Interesting read, thank you for posting that. It shed some light on the topic for me. I think I'll keep my badge on, just as a personal preference. I truly think that most think it's a cleaner look (and I do agree for the most part).

On a separate note, I think it'd be kinda fun to have a "sleeper" car. Such as a M5 debadge and actually fill in the fender gills. And maybe even install fog lights so others think it's an aftermarket bumper. Of course the exhaust would be obvious. But all other performance mods could be hidden (black rpi scoops, BMC filters, tune, headers, pulley, etc). That way people wouldn't expect the crazy speed when revving you at a red light. But then again who would be insane enough to hide the fact that they drive an M5

 

haha... you basically summed up what I hate about southern California.

 

I find this really is a Marmite debate. You either love it or hate it!

I have a 535d and chose to de-badge it. My reasons were;
* Looks cleaner
* Less idiots wanting to have a go
* Amusing when others do not expect you to leave them behind when they assume a smaller engine!

I suggest having a think on what is more important to you. The clean look, the hidden power or hiding the lack of, or advertising what you have.

 

I was talking to a BMW salesman here in Germany and he told me that more than 50% of people order their car unbadged (rather than actually debadging). There are several reasons to do it. One is the clean look. Another is to hide that you bought the cheapest (smallest engine) model and want to let people guess it's a higher up model. One more is to do the opposite - to hide that you've got a gas-guzzling V8 from those that might give you a disgusted look, or worse, want to key your earth-destroying car. Some of us go for a compromise and go for a black badge (as you can see in that animated gif below - it looks debadged). One final reason is to hide how powerful your car is so you can have a sleeper that smokes people unexpectedly. I'm sure there are more reasons.

 

Page 14 and 15 of this PDF brochure from BMW UK has pictures of debadged E60s.

The new BMW 5 Series - Product Overview from January 2007

 

I have a 545i and most people think its a 528i or a smaller engine they dont expect that kind of power and when i take off then they wonder what is it, and it looks very clean also.


Just my two cents

 

it looks much cleaner de-badged

 

pretty much...

 

Yup, that's why debadged mine, haha. I don't feel cool driving a 525i but I got a killer deal on it.

 

Maybe it makes sense in the car meccas like SoCal to throw people off with a de-badged car, but here in Colorado, there are so few e60's, no one even pays attention to the badge, much less the car. I remember pulling in behind an E55 AMG once, and maybe the light was just right, but all you could see was all the chrome lettering and exhaust tips. Gaudy. I think I would prefer a clean rear deck, but still have the fender bulges and wide tires. To me, that's what makes Porsche's so attractive, wide fenders and tires. Our e60 sport looks pretty sick from the rear, I think. We've got some nice fender lines, too.