[yllwwgn]

Hi everyone, I've been on here for a while, reading, posting, etc... but had to wait till my X3 M40i finally came in. But then I knew I wanted to change some things on it even while I was waiting for it to arrive, so I lined up a few small tweaks, and figured I'd wait to post till those were done. Anyway, I absolutely love this thing... the utility, the power, the chassis. I had a 135 that was part daily driver, part hobby, and didn't think I'd part with that for a while. So I followed the development of the new M40 for a time, and then one day went to test drive it, just for fun. I'm still pleasantly surprised daily at how excellent of a platform this thing is, the balance of practicality, driving dynamics, and flexible powerplant that it provides. Anyway, like most of us I could rant about it for a while... but there's no need... so, hello all, and glad to share some pics! Oh and figured I'd throw one in of the 135 that this replaced.

Glad to be here!

[sm32589g]

Nice! What wheels are those?

[Max Well]

Thanks for sharing the photos, yllwwgn - nice backdrop to a great-looking G01!

[yllwwgn]

Originally Posted by sm32589g

Nice! What wheels are those?

Thanks, they are OZ Superturismo Dakar’s. I’ve always liked them but the multispoke design was a bit “busy” for any of my previous cars. I think the X3 though is perfect for them.

[abcsoup]

Wheels look amazing!

[sinbad4]

Agreed! Wheels look awesome!

[yllwwgn]

Thanks guys, I’m really happy with them. I almost left the grille the factory grey color, but with the darker color of the OZ’s, I decided to paint it white to match the body instead.

[rsgbimmer1]

Originally Posted by yllwwgn

Thanks guys, I’m really happy with them. I almost left the grille the factory grey color, but with the darker color of the OZ’s, I decided to paint it white to match the body instead.

Cerium grey grills(factory) on M40i are the best looking on any currently available exterior colors. It comes down to personal preference though.

[SSIMPS]

Nice! I also have had an Alpine White 135i and now have an AW X3 M40i

[kamek]

Those wheels fit the car great!

[yllwwgn]

Originally Posted by SSIMPS

Nice! I also have had an Alpine White 135i and now have an AW X3 M40i

Dude that’s awesome! Yeah some folks don’t understand the move from one to the other, but once they really “drive” the M40 they’re like “hmm, oh ok, I get it now” I can’t praise this platform enough for that Jekyll and Hyde ability.

[Siouxbie]

I LOVE the grills, the white ring looks awesome. I think any body color would look really nice like that. However, I must disagree with the wheels entirely. They look like they should be on an EVO, just not the right look for this vehicle.

[Keweenawbee]

The white grill trim reduced the apparent size of the kidneys, giving the vehicle a slightly retro look. I would have gone with black grill surrounds, but overall I agree with toning down the bling on the M40i. (only cause I'm jealous ).

For my Sapphire i30-m however, I'm not there yet with the black trim on black kidneys, I think it would be too much.

[yllwwgn]

Originally Posted by Keweenawbee

The white grill trim reduced the apparent size of the kidneys, giving the vehicle a slightly retro look. I would have gone with black grill surrounds, but overall I agree with toning down the bling on the M40i. (only cause I'm jealous ).

For my Sapphire i30-m however, I'm not there yet with the black trim on black kidneys, I think it would be too much.

Thanks, that was actually my main reason for painting the kidneys, to make them appear smaller. Although I love the new more-square lines of the X3, the new grille design is about 20% too big for the rest of the car IMO.

[jbtco]

Car looks as if it is wearing sunglasses ��

[rem40i]

What did you use to paint the outside of the kidneys and kidneys?

[yllwwgn]

Originally Posted by rem40i

What did you use to paint the outside of the kidneys and kidneys?

Just ordered some AW paint online in aerosol. The rest, as always is the prep work of sanding, priming, etc. Shoot it with a few coats of clear afterwards, and you’re all done.

[Keweenawbee]

Yeah I think you're on to something with the grill surround matching the body paint. It would work with any color but the blacks. Feel free to post more photos (LOL!) especially from more of a distance if you can! It's really growing on me.