, plus cost of painting it, so it is not a huge damage if it does not come out looking well. The trim piece that looks to be aluminum is more expensive.

[wdimagineer]

It's not aluminum. It's painted plastic. Welcome to BMW.

[atopa2002]

Originally Posted by vadriver

I like the look, will consider after I get mine next week. r33, since you have done can you comment on the ease of install, is this an easy DIY?

I'm in RVA and just did the install with parts from rr3. I changed both grill and trim to the M50d's . Its easy if its 35i or 50i. PM me when ready to install,will show you a few tricks.

John

[jpsjr70]

I have the trim pieces in mineral white painted, never installed with all the items needed to install if anyone is interested. Painted at BMW body shop. PM me if your interested.

Joe

[vadriver]

I have (will have monday) the 35D, sounds like much more work....I can probably live with it, wife main driver anyhow, i'm just a car nut