[savela]

Ok, not really sure why this is getting so much attention but I'll play along.

The paper plate is a temporary plate provided while I wait for my state plates. The dealer obvioulsly chose to mount it surrounded by their frame. Whatever. I'm required by law to have that paper plate visible, be it there or in the rear windshield.

To all those wondering, I am no more fond of this setup than anyone else. Yes, I think it would look better without either or both. Reality is, I don't feel like going through the trouble since I'll be replacing the whole shebang with a permanent setup in around 10 days. Until then, please forgive me for having such an ugly plate/frame.

[Touring]

At least you dont have a yellow numberplate

[Rochdale Pioneers]

If nothing else, debadging makes the back of the car easier to keep clean. No fiddly numbers to wipe the middle of

[Robin_NL]

Originally Posted by AME

The car looks clean and mean. Are you using wheel spacers?

No, I think it's just the angle of the picture and those broad 275(or are they 285?) reartyres + M suspension do the rest.

Originally Posted by Touring

At least you dont have a yellow numberplate

Stupid Dutch government with those stupid yellow plates. I love German and Italian plates. More sporty imo. Makes the car look faster.

[egokbulut]

Originally Posted by Robin Hood

No, I think it's just the angle of the picture and those broad 275(or are they 285?) reartyres + M suspension do the rest.




Stupid Dutch government with those stupid yellow plates. I love German and Italian plates. More sporty imo. Makes the car look faster.

... while reducing consumption

[skiernan36]

Originally Posted by LuvMyE92

What we need is some stickers for US tracks. No, not NASCAR tracks, that would be silly to have a big O on the back of your car. But VIR, Mid-Ohio, Watkins Glen, those would be cool.

trackgraphic.com

i order one every time i get to drive new track

[SchlauCow]

Originally Posted by delvek

Guess it was only a matter of time before someone posted this assanine topic.

I am only happy that BMW distinguished the models with exhausts and all the posers can be identified. Lastly, I live in Germany and most cars have their badges on them, it is rare that looking at the arse end I dont know what model it is.

bist du deutsch oder? i'm surprised that your experience differs from mine. in my few years living in bavaria, most of the bmws/audis/mercedes i saw were debadged.

perhaps it differs in various areas.

[shiner]

So how did you get the badge off? Let me guess, NOT with a screwdriver ! My dad wants to debadge his car. Not sure how to lever the thing off.... Personally I will be happy to leave the 520 badge on mine - proud to be eco-friendly ! However, I take the point that the badges on these motors does clutter the look up a little bit.

Cheers, Steve

[andyk500]

I'm a de-badger, makes for a much cleaner line ...

[BMWagain]

Why be embarrassed by a bigger badge? Let them know you can afford a bigger engine

[SchlauCow]

Originally Posted by BMWagain

Why be embarrassed by a bigger badge? Let them know you can afford a bigger engine

You could also put a "Penis Size" badge on there too.

BMW's in the USA are hardly a status symbol, and considering so many aren't completely owned anyway (lease or loan), it's even more comical to think of it that way.

[Smedley Butler]

Originally Posted by SchlauCow

BMW's in the USA are hardly a status symbol, and considering so many aren't completely owned anyway (lease or loan), it's even more comical to think of it that way.

The debadging issue is bizarre to me. Do it if you like it! I won't do it on this car, but I did it on my last Lexus and have done it on a few motorcycles. Sometimes it can have a profound effect on the look of a bike.

But to the comment above: I doubt you could find anyone in the USA to agree that a BMW isn't a status symbol. It certainly is.

[SchlauCow]

Originally Posted by Smedley Butler

The debadging issue is bizarre to me. Do it if you like it! I won't do it on this car, but I did it on my last Lexus and have done it on a few motorcycles. Sometimes it can have a profound effect on the look of a bike.

But to the comment above: I doubt you could find anyone in the USA to agree that a BMW isn't a status symbol. It certainly is.

Yeah, if it looks good, go for it. Mine is debadged and I really like the look.

Allow me to clarify. I suppose the perception that BMW is a status symbol still remains alive, but owning a BMW is not necessarily indicative of status in many cases (esp. those financing just barely scraping by). They're easier to get by much more of the population. So, when people brag about having a bigger engine because you paid more, I simply laugh... Now if that individual had a Bugatti I'd say that's a status symbol.

[SpawneyGet]

Originally Posted by andyk500

I'm a de-badger, makes for a much cleaner line ...

Gotta admit, it does look better debadged. Plus there is a certain air of mysterious. You know, like "the man with no name"... Coooooool!!!

[blackhawk_pilot2000]

Originally Posted by BMWagain

Why be embarrassed by a bigger badge? Let them know you can afford a bigger engine

Agreed, those in Europe that debadge are IMHO cheapos that don't wanna show that they drive a 520 when in fact they which they could afford a 550. At the end of the day the muffler configuration gives it away. Not that many 550 debadged out here for what I've seen.
If you wanna debadge go for it, be a cheap ass mofo 550 or 535 owner wannabe.

[Touring]

Originally Posted by blackhawk_pilot2000

Agreed, those in Europe that debadge are IMHO cheapos that don't wanna show that they drive a 520 when in fact they which they could afford a 550. At the end of the day the muffler configuration gives it away. Not that many 550 debadged out here for what I've seen.
If you wanna debadge go for it, be a cheap ass mofo 550 or 535 owner wannabe.

Im not only a fruitcake (having a touring), but also a mofo and cheapo debadging my 520d and 330xi. Im really learning alot about myself on this forum :-)

[SpawneyGet]

Originally Posted by blackhawk_pilot2000

If you wanna debadge go for it, be a cheap ass mofo 550 or 535 owner wannabe.

It's a shame that you feel that the only reason people debadge is for that reason.

Tell me if I am wrong, but I happen to understand that cars are quite a status symbol for many Germans. (Yes, I have/had many German friends.) Perhaps it has something to do with this?

[delvek]

This thread is like a plate full of baklava. No matter how much I try I have to post something.

Originally Posted by blackhawk_pilot2000

Agreed, those in Europe that debadge are IMHO cheapos that don't wanna show that they drive a 520 when in fact they which they could afford a 550. At the end of the day the muffler configuration gives it away. Not that many 550 debadged out here for what I've seen.
If you wanna debadge go for it, be a cheap ass mofo 550 or 535 owner wannabe.

Although direct, I happen to believe this true as do most that I have discussed in person with. When I was considering debadging my 550 people were having cows saying they would only debadge the lower models never a 535 or 550. After looking at the photos, I dont buy the cleaner look and find the vast majority of people only debadge models lower then 535, so the general thought on this is true. Your point about the changed exhaust kind of deletes this process unless someone spend a ton of money installing a new exhaust and rear diffuser, quite pricey to look like something your not. When a new BMW rolls by I dont even look for the badge my eyes go straight for the exhaust first.

I have been driving a 528 for the last 2 months, its a bit timid coming from a 535 and 550 but its a nice car and I wouldn't think of debadging, it certainly is a vanity issue imo.

Originally Posted by SpawneyGet

It's a shame that you feel that the only reason people debadge is for that reason.

Tell me if I am wrong, but I happen to understand that cars are quite a status symbol for many Germans. (Yes, I have/had many German friends.) Perhaps it has something to do with this?

I have been all over this globe, and yes, from my perspective you are correct, in Germany BMW's (cars in general) are very much status symbols.

[northernmonkey]

Funny thread it's like a tv cop show where they interview a suspect and are waiting for him to break down and give.

What are we wanting a 520d owner to come on here in tears and admit they debadged because they are ashamed they bought a 520d?

No f10/11 is cheap, all great cars, people buy what they want. In uk 520d makes a ton of sense given our fuel prices, company car tax you have to pay for bigger engines etc etc.

For some engine size alone doesn't make car better. Some prefer options and gadgets.

I didn't debadge my 530d, it cost me more than an almost similarly equipped 535d. I bought it because it had all the gadgets I wanted and yes I know I'll take a hit resale, and it was available immediately and I didnt want to wait. In real world uk driving I cannot even exploit power of the 530d so to lengthen my search time for a car with exact colour and spec but with the 535d engine didn't really matter to me at all.

What is more amusing sometimes is people who stretch themselves to the limit for a bigger engine but then moan they couldn't afford things like sat nav or xenons or other things they'd actually use everyday.

Pay your money take your choice.

All good cars. Be happy!

[delvek]

Originally Posted by northernmonkey

Funny thread it's like a tv cop show where they interview a suspect and are waiting for him to break down and give.

What are we wanting a 520d owner to come on here in tears and admit they debadged because they are ashamed they bought a 520d?

No f10/11 is cheap, all great cars, people buy what they want. In uk 520d makes a ton of sense given our fuel prices, company car tax you have to pay for bigger engines etc etc.

For some engine size alone doesn't make car better. Some prefer options and gadgets.

I didn't debadge my 530d, it cost me more than an almost similarly equipped 535d. I bought it because it had all the gadgets I wanted and yes I know I'll take a hit resale, and it was available immediately and I didnt want to wait. In real world uk driving I cannot even exploit power of the 530d so to lengthen my search time for a car with exact colour and spec but with the 535d engine didn't really matter to me at all.

What is more amusing sometimes is people who stretch themselves to the limit for a bigger engine but then moan they couldn't afford things like sat nav or xenons or other things they'd actually use everyday.

Pay your money take your choice.

All good cars. Be happy!

Well said!

ps. The bold print in your post is pretty funny.

[andyk500]

I am an F10 520d M sport debadged driver and proud of it. As listed in one of my previous threads "high spec verses high performance" I had the budget for 535, but chose a 520 with tons of gadgets instead. For the better fuel economy 50 mpg and lower company car tax £200 per month saving. I debadged as I like clean lines, same reason I went for black grills, didn't want an odd bit of chrome trim on a totally black car and won't get the polish residue stuck around the edges of the badge. I am also happy that people don't know what model it is, could be a 520, 525, 528 or 530. I've debadged all my previous BMW's and will continue to do so with pride even if it makes me a 550 mofo wannabe ...............

PS please keep this thread going, it's so funny and I'm lovin the banter.

[andyk500]

I'm so sorry, but the guilt and shame has got the better of me and I need to “out” myself to you all as I can't hold back the tears any longer. me please..............

My last post was a complete sham.....I am ashamed I bought a 520, I long for a 550, but will always be a great pretender, a charlatan and a wannabe. I even had the blacked out windows so no one would see me driving it and keep a false wig and sunglasses in the car in case I pull alongside anyone I know at the lights. i park it in someone elses space at work so they don't know it's mine and had someone else's initials on my personal plate.....

Please release me from this shame..... and let drive my beautiful car again with my head held high, knowing that I am getting 50mpg in my £45k car whist still looking cool....