[Jefflikescars]

My M50i just arrived at the dealer (black sapphire w/ shadowline trim, tartufo interior), and it's decision time. I need some help!

First decision: Window Tint
My first thought is to go as dark as possible (55% on front windows, 20% on rear). But then I wonder if it makes the car look too chopped up, and if I should do something that will make it look more uniform (55% on front and 35% on rear). What do you all think?

Second decision: Wheels
I'm not totally in love with the cerium grey v-spokes on the black sapphire with extended shadowline trim, so I'm going to have the wheels done in black. I think I'm going to have them powder coated by the dealer, but I need to decide between satin (wheel pic 1), matte (wheel pic 2), and high gloss (wheel pic 3). The dealer is saying to go with high gloss since it will match the shadowline trim. But I'm nervous about the wheels looking brown against the wheels. Thoughts?

[AndyGlaister]

I would just have the front windows done to match the rears, the rears come pretty tinted. I would also get the gloss black wheels. Tires are going to look grey/brown no matter what you do. Congrats on the X7!

[BMWBear]

Congrats ...looks great.

For windows I'd match them up without going too dark.
Wheels I would go with gloss or satin. Matte is more difficult to keep clean. I've used Westley's (Black Magic) Bleche Wite when the tires start looking brown. A few sprays along with a scrub from a soft bristled brush goes a long way.

[jmciver]

Originally Posted by AndyGlaister

I would just have the front windows done to match the rears, the rears come pretty tinted. I would also get the gloss black wheels. Tires are going to look grey/brown no matter what you do. Congrats on the X7!

+1 on the Satin or Gloss black powder coat on the wheels - and not matte, based on what I think you are looking for. I just had the wheels on my F80 M3 powder coated Satin black, which is a good match to the factory gloss black trim on my M3. In theory, satin is supposed to be in the middle of matte and gloss, but not all powder coating is equal. If possible, get a sample of the satin black powder coat that the dealer will do for you (I am assuming they contract another shop to do it) and put it next to your X7. That way you can determine which color, satin vs gloss, looks better to you.

Regarding the tires, if you keep them clean with some tire gloss on them, they won't look too "grey/brown" against the gloss or satin wheels. Too much tire gloss and the tires can look greasy. But just the right amount, and I think you will get the look that you want (which is what I have on my M3). Below are a few color samples on my cars, both M3's with the stock shadow line window trim (which is standard on M cars)...

F80 M3 with Satin Black and light tire gloss...




E46 M3 with Matte Black and no tire gloss...




Edit: Just realized there was a glitch with posting some of the photos. Should be fixed now...

[Wild Blue]

I will be getting the front windows tinted to match the rears, which is dark enough for my taste.

For wheels, if it were me, I'd go with the gloss black. I think your dealer is right, matching with the shadowline trim.

[bjcarls]

I think 35% is dark enough. 20% imo starts to impede night driving. Gloss black.

[v10b22]

this is mine, had the wheels powder coated to match the shadowline trim and front windows tinted to match the back.

[BMWBear]

Do you have any pics outside of the garage?

[Jefflikescars]

Originally Posted by v10b22

this is mine, had the wheels powder coated to match the shadowline trim and front windows tinted to match the back.

Perfect! This is just what I’ve been looking for. Thank you!

[v10b22]

ill put up some better pictures later

[Wild Blue]

Originally Posted by v10b22

this is mine, had the wheels powder coated to match the shadowline trim and front windows tinted to match the back.

That's fantastic. Would you mind saying how much it cost to powder coat your wheels black, and who did them? (dealer or aftermarket shop?)

[v10b22]

approx 1,000 to powder coat, aftermarket shop in north nj

[Wild Blue]

thanks!

[2019msportx7]

Originally Posted by v10b22

ill put up some better pictures later

Need more pics! Want to do this to mine, but haven't seen it on anyone's car. Can you post more?

[v10b22]

here you go

[Wild Blue]

That looks absolutely sick.

[v10b22]

Originally Posted by Wild Blue

That looks absolutely sick.

Thank you

[2019msportx7]

Originally Posted by v10b22

here you go

Thank you sir! Looks great!!

[aligazi]

tint the front windshield, tint the front windows to match the back.