Debadge including propeller & color

[fshull]

Has anyone debagded including round propeller symboll on front and back? I love the BMW design and performance but most in my area buy for BMW for show. I would rather playdown the manufacturer. Many will have heartburn with BMW comment but main question is: How hard is it to remove the propellers?

Also, can you custom order other colors besides those listed on the brochure?

[dhmilosr]

Personally, I can't understand "debadging". Unless you're driving something you're not too proud of. I say, go ahead and read that "335i" on the back, if I want to show what its got, its up to me. As for removing the BMW symbol, you can't be serious.

[TheRealMadDog]

Personally, I can't understand "debadging". Unless you're driving something you're not too proud of. I say, go ahead and read that "335i" on the back, if I want to show what its got, its up to me. As for removing the BMW symbol, you can't be serious.

Perhaps he just wants to know how to easily steal the emblems.

TRMD

[denton]

Well, since you didn't get much in the way of useful info, here's a DIY posted by picus on e90post.com... different strokes for different folks....

Here's a thread with pix on removing the model...
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7701&postcount=3


>>>
OK, couldn't find one; just some questions on how to do it. So here's a little "how do I debadge in under 5 minutes without screwing anything up"

1) First make sure the badge is adhered using tape/glue and not a bolt. If it is bolted in you will obviously need to remove the bolt and do body work, that is outside the scope of this how to.
2) Tools you will need: A hair-dryer, dental floss, some goo-gone/tarminator/alcohol and water/automotive clay, if you have a Porter Cable you'll use it, if not some ScratchX and an applicator, one mf cloth.
3) Plug in the hair dryer and heat the area around the badge. Put the hair dryer on medium or hot and high cfm, just gently heat the area, keep the dryer ~6 inches from the paint. You will not hurt the paint heating it up. Do this for 3 minutes.
4) Spray the badge area liberally with some goo-gone or alcohol and water.
5) Get about 8 inches of dental floss, and wrap each end around a finger like you were flossing, slide the floss behind the badge and gently move it back and forth while pulling down (again, gently), try your best to also pull the floss towards the badge and away from the paint to avoid little scratches.
6) If the floss breaks use more, if you're getting resistance use more heat. I've debadged like, well, a lot of BMWs, and all of them have been very easy except the Z4M, which uses a lot of adhesive. The 335i is a piece of cake.
7) As the badge is coming off try to hold it so it doesn't fall and hit the paint.
8) You will have some adhesive left on the car. Spray with goo-gone/tarminator and wait 5 min, then remove. Repeat as needed. Use clay if you have it, it makes it much easier.
9) If you have a PC lightly polish the area (white or black pad, light polish, low speed), if you have no PC use scratchx on an applicator.
10) re-wax or seal the area.
11) Profit.

It shouldn't take more than 10 minutes max.
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>>>




Has anyone debagded including round propeller symboll on front and back? I love the BMW design and performance but most in my area buy for BMW for show. I would rather playdown the manufacturer. Many will have heartburn with BMW comment but main question is: How hard is it to remove the propellers?

Also, can you custom order other colors besides those listed on the brochure?

[denton]

Oh, and here's one on replacing the roundrel...

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36738

But it looks like if you remove that you have to replace it cuz there are holes...

Denton


Has anyone debagded including round propeller symboll on front and back? I love the BMW design and performance but most in my area buy for BMW for show. I would rather playdown the manufacturer. Many will have heartburn with BMW comment but main question is: How hard is it to remove the propellers?

Also, can you custom order other colors besides those listed on the brochure?

[NFS13]

Personally, I can't understand "debadging". Unless you're driving something you're not too proud of. I say, go ahead and read that "335i" on the back, if I want to show what its got, its up to me. As for removing the BMW symbol, you can't be serious.

To some its makes the car look symetrical and clean. Not all BMW owners need to be badge whores!

[fshull]

Yes. I am serious. IMO - 80% of people buy BMWs for snob appeal. I am buying one despite it being a BMW. I would rather the exact car was made by Subaru. Removing the roundrel and and badge will give it a stealth look.

[Christos]

Forgive me , and this is not a personal attack, for I do not know you, but removing the BMW roundel because you care what other people think about people who drive BMW's in ABSOLUTELY RIDUCULOUS. The BMW police should come and take your vehicle away from you..;-)

[TheRealMadDog]

Forgive me , and this is not a personal attack, for I do not know you, but removing the BMW roundel because you care what other people think about people who drive BMW's in ABSOLUTELY RIDUCULOUS. The BMW police should come and take your vehicle away from you..;-)

+1

[Jhunter]

Yes. I am serious. IMO - 80% of people buy BMWs for snob appeal. I am buying one despite it being a BMW. I would rather the exact car was made by Subaru. Removing the roundrel and and badge will give it a stealth look.

I did not buy mine for snob appeal. That's just a bonus! There is no cache in the Subaru name! Nothing the matter with looking successful.

[aftp302]

Yes. I am serious. IMO - 80% of people buy BMWs for snob appeal. I am buying one despite it being a BMW. I would rather the exact car was made by Subaru. Removing the roundrel and and badge will give it a stealth look.

So basically you want to go beat up on STI's and the like without them knowing that you paid $45k for the ability to do it.

Anyone who knows cars will know what you're driving by the body, wheels, and exhaust setup. That is unless after debadging it you also put on a stupid transformer looking bodykit too.

I don't mind the removing of the model specific badges, but removing the BMW roundels? That's just dumb.

To me you said it all when you said you wanted to make it look "stealth". Now who's posing?

[MP525i]

these threads are always funny. debadging the ride make some people think you're disrespecting the name. others think it'll hide what they really have.

i debadge all my rides for cleaning purposes. i have seeing polish/wax build up in those little areas. if bmw put the roundel on like they did their model numbers, you can bet i would rip them off too.

different strokes i guess.

-mike

[4500 RPM]

Ah man, I'd never take off the roundel. It's not saying "I'm better than you", but it's an inherent BMW styling cue.

I did remove my "525i" badge though. Made it symmetrical.

[Fahrhaus]

I don't necessarily agree that debadging is for people who want to downplay a lesser-model car. When I lived in Germany, most of the cars there had no badge...yes, in some cases it was because it was a 520i or 316i, but it's considered to be a bit gauche if you advertise too much. Even the 750s, M3s, and 540s (including my own) were debadged. It also makes the car look much cleaner from the rear. Since it's unusual to have a debadged car here in the US, it's actually a nice change to set your car apart from the norm...

[fshull]

Forgive me , and this is not a personal attack, for I do not know you, but removing the BMW roundel because you care what other people think about people who drive BMW's in ABSOLUTELY RIDUCULOUS. The BMW police should come and take your vehicle away from you..;-)

Do you own a Rolex?

[cemman]

Okay, I guess I understand removing the model indicator for whatever reason you choose (cleaning, modesty, etc.), but who wouldn't know it was a BMW with or without the roundel. Anyone who cares enough to be judgmental would know it was a BMW fro 2 blocks away. It would be like taking the American Flag down at the White House and asking people to guess what building it was. I drive for pleasure, and I'm willing to pay extra to do it. If anyone thinks that's a waste of money, they shouldn't spend theirs on it.

As the old joke goes "What's the difference between a cactus and a BMW?"......... The cactus has the pricks on the outside.

As the soon to be proud owner of number three, I can say with all sincerity, I could care less what anyone else thinks.

[Jhunter]

As the old joke goes "What's the difference between a cactus and a BMW?"......... The cactus has the pricks on the outside.

As the soon to be proud owner of number three, I can say with all sincerity, I could care less what anyone else thinks.

+1 Except I've heard it with porcupine.

[TheRealMadDog]

Do you own a Rolex?

Do you ?? And would you deliberately "debadge" it so people won't think that you're a snob?? (There goes the resale value.......)


TRMD

[NFS13]

Ah man, I'd never take off the roundel. It's not saying "I'm better than you", but it's an inherent BMW styling cue.

I did remove my "525i" badge though. Made it symmetrical.


Taking off the roundels leaves two holes so it isn't that practical to spend the money to do that body work. I did change the color on the roundel from blue to black because I like the way it looks with the Black Sapphire paint.

[Dwimmerlaik]

Do you own a Rolex?

I would say Mercedes is the Rolex of the automobile world. People buy them for status and to show off.

I would say BMW is more like Omega. Sporty in nature and performance oriented.

[Zwanzigoetzel]

Mmmh....I haven't even thought of debadging, but looking at the pictures it does look nice and clean. Definitely something to think about.

Removing the BMW symbol? What the #$%@???????

[fshull]

Okay, I guess I understand removing the model indicator for whatever reason you choose (cleaning, modesty, etc.), but who wouldn't know it was a BMW with or without the roundel. Anyone who cares enough to be judgmental would know it was a BMW fro 2 blocks away. It would be like taking the American Flag down at the White House and asking people to guess what building it was. I drive for pleasure, and I'm willing to pay extra to do it. If anyone thinks that's a waste of money, they shouldn't spend theirs on it.

As the old joke goes "What's the difference between a cactus and a BMW?"......... The cactus has the pricks on the outside.

As the soon to be proud owner of number three, I can say with all sincerity, I could care less what anyone else thinks.

If you did not care, you would debadge. People consistenly that buy snob brands across multiple products are snobs (Rolex/Cartier, MB/BMW/Lexus, etc.). Walks like a duck, talks like a duck, IS A DUCK!

[fshull]

I would say Mercedes is the Rolex of the automobile world. People buy them for status and to show off.

I would say BMW is more like Omega. Sporty in nature and performance oriented.

Sorry - BMW has more snob appeal....

[fshull]

Taking off the roundels leaves two holes so it isn't that practical to spend the money to do that body work. I did change the color on the roundel from blue to black because I like the way it looks with the Black Sapphire paint.

How did you change the color? Does BMW sell other colors?

[cemman]

That is exactly my point, I could care less if you or anyone else thinks I'm a snob. If you judge me by the brand of car I drive, your loss. You have no idea whether this of one of my 32 cars that I drive while the chauffer is on vacation or if I won it in a contest and have nothing else so I sleep in it. Its asinine to place value in what others who don't know you think of you. As an example, I've never seen you or your car, but I'm beginning to get a pretty clear picture.

[TheRealMadDog]

That is exactly my point, I could care less if you or anyone else thinks I'm a snob. If you judge me by the brand of car I drive, your loss. You have no idea whether this of one of my 32 cars that I drive while the chauffer is on vacation or if I won it in a contest and have nothing else so I sleep in it. Its asinine to place value in what others who don't know you think of you. As an example, I've never seen you or your car, but I'm beginning to get a pretty clear picture.

+ 1000

TRMD

[aftp302]

That is exactly my point, I could care less if you or anyone else thinks I'm a snob. If you judge me by the brand of car I drive, your loss. You have no idea whether this of one of my 32 cars that I drive while the chauffer is on vacation or if I won it in a contest and have nothing else so I sleep in it. Its asinine to place value in what others who don't know you think of you. As an example, I've never seen you or your car, but I'm beginning to get a pretty clear picture.

Couldn't have said it better myself...

[NFS13]

How did you change the color? Does BMW sell other colors?

There are aftermarket vinyl overlays from sites like bimmians.com that offer many different colors, or full black & white roundels can be purchased off ebay. Just beware that the trunk roundel for the coupe does not fit right, you need to use vinyls on the stock one until the aftermarket dealers can get their hands on the new shape roundel.

[Bulldog 6]

I gotta admit I like the debagged model number...looks real clean. Would never take of the Roundel.

[Tony P]

You know, my new 328i coupe would look good without the badge, but removing the roundel? Never!

I purchased my BMW for the look, fun and snobbery. I kept my 99' Ford Contour SE as a commuter, which my family says is embarrassing. Talking about snobs! lmao :alrightbmw

[dmundy]

Do you own a Rolex?

I do. It was my Father's. He bought it in Switzerland after he finished his second trip to Vietnam. My Mother handed it to me a few minutes after he died. More to the point WTF does it matter to you?

I debadged my wife's minivan, because I like the way it looks better that way. Why do you people care what other's do or don't do to logo's on their cars? I de badged my last BMW and my Evo. Pretty much for the same reson: I like it that way.

[Bulldog 6]

fshull, I am with you it is no ones business what you do with your car or watch. The wording of your question opened up the flood gates for all of the personal input.


I love the BMW design and performance but most in my area buy for BMW for show. I would rather playdown the manufacturer.

I would've left it at how do I remove the Roundel?

Sorry for your fathers sacrifice...he is not forgotten.

[Dwimmerlaik]

Sorry - BMW has more snob appeal....

Your mistake is that you fail to differentiate between people who are "enthusiasts" and those who are average consumers. Out of the luxury brands, BMW is clearly the enthusiast choice because of its sport/performance pedigree and bias. The average consumer who chooses to purchase a BMW for status is I think equally likely to choose an MB, Lexus, Audi, etc.. The influencers for that decision then usually boil down to what they think looks best/feels right to them.

As with many people who many broad sweeping statements like calling all BMW drivers snobs, you also generalize that everyone who buys multiple luxury items is a snob. Perhaps they simply have an appreciation for fine craftsmanship and quality products. Does that qualify them as a snob? If it does in your eyes, why is that a bad thing?

Does wearing Kenneth Cole shoes and wearing a Zenith watch make me a snob even though I'm driving a Pontiac? Or do I have to wear Kenneth Cole shoes, wear a Rolex, and drive a BMW to be a snob?

I think the problem here is more a matter of your personal insecurities and biases than anything else. Wanting to strip all the badges and manufacturer emblems off of a car so other people dont think you are a snob is simply ridiculous. Following your logic though, if you purchase your clothes from goodwill you should be ok in the eyes of your peers, even with the roundel on your car.

[Fahrhaus]

It's interesting that people compare Rolexes and BMWs. Both are precision instruments, both companies are genuine pioneers in their fields. Rolex's Datejust was the first wristwatch, in 1945, that was waterproof, had an automatic self-winding movement, and carried official swiss Chronometer certification. It is a masterpiece of design and function, which is why these watches are so valued today. BMW essentially created the first sports sedan with the 1800/2002. It is a masterpiece of design and function, which is why these cars are so valued today. Both companies have updated and improved their offerings over the years whilst maintaining the qualities that made them great in the first place. A rolex watch is still a work of art, and for those that value the complexities and complications in mechanical wristwatches, still something to cherish. BMWs are still amazing feats of cutting edge technology, and for those that value performance and feel, there is very little comparison.

Both brands got a lot of press in the Wall Street crazed 80s when rich traders bought them for status. Then again, so did Armani and a bunch of other brands. But remember, there's a REASON these brands have what you call "snob appeal". They're good. It's not just the logo, it's what's inside the case. I love both my Rolexes and my BMWs for the true mechanical precision they provide but also because there is an intangible "feel" and art to these things that no one else can replicate. It's more than just telling time or getting from point A to point B. If you want the best watch for telling time, buy a digital Casio. If you want the best, most reliable car for getting from one place to another, buy a Honda. If you want something with soul, feel, and personality, look elsewhere, and be willing to deal with people calling you a snob, having to take the car into the shop and maintain it once in a while, and paying a lot of money for the pleasure. :)

Buy what makes you feel good. If you want to debadge your car, go ahead. It's your car, and what anyone else thinks is irrelevant. If you want to take the Roundels off, go ahead, but no one else will really be fooled, and you'll have a big round gap in your hood/trunk/wheels/steering wheel. :stickoutt

You will never please everyone - if you want the environmentalists to admire you, buy a Prius. If you want the car nuts to like you, buy a BMW or a Porsche. If you want the idle rich to welcome you, buy a Bentley if they're old money and a Rolls if they're nouveau riche. Perhaps it's best just to please yourself and buy what you like and worry less about what the other idiot down the road thinks of it.

Cheers

[steveo242]

I have heard using dental floss gets 'em off?

[Zwanzigoetzel]

It's interesting that people compare Rolexes and BMWs. Both are precision instruments, both companies are genuine pioneers in their fields. Rolex's Datejust was the first wristwatch, in 1945, that was waterproof, had an automatic self-winding movement, and carried official swiss Chronometer certification. It is a masterpiece of design and function, which is why these watches are so valued today. BMW essentially created the first sports sedan with the 1800/2002. It is a masterpiece of design and function, which is why these cars are so valued today. Both companies have updated and improved their offerings over the years whilst maintaining the qualities that made them great in the first place. A rolex watch is still a work of art, and for those that value the complexities and complications in mechanical wristwatches, still something to cherish. BMWs are still amazing feats of cutting edge technology, and for those that value performance and feel, there is very little comparison.

Both brands got a lot of press in the Wall Street crazed 80s when rich traders bought them for status. Then again, so did Armani and a bunch of other brands. But remember, there's a REASON these brands have what you call "snob appeal". They're good. It's not just the logo, it's what's inside the case. I love both my Rolexes and my BMWs for the true mechanical precision they provide but also because there is an intangible "feel" and art to these things that no one else can replicate. It's more than just telling time or getting from point A to point B. If you want the best watch for telling time, buy a digital Casio. If you want the best, most reliable car for getting from one place to another, buy a Honda. If you want something with soul, feel, and personality, look elsewhere, and be willing to deal with people calling you a snob, having to take the car into the shop and maintain it once in a while, and paying a lot of money for the pleasure. :)

Buy what makes you feel good. If you want to debadge your car, go ahead. It's your car, and what anyone else thinks is irrelevant. If you want to take the Roundels off, go ahead, but no one else will really be fooled, and you'll have a big round gap in your hood/trunk/wheels/steering wheel. :stickoutt

You will never please everyone - if you want the environmentalists to admire you, buy a Prius. If you want the car nuts to like you, buy a BMW or a Porsche. If you want the idle rich to welcome you, buy a Bentley if they're old money and a Rolls if they're nouveau riche. Perhaps it's best just to please yourself and buy what you like and worry less about what the other idiot down the road thinks of it.

Cheers


+++1 !!!!

[Sea2Ski]

Fahrhaus - That was perhaps the best post I have ever read in a thread..... I agree with you 100%!!!<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

now for my .02 cents...
<o:p></o:p>
Currently I drive a 1984 318i, and I like that car better then: the two other cars I own, my sisters 3 cars, my parents 2 cars, and any of my friends cars which I have driven. Even though it is 24 years – no, wait - 25 years old now, the passenger window does not go down, the trunk is leaking a bit, and it takes me about 2.5 minutes to get up to 60 <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:stockticker>MPH</st1:stockticker> - I love it, and I do not want to get rid of it (although I have to - my wife says we can not have 4 cars with only two drivers in the house). This is the car that made me want another BMW! So now, I await my 335 i. <o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I bought the BMW because it is a well performing machine. No other reason. <o:p></o:p>
Call me a snob, prick, or anything else you want to.... I do not care what you or anyone else thinks. I will love my car for how it performs. And you know what? If anyone else drives my car - they will probably love it too. At that point they might become envious, and call me a snob, prick, or something else, but at that point, I will take it as a complement. As for the guy next to me at the light – I do not care what he thinks of me. If he judges me for the car I drive – I probably do not want to know him anyway….<o:p></o:p>

[Jhunter]

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
Currently I drive a 1984 318i, I await my 335 i. As for the guy next to me at the light – I do not care what he thinks of me.

His sympathy is turning to envy.:eek:

[picus]

To answer the question; removing the roundels is easy. The front is held on my two pins, all you need to do is use a credit card or other thin plastic device as a fulcrum, then get a flat head screwdriver under it, work it around and slowly pop the pins out. Try not to break them, they have sheaths on them which are useful when added a new roundel.

The rear on all cars but the e92 is the same. On the e92 it is different because there is no indentation where the roundel sits, the roundel is actual contoured to the cars shape, it is held on in the same way but it is harder to get the fulcrum/screwdriver underneath, also replacements have not yet been made to fit it specifically. If you plan to remove any roundels permanently you will need to fill the holes and paint over them. If you are just replacing them it's no problem unless you have an e92. On the e92 the rear roundel is different enough that none will fit it perfectly, so I would suggest overlays.

I debadged my 335i badge (follow instructions on page 1) and the roundels (per above) and put on cf roundels. Here are some pics.

Why did I remove the 335i? It looks more symmetrical and it's easier to clean that area, plus it's my car and I like it. I am not trying to hide what the car is or have it be something else, I just like it sans badge.

http://gtaindetail.com/fp/335i/kevin/aftermods/10.jpg

http://gtaindetail.com/fp/335i/kevin/aftermods/3.jpg

[shragon]

^ nice!!