A different look for the kidney grills and rear diffusor

[White Lightning]

I was having a few things painted and decided to paint the grills as well. The paint shop didn't do exactly like I asked, but the final result didn't look as bad as I thought. I may change out the chrome trim for black, but for now I actually like the look.

I also painted the rear diffuser because I couldn't stand the black on white in the rear.

The kidney grills:













And now the rear:







And some shots of the mud flaps (sorry the car is so dirty):





Up next: I found a set of Performance seats if I can sell my Sport Seats and Euro HID's if I can sell my current HID's. I'll post future pics if/when I add additional items. :thumbup:

Steven

[Cooldaddygroove]

Ok, I don't want to sound like a dick here, but I also have a white 135i and was considering painting the rear diffuser. I'm undecided now, something about it just doesn't work for me.......maybe its all the molding in the diffuser.

[White Lightning]

Originally Posted by Cooldaddygroove

Ok, I don't want to sound like a dick here, but I also have a white 135i and was considering painting the rear diffuser. I'm undecided now, something about it just doesn't work for me.......maybe its all the molding in the diffuser.

Nothing wrong with that, you don't sound like a dick at all. I just couldn't stand the look of the black so I went white.

Steven

[gatorfast]

What color are the grille slats painted? Looks pretty cool. Must say I dont like the rear at all though. I think the painted diffuser just doesnt look natural. I like the contrast between the unpainted diffuser and the rest of the bumper.

[jayce]

thats very unique and i like it
i agree on everything except the license plate's location.
wouldnt matter in low speeds, but you'll need that space for high speed

[pwillcutts]

Originally Posted by White Lightning

I was having a few things painted and decided to paint the grills as well. The paint shop didn't do exactly like I asked, but the final result didn't look as bad as I thought. I may change out the chrome trim for black, but for now I actually like the look.

I also painted the rear diffuser because I couldn't stand the black on white in the rear.

Up next: I found a set of Performance seats if I can sell my Sport Seats and Euro HID's if I can sell my current HID's. I'll post future pics if/when I add additional items. :thumbup:

Steven

What color / type upholstry do you have on those sport seats you might be selling? I could have an interest. thanks

[fmxomar]

ehhhh i think the way those grills are painted looks cheap as well as the dark tails :iono: but to each his own

[Bizall]

No offense, but the grills and the painted bottom of the diffuser just look weird now. The grills might look better without the chrome outside. It just makes it look cheap. Again, no offense, you like it so that's all that matters. Different strokes for different folks.

[Motorsports_3]

Im sorry, but all those things you just did to your car makes it look cheap and modded from pep boys.

[ichiban]

Iono about the grill, since you have amber gones, and you tinted your tails. It would make sense to black out your grill too. But if you really wanted to color match, make the chrome surround black, and the slates flat black. I see it on e9x's and they look good.

[pit1]

I'm indifferent about the grills, I personally like the blacked-out look on the AW...but the painted grills are 'intriguing'.

The rear looks clean. However, that contrast is one of my favorite style cues on the 135. Funny how personal preferences differ so much. It adds character and a muscular cue to the rear end.

Kudos to experimenting and adding a personal touch though.

I can only imagine the struggle for car designers to meet the range of preferences in the market. One man's trash is another's treasure.

[mrgoochio]

I won't comment on the grill because thats personal preference I guess, but the rear diffuser isn't color-matched correctly.. unless that's what you were going for?

[alanchan]

holy shit, I like this bolded look.
good job

[135iUSN]

some close up pics would be nice on the mud flaps - side view and rear view (:

[Upgrade+]

You seriously should relocate that front plate. You are basically blocking the intercooler. I do like your tail lights though.

[White Lightning]

Originally Posted by UpGrade+

You seriously should relocate that front plate. You are basically blocking the intercooler. I do like your tail lights though.

Yeah, I am planning on relocating it. This is a weekend car so I don't play with it enough, but plan on finding a new place.

The grill was a mistake by the paint shop, the entire thing was supposed to be white (anti-shadowline) and this is what I got. I am going to get it back into paint after a Dinan chip and a few other things go into it (plate relocation).

Thanks for the feedback.

Steven

[White Lightning]

Originally Posted by pwillcutts

What color / type upholstry do you have on those sport seats you might be selling? I could have an interest. thanks

Black leatherette. With power.

Steven

[lannypoffo]

i much prefer the contrast of blacks and whites, but no problems with people trying new things.

[Dave]

did they use oem spec matched paint???
maybe its because it is a lil dirty... but that diffuser looks a lil off white.

not diggin either of the cosmetic changes...
but to each his own

[White Lightning]

Originally Posted by izzodesh

did they use oem spec matched paint???
maybe its because it is a lil dirty... but that diffuser looks a lil off white.

Car is dirty plus it was very cloudy, paint is 100% oem spec and when clean matches perfectly.

Again, thanks for the feedback.


Steven

[White Lightning]

Originally Posted by Motorsports_3

Im sorry, but all those things you just did to your car makes it look cheap and modded from pep boys.

Don't know how but that is fine.


Steven

[pwillcutts]

Originally Posted by White Lightning

Black leatherette. With power.

Steven

damn! If it was taupe I would be very interested in buying them off you!
ps: I love the white grille: very slick. And I thought about painting the back diffuser too, but I'm not crazy about what the non-black color reveals in the molding.