[WallieX5]

Hello,

I just got a black/black 2012 535i xdrive last night and I'm trying to get it blacked out. I will be getting 35% tints in an hour but I do have some other questions:

1. Where do you get the blacked out grill, roof and trunk spoiler from?
2. Has anyone powder coated the stock wheels? Mine is the 18 inches one and I'm a little hesitant to swap it out because I bought the tire and wheel insurance, and don't know if it will cover non-OEM tire/wheel combo.
3. Has anyone hardwired Valentine One to auto shut off? I don't have the lane departure sensor so I don't think that I have to worry about continually triggering the V1.
4. Any consensus on which springs to get for a daily driver having not-too-aggressive drop?

Thanks!

[ibimmer954]

The black grills I got from my dealer's parts department.

[Mike30]

WallieX5,

1. The black grill is BMW OEM part. I got mine on e-bay. Really easy to install. Roof and trunk spoiler are from e-bay too, inexpensive aftermarket. I had them professionally painted matching black. See result http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=605743
3. I hardwired V1 using instructions from this DIY section of forum. It shuts off together with ignition.

[WallieX5]

Thanks guys!

[AC_S5]

The conclusion of characteristic of each spring I got from browsing the forum are:

1. ACS - some minor drop but gives a firmer rides

2. Eibach - 30mm drop and as comfortable as the stock spring

3. H&R - 1.4 inch in the front and 1.3 inch in the back in terms of drop, firmer then all of the above brand.

I have Eibach on my E60 and they done a pretty good job, I don't need to replace my shock absorber when I trade in my car with 100,000 km on the ODO. I will go for H&R this time though. Both are good IMO because of the value for money factor, ACS they say is Eibach tailor made for BMW. Too expensive if you ask me, for that price I might as well go for coilovers.