F15 option confusion again - SORRY

[6605paull]

Hi members, great and informative site, was really struggling in the UK to find a good owner forum that was actually used regularly.
Does anyone out there know if you can replace the plastic wheel arches on the F15 SE model so the SE can look like the M Sport version?
Yes it would be simpler to get the M Sport but I really do not like the front view due to those two big holes that look like something is missing, prefer the SE model, presumably why all/most of the BMW adverts are based on the SE and not the more expensive M Sport.
Also has anyone had the black 491 style wheels fitted to a space grey SE F15, also not an option on the M Sport so I'm told.
Sorry to go on but I'm stuck
Thanks in advance

[worsy]

Have a look at Catflap's posts on this thread http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=992083

[6605paull]

Hi and thank you for taking the time to reply, that is very helpful, pity the dealers are not up to speed when an order for £60k is in the offering. All the best.

[CatFlap]

Yes I know what you mean - their product knowledge is very poor to say the least. You'll get far more quality info on here!

The M50d lower grill trim pieces really do transform the look of the M Sport IMHO. It's a relatively simple addition that breaks up (visually) the expanse of black plastic.

What colour X5 are you thinking of?

[6605paull]

Hi, yes agreed and thanks for getting in touch. I was looking at space grey, with the 491 black style wheels, however you can only get them on the SE model or so I'm told. Lots of options other than the combo I want!. PS are the trims from BMW?

[worsy]

Originally Posted by CatFlap

Yes I know what you mean - their product knowledge is very poor to say the least. You'll get far more quality info on here!

The M50d lower grill trim pieces really do transform the look of the M Sport IMHO. It's a relatively simple addition that breaks up (visually) the expanse of black plastic.

What colour X5 are you thinking of?

Catflap, do they come in silver (looking at that photo) or do they require painting?

Part numb and cost?

[CatFlap]

Originally Posted by worsy

Catflap, do they come in silver (looking at that photo) or do they require painting?

Part numb and cost?

I'm told they come in primer (though that was the BMW parts bloke so they're probably pink ) I think they're probably silver ready to go on an M50d since they are a 'spare' part for that particular model.
I'm having mine painted mineral white to match my car though I think silver will look great on a dark car. i did read a previous thread where someone has done this mod though just can't find it now!

This is what you need:

Trim on grill, left, 1off 51118056867 (Item 6 above)
Trim on grill, right, 1off 51118056868 (Item 6 above)
Lock Ring 8off 64118247773 (Item 7 above)

Painting & fitting - I was quoted £100 if done at time of PDI

[worsy]

Thanks !

[worsy]

Think it comes in Silver by the looks of things:

http://www.rgsportshop.com/index.php...product_id=294

[stewy604]

Originally Posted by worsy

Catflap, do they come in silver (looking at that photo) or do they require painting?

Part numb and cost?

They come in silver...Part numbers are as follows:

51 11 8 056 867 (left)
51 11 8 056 867 (right)

I've seen some guys paint them body colour, others leave as is. All depends the look you're going for.

[6605paull]

Gents thank you I've learnt more in the past hour on this forum than I have visiting several dealers. Still like my E70 M Sport wheel arches looks far more aggressive but....

[CatFlap]

Originally Posted by worsy

Think it comes in Silver by the looks of things:

http://www.rgsportshop.com/index.php...product_id=294

Well spotted - doesn't look much for £200 does it? Suppose someone will be selling cheap copies on eBay for £20 if the demand develops.

Do you think you'll be ordering a pair @worsy ?

[CatFlap]

Originally Posted by 6605paull

Hi members, great and informative site, was really struggling in the UK to find a good owner forum that was actually used regularly.
Does anyone out there know if you can replace the plastic wheel arches on the F15 SE model so the SE can look like the M Sport version?
Yes it would be simpler to get the M Sport but I really do not like the front view due to those two big holes that look like something is missing, prefer the SE model, presumably why all/most of the BMW adverts are based on the SE and not the more expensive M Sport.
Also has anyone had the black 491 style wheels fitted to a space grey SE F15, also not an option on the M Sport so I'm told.
Sorry to go on but I'm stuck
Thanks in advance

Not sure if you might find something here:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...38&hg=51&fg=16

[worsy]

Yup, will get some. Mine is going to be Carbon Black with Satin Silver trim. Should go well together.

Thanks as well Stewy.

I assume they are very simple to fit

[CatFlap]

Originally Posted by worsy

Yup, will get some. Mine is going to be Carbon Black with Satin Silver trim. Should go well together.

Thanks as well Stewy.

I assume they are very simple to fit

I've heard that the nearside one is a piece of cake though the offside is a pig to fit since there's some sort of insulated tank behind the grille on that side which leaves little clearance to get your hand in (to fit the fasteners) This is why I got my dealer to quote to fit them whilst the car's up in the garage being PDi'd etc.

[opasha]

Here's the X5 that painted those front bumper inserts:

http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...oduct_id%3D294

[CatFlap]

Thanks @opasha - much appreciated!

[opasha]

Originally Posted by CatFlap

Thanks @opasha - much appreciated!

Anytime .

[Manatee]

Originally Posted by worsy

Yup, will get some. Mine is going to be Carbon Black with Satin Silver trim. Should go well together.

Thanks as well Stewy.

I assume they are very simple to fit

Think I'm going to do the same on mine (Carbon Black) although I also like the "half open" grilles on the M50d that they attach to. Assume these are also OK on an M30d? The fully closed/blanked grilles just look like an afterthought to me.

[CatFlap]

Originally Posted by Manatee

Think I'm going to do the same on mine (Carbon Black) although I also like the "half open" grilles on the M50d that they attach to. Assume these are also OK on an M30d? The fully closed/blanked grilles just look like an afterthought to me.

If you read this whole thread:

http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...oduct_id%3D294

you'll see that there's a bottle or container of some sort behind the blanked off grilles on the 30d where the additional aftercooler matrix's are on the M50d (I think) - might look a bit crap if you can see pipework / plumbing 'gubbins' back there through the open grille(s) That's probably why they're blanked off in the forst place.

Hope this helps you decide!

[opasha]

The open grille with matching paint actually looks really good. Check out atomic80's car. He just upgraded to this:

[Manatee]

Originally Posted by CatFlap

If you read this whole thread:

http://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...oduct_id%3D294

you'll see that there's a bottle or container of some sort behind the blanked off grilles on the 30d where the additional aftercooler matrix's are on the M50d (I think) - might look a bit crap if you can see pipework / plumbing 'gubbins' back there through the open grille(s) That's probably why they're blanked off in the forst place.

Hope this helps you decide!

Great, really helpful. Thanks. Might have a chat with my dealer about options.