3 weeks in...

[classic_erik]

Happy to announce that I've recently completed my first set of mods! I have to say that the first 3 weeks of my Bimmer life has been riveting, and I'm pumped to read this forum everyday. Thanks for the warm welcome to everyone I've chatted with so far.

A big thanks to Cat @ IND, Ben @ RG and MarkyMarc in the Great White North for hooking up the MP CF Triple Threat!

Completed:
M Performance CF Mirrors
M Performance Black Grill
IND Gloss Black Badge and Roundel Set
Painted Exhaust Tips High Gloss Black
AutoTecknic CF Fender Trim

Purchased and Pending Install:
M Performance CF Front Splitter
M Performance CF Rear Diffuser
M Performance Roof Spoiler
IND Painted Reflector Set (Front & Rear)
IND Gloss Black 50d M Fender Badges

[markymarc1979]

Sexy F15. When you install those carbon parts, you will be a boss!!!

WE WANT CARBON!!!!

[alphaod]

Congrats. Looks very sharp. I love it!

[wearenh]

Originally Posted by classic_erik

...IND Gloss Black 50d M Fender Badges...

??? ... you have an M50D in the USA? ... did you self import from Europe or Australia?

[classic_erik]

Originally Posted by wearenh

??? ... you have an M50D in the USA? ... did you self import from Europe or Australia?

Figured I would catch some heat for that...

Happy to walk down the road less traveled.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by wearenh

??? ... you have an M50D in the USA? ... did you self import from Europe or Australia?

I may be totally wrong but I think he means this in black?

[P1]

Originally Posted by wearenh

??? ... you have an M50D in the USA? ... did you self import from Europe or Australia?

I think OP just means more stick on "M" badges on the fenders.

[classic_erik]

Originally Posted by Kzang

I may be totally wrong but I think he means this in black?

[IMG]https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5618/...f3e56ebf_b.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5773/...f360dc4d_b.jpg[/IMG]

That is precisely correct, those are the ones I am referring to. IND custom made me a set in gloss black using the OEM fender badges from the 50d.

My take on those badges is that they are not widely accepted given they weren't created for the US version, but I think they fit naturally with the rest of my M Sport package. It's a fine line with this given everything else that already says M...door sills, floor mats, steering wheel, etc.

[daytonaviolet]

nice work

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by classic_erik

That is precisely correct, those are the ones I am referring to. IND custom made me a set in gloss black using the OEM fender badges from the 50d.

My take on those badges is that they are not widely accepted given they weren't created for the US version, but I think they fit naturally with the rest of my M Sport package. It's a fine line with this given everything else that already says M...door sills, floor mats, steering wheel, etc.

Actually, the factory did have them on USA cars for a few productions and pulled it for some unknown reasons. But continued with euro and other countries.

The other guy probably thought you mean an actual M50d badge on the rear deck to try to fake a M50d car.

[classic_erik]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Actually, the factory did have them on USA cars for a few productions and pulled it for some unknown reasons. But continued with euro and other countries.

The other guy probably thought you mean an actual M50d badge on the rear deck to try to fake a M50d car.

Ahh ok some confusion I suppose! I thought he was blasting me for buying the M fender badges.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by classic_erik

Ahh ok some confusion I suppose! I thought he was blasting me for buying the M fender badges.

I think it's fine. You aren't trying to pretend or deceive anyone you have a M car. I did it to mine as well.

[wearenh]

Originally Posted by Kzang

...The other guy probably thought you mean an actual M50d badge on the rear deck to try to fake a M50d car.

yes, that's what I thought ... I guess the fender badges aren't so bad as that would have been

[DonJuan]

Originally Posted by Kzang

I think it's fine. You aren't trying to pretend or deceive anyone you have a M car. I did it to mine as well.

Yes, it's important to differentiate between an "M" car and an "M-sport" packaged car. We have M-sports.

Having said that, my personal opinion is if the badging is/was placed by the factory for the same model/packaging in other Countries/regions, then it's acceptable. What I do see as "posing" is to place badges that are not meant for a specific car.

OP, looking good, can't wait to see it with the other parts installed.

PS. Don't forget about power!, I'd go power first, then visual, but that just me.

[classic_erik]

Originally Posted by DonJuan

Yes, it's important to differentiate between an "M" car and an "M-sport" packaged car. We have M-sports.

Having said that, my personal opinion is if the badging is/was placed by the factory for the same model/packaging in other Countries/regions, then it's acceptable. What I do see as "posing" is to place badges that are not meant for a specific car.

OP, looking good, can't wait to see it with the other parts installed.

PS. Don't forget about power!, I'd go power first, then visual, but that just me.

Thanks DonJuan!

I was considering the MPBK and KW Coilovers next, but have been reading a lot about the RaceChip GTS Black. Any other suggestions for power?

To be perfectly honest, I'm not huge on screwing around with the factory tuning given I'm trying to preserve my CPO warranty for another 2 years, and I'm pretty content with this V8 (for now)!

[classic_erik]

So, this happened today...

Not even 2 weeks after 4 applications of VHT Gloss Black Engine Enamel and 2 coats of Gloss Clear Coat. I'm wondering if I didn't wait long enough between spraying...

Should I just start from scratch or touch up? I feel like a touch up would be just delaying the inevitable as I can see evidence of cracking all over.

[mrod81]

Originally Posted by classic_erik

So, this happened today...

Not even 2 weeks after 4 applications of VHT Gloss Black Engine Enamel and 2 coats of Gloss Clear Coat. I'm wondering if I didn't wait long enough between spraying...

Should I just start from scratch or touch up? I feel like a touch up would be just delaying the inevitable as I can see evidence of cracking all over.

Just get them powered coated. I was quoted 25 per tip! Going next week.

[classic_erik]

Originally Posted by mrod81

Just get them powered coated. I was quoted 25 per tip! Going next week.

Thanks, I would have preferred that approach but I don't think that's possible with the 50i since you can't take the tips off.

[mrod81]

Originally Posted by classic_erik

Thanks, I would have preferred that approach but I don't think that's possible with the 50i since you can't take the tips off.

Awe damn my bad I thought you had the MPE.

[HJ]

Originally Posted by classic_erik

So, this happened today...

Not even 2 weeks after 4 applications of VHT Gloss Black Engine Enamel and 2 coats of Gloss Clear Coat. I'm wondering if I didn't wait long enough between spraying...

Should I just start from scratch or touch up? I feel like a touch up would be just delaying the inevitable as I can see evidence of cracking all over.

Could be a coincidence but could have to do something with the cold weather. I also used VHT engine enamel about a month ago but without the clear coat. It's been pretty cold here in nyc the past few months ended up applying coats on the best day possible which was around 39 degrees. It started chipping/cracking within 10 days so I ended up just getting them powder coated on a side note your ride is coming along nice!