De-chroming. Black grill & Carbon badges

w4tkins · Post by **w4tkins** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 16:19

I have been thinkg about this for a while. Not to everyones taste but I quite like it.I have looked at Hang_em_High's car and it looks fantastic.

I think Mine being a dark colour would benifit from the a black grill and a full set of carbon fibre badges. The badges I have found dont look like the normal tacky carbon look stuff. They look like a OEM item

My car has only got the chrome on the kidney grill, badges, steering wheel and wheel caps oh and the boot open assit. I think that it would set the car off nicely due to the contrast in colours. Plus I dont like shiny chrome

Here is my car at the moment:

The grill:

The badge set:

You opinions will be very helpful

Thanks, w4tkins

indizee · Post by **indizee** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 16:19

Sounds good, but I would photoshop edit your car to see if the changes look better or worse. Stick a photoshop lookalike on here and we'll let you know.

w4tkins · Post by **w4tkins** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 16:22

Good thinking

I will get my photo shop expert on it

Mike Fishwick · Post by **Mike Fishwick** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 16:28

I think that it wil llook to similar to the current look, the only difference being that the grille surrounds will be black - just more black.

Why not first try spraying the grilles in the same silver as the rest of the car? This will make the chrome surrounds stand out, and the grilles blend in. All you need is an aerosol can.

Black-everything is thrown at us all the time (by people who make money from it!) but colour matching is more subtle and (for my money) better.

w4tkins · Post by **w4tkins** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 16:33

Mike Fishwick wrote:I think that it wil llook to similar to the current look, the only difference being that the grille surrounds will be black - just more black.

Why not first try spraying the grilles in the same silver as the rest of the car? This will make the chrome surrounds stand out, and the grilles blend in. All you need is an aerosol can.

Black-everything is thrown at us all the time (by people who make money from it!) but colour matching is more subtle and (for my money) better.

Cheers Mike.

The car is actualy steel grey

. I dont really like the colour coded grill look, sorry. Plus I want the keep my current grill as a spare incase I change my mind.

I will try the photo shop look first and that might help.

Thanks for the input

Mike Fishwick · Post by **Mike Fishwick** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 16:43

Each to his own - but how about spraying the chrome surrounds in body colour? All black will just llok like monster grilles.

Jonttt · Post by **Jonttt** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 16:49

I have the black grill like you have pictured. They are a pretty good fit and easier to get on/off than the OEM ones.

I was not sure at first but the black grill grew on me. I've put a chrome one back on but I think the black will be going back on again

Re the other badges from the ones I have seen they fall into 3 catagories:

- the worst = printed transfers
- OK = proper centres but stuck on non OEM backs
- the best = proper centres stuck on OEM backs (you can tell as they have the BMW part numbers on)

The ones you have linked to are the "OK" ones. You can get away with them on the wheel centres as you do not look too closely but IMHO they do not look anywhere near as good on the boot/bonnet as the OEM backed ones (which have the silver edges).

I had the OEM backed ones on mine and only swapped for AC Schnitzer ones (which are still OEM backs

)

Hope that makes sense

nb it explains why the best ones are much more expensive as they have to source OEM backs to make them

ps I think the carbon badges would look great on your car, the grill you would have to try and be prepared for mixed responses. (also I sourced the grill for £17 but £12 delivery but was still the cheapest option so search eBay properly)

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 16:49

I think it looks OK as it is

Jonttt blacked his and still couldn't decide which he preferred
There are a couple of pics in THISthread

markrnorton · Post by **markrnorton** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 17:39

Black grilles all the way, they look far better. dont spray them, they will chip and its a nasty way of doing it. colour coded grilles just look tacky.

go black, although i am biased !

rgf · Post by **rgf** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 18:22

Don't do it!

marcusplowman · Post by **marcusplowman** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 18:37

Ill be having a black grille for mine once Im back from hol and the saving can stop

Thinking about doing carbon badges too but still undecided. I would love a set of badges with red segments instead of blue if anyones ever seen them???

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 18:59

Rob, I think the black grills will look great

although I think they would look even better in gloss black, like Jon, if you don't like em you can easily swap back.

The badges, sorry I'm not a fan at all of these, I just think they look too Carnoisseur/Halfords, I think the blue/white propellor should stay

Tim.

w4tkins · Post by **w4tkins** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 20:30

A few visual stimulants courtesy of photoshop:

THIS ONE IS ONLY US MESSING ABOUT

Hang_em_high · Post by **Hang_em_high** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 20:30

Well you know which way im voting

w4tkins · Post by **w4tkins** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 20:33

Hang_em_high wrote:Well you know which way im voting

Cheers Nick

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 20:34

w4tkins wrote:A few visual stimulants courtesy of photoshop

Still not convinced but it does look like you have matching black stains underneath

w4tkins · Post by **w4tkins** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 21:01

Titan wrote:
w4tkins wrote:A few visual stimulants courtesy of photoshop
Still not convinced but it does look like you have matching black stains underneath

Very observant of you Titan

snoops · Post by **snoops** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 22:13

I really like the carbon badges I think they go great with the colour of your car. I was looking at the green version for mine... can't decide.

Don't like your "playing about" one though it looks really chavvy with the gold letters.

Don't like the grill though I'm afraid - but hey it's your car..

Tori · Post by **Tori** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 22:29

The carbon gills look to much but other than that I think it will look

on your car, its the right colour to carry it off.

CP00black · Post by **CP00black** » Wed 25 Aug, 2010 22:55

I would and voted accordingly.. but ours is black and we would have to get rid of all the amber lenses. Im pondering painting the calipers in amber and see if its a valid route.. maybe amber bolts on black alloys and so on..!?

I think yours is dark enough but I would say no on a light one.

-P

Lazzzydog · Post by **Lazzzydog** » Thu 26 Aug, 2010 06:52

The badges go well with your grey car but the grills would only really suit a "stealth" black car. But what does it matter it's your car and what you like that counts and ba**s to the style police.

TaffZee · Post by **TaffZee** » Thu 26 Aug, 2010 07:43

My thoughts:

Black Grill Takes away the cars Character (I like chrome)
Badges: mmmmm? look ok but prefer the original.

But if you dont like them you can always take them off.

Cars looks are a Personnel choice, so if your happy with it Do It...

Jim

seasurfer · Post by **seasurfer** » Thu 26 Aug, 2010 08:47

Hi, i would say yes, badges and front grilles would suit your car very well.

Gill

c_w · Post by **c_w** » Thu 26 Aug, 2010 09:34

Carbon badges look very good IMO.

Colour coded grills look shockingly bad IMO.

All-black grills look a bit dodge to me too, and the chrome actually looks good on that grey colour so I would be tempted to leave it. The half-way alternative for the grills it to remove them and paint the outer edges satin black leaving the chrome slats as they are, this tones down the chrome without blacking it out. A very good look IMO.

Definintely fit the badges all round - as you can see in the photoshop it looks good, especially with the grey paint. The blue and white roundels, however original, don't always go well with the car colour). Don't blacken the side gills though as in that 2nd picture!

w4tkins · Post by **w4tkins** » Thu 26 Aug, 2010 10:32

Thanks for the replys

The carbon look side grill was a mess about on photoshop, my friend who did it wanted to see what people would say. They are not going to be wrapped

I am still torn with the carbon badges, I think they would look good but the only way to know is to buy a set

The grill on the otherhand I think will look good. My OEM one does not have the chrome fins they are matt black. Tho only chrome on the grill is the outer edge. I have made a better photoshop to show the exact grill I am looking at:

I is a deep version (the same as the OEM) rather than the others advertised on the net where the fins at flush with the other grill. On the very outer edges the fins are reseset back into the grill. I did think about spraying the chrome outer edge but if I wanted to change my mind I would have to buy a new grill

.

On another not, photshop is a fantastic tool, if you can imagane it, it can be done

Mr Silver · Post by **Mr Silver** » Thu 26 Aug, 2010 11:03

Just my two cents: black plastic grills look to be exactly what they are - black plastic grills! Look good on Astra's etc.

Time better spent on cleaning and painting the calipers (and looks good)!

Regards.

w4tkins · Post by **w4tkins** » Thu 26 Aug, 2010 11:26

Mr Silver wrote:Just my two cents: black plastic grills look to be exactly what they are - black plastic grills! Look good on Astra's etc.

Time better spent on cleaning and painting the calipers (and looks good)!

Regards.

Cheers Mr Silver,

The calipers are being sent off in the winter for a full overhaul and poweder coat in black as well as the wheels in BMW silver. Whilest they are being done I need someting to do

(the underneith of the car is very clean too, maybe I could repaint the diff

)

BenZ3-2.0 · Post by **BenZ3-2.0** » Thu 26 Aug, 2010 12:35

Do it, i have mine done for an age and oculd never go book. Actually dont like the chrome on the Zeds when i see it now!!

Jonttt · Post by **Jonttt** » Thu 26 Aug, 2010 13:03

chrome:

black:

I still like the black

Canman · Post by **Canman** » Thu 26 Aug, 2010 13:27

Hi Rob . think the carbon badges look brilliant on steel grey really suit it and add a touch of individuality. You have a spare set of side grills so if you change your mind its not too big a problem.
As for the black grill im not to sure. to be honest the kidney grills are my least favourite body styling aspect of the zed. i think maybe leave the chrome ones on as you do have the chrome boot lift assist in chrome, so unless you can source a black one of those too.

gypsycatcha · Post by **gypsycatcha** » Thu 26 Aug, 2010 13:44

I like the all black grill but only on black cars. Was talking about this recently, why dont you get the oem chrome grill but change the outside to black so u have black trim with the chrome insert?
Someone posted a pic of it and it looks really good. Not to much chrome but also not to black.
Thinking of doing this myself soon.

seasurfer · Post by **seasurfer** » Thu 26 Aug, 2010 13:57

Hi w4tkins

Here is an idea for you, buy the carbon badges, put them on, and if you dont like them i will buy them off you

cos i know i would like them on mine, and you dont buy them for nothing and i know i will have the right part and not a copy

Gill

Daz 999 · Post by **Daz 999** » Thu 26 Aug, 2010 15:25

Here is a car that was for sale on gumtree over here in NI back in June. Plenty of pics with what looks like the carbon / black badges

http://belfast.gumtree.com/belfast/43/60912643.html

Diamondj · Post by **Diamondj** » Thu 26 Aug, 2010 17:03

I'm honestly not sure - i like the chrome on mine as i think it works really nicely with the Estoril Blue but on yours, the Steel Grey/Black combo could look really sweet

. I'm also thinking about the Carbon badges aswell although i like the blue ones.

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Thu 26 Aug, 2010 19:18

Difficult decision on the grills, I do think the black looks good on Jonttts Zed as theres a good contrast with the paint work, but unsure against grey

Chrome suits as gives the Zed the retro appeal for me

why I like the chrome gills.

Still don't like the carbon badges, they look too naff to me

Tim.

w4tkins · Post by **w4tkins** » Thu 26 Aug, 2010 21:48

Too many people to quote but:

Jonttt:

Those black grills look MINT!!! I must say they suit your car very well. They match the headlights and the tinted indicators/bumper side lights very well. Top job mate

Where did you get them from???

Canman/TitanTim

The badges are really growing on me. I can understand what Tim and jonttt say, cheaper one do look tacky. The eBay dealer I have found puts the C/F badge on OEM backs. I have also seen cheap looking C/F ones that do give the Halfords affect.

gypsycatcha

I don’t have the chrome inserts and I can’t really stand chrome. Little is ok but I want something not to OTT but to say this is mine. Plus don’t want to paint my OEM ones just in case

seasurfer

Gill, Thanks for the encouragement, I think it looking good and from the link below from Daz 999 I think they still have the OEM quality look. I can confirm you have first refusal on the badges if I don’t like them

Daz 999

Thanks very much for the link. It has really helped, also I feel quite good at the Photoshop thing now (they look identical, oh cheers Rich for the help). I think the ones I have found on eBay look a bit better quality

. The car in the link, the badges don’t really show off the C/F weave.

As Kev (Canman) put earlier. I do have a set of spare side grills. I got them off eBay for £15 delivered in mint condition in the original box with the OEM instructions. I stripped them down ready for a coat of steel grey (just in case) . I have also emailed the eBay seller about an order of:

1x OEM backed bonnet badge 82mm
1X OEM backed boot badge 78mm
2x OEM backed side grill badges 78mm
4 x OEM backed wheels centre caps
1 x Steering wheel badge.

For the above - the side grill badges is £44 delivered. I have asked for a deal on the lot. Also just need to decide on the grill

Plus I can always change my mind if I don’t like it. Still though, your comments are welcome

. Still not quite there yet to put my hands in my pocket as I hopefully need to pay for my ///Mirrors

markrnorton · Post by **markrnorton** » Fri 27 Aug, 2010 07:37

I'd be up for a full set of those badges, they look quality. can you get a group buy if there's enough interest W4tkins ?

Mark

seasurfer · Post by **seasurfer** » Fri 27 Aug, 2010 12:25

Thats a good idea Mr Dastardly, i'd be in for that.

Gill

Noobmuch · Post by **Noobmuch** » Fri 27 Aug, 2010 14:16

I'm not sure that I like the Black grills.

w4tkins · Post by **w4tkins** » Fri 27 Aug, 2010 17:28

I have looked again at the badge set. Going by what Jonttt said they do drop into the catagory of "OK". They are mounted on OEM backs that have a stick on emblem. This does make them look a bit off. Also the kit pictured above is wrong. You need:

2x 82mm badges (front/back)
2x 78mm badges (side grills)
4x wheels caps (need to measure my OEM ones properly)
1x steering wheels badge (the above picture does not have the OEM look silver outer ring)

I have looked on ebay and found a UK dealer that looks to be selling a better quality item. I was given a catalogue by Hang_em_High but his ebay seller does not stock any BMW badges any more

The cost is more but I'd rather pay a bit more for better quality

I think these look better quality, what do you think????

The bonus with this item is that the given part number is an exact match to the RealOEM part

82mm = 51 14 8 132 375
The 78 mm badge has the wrong part number but I have measured mine and it is 78mm

I would be up for organising a group buy but would want to get a set first to inspect the quality before I recommend them to others. I will email the seller and try and speak to him on the phone to sort something out.

Let me know what you think

Post by **Robert T** » Fri 27 Aug, 2010 17:35

I understood the boot badge to be the same size as the ones on the gills - when I replaced my gill badges I am sure I ordered 2x trunk lid badges.

Cheers R.

w4tkins · Post by **w4tkins** » Fri 27 Aug, 2010 17:45

Robert T wrote:I understood the boot badge to be the same size as the ones on the gills - when I replaced my gill badges I am sure I ordered 2x trunk lid badges.

Cheers R.

The part number off the side grill badges I have in my hand are:

51 14 1970248. and is 78MM

the front/rear badge is:

51 14 8 132 375 and 82MM

You may be right Rob and the boot badge fits. I haven't tryed it but it does dool tight

Ian_C · Post by **Ian_C** » Sat 28 Aug, 2010 07:34

w4tkins wrote: I would be up for organising a group buy but would want to get a set first to inspect the quality before I recommend them to others. I will email the seller and try and speak to him on the phone to sort something out.

Let me know what you think

I'd be interested in a set if you managed to set something up Rob.

Jonttt · Post by **Jonttt** » Sat 28 Aug, 2010 08:18

For non ///M Z3's the front and rear badges are the same (fitted some to my brothers car and just ordered 2 of the same).

Note on ///M's the rear is not the same (you need rear e30 fitment as the base is contoured and not flat

)

w4tkins · Post by **w4tkins** » Sat 28 Aug, 2010 09:53

Fot those interested I hace created a Gropu Buy Thread

w4tkins

Canman · Post by **Canman** » Sat 28 Aug, 2010 21:09

how about these Rob

w4tkins · Post by **w4tkins** » Sat 28 Aug, 2010 21:39

errrrrrr......................

TitanTim · Post by **TitanTim** » Sat 28 Aug, 2010 22:07

Canman wrote:how about these Rob

Oh I just bought a set of those

Just kiddin

I think those just stick over the existing grill surrounds

Have bought a set of these though, which I think will look quite nice

Tim.

Ian_C · Post by **Ian_C** » Sun 29 Aug, 2010 08:53

Slightly OT but does anyone know if BMW fitted the carbon effect badges as standard to any of their cars? (M3 CSL maybe?)

Titan · Post by **Titan** » Sun 29 Aug, 2010 09:15

myredzed wrote:Slightly OT but does anyone know if BMW fitted the carbon effect badges as standard to any of their cars? (M3 CSL maybe?)

I haven't looked but if they were standard they should appear on OEM.
Conversely, the trade mark is the blue and white "propeller" derived from the Bavarian flag and it seems unlikely that this would be altered.

zroadster.net

De-chroming. Black grill & Carbon badges

Black Grill and Carbon fibre Badges

De-chroming. Black grill & Carbon badges

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