Just curious, why debadge?
07-24-2010, 01:43 AM
#11
Senior Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2005 545i Alpine White Premium package, Sport package, Nav, HUD, PDC
This topic pops up every now and then and I always think of our friend JDN who debadged his 545i. 
Although there's a ton of them out there, here's a link to one of the earliest threads about debadging with posts from some of our veterans -- including JDN:
https://5series.net/forums/topic/219...ed-or-debadged
Although there's a ton of them out there, here's a link to one of the earliest threads about debadging with posts from some of our veterans -- including JDN:
https://5series.net/forums/topic/219...ed-or-debadged
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
07-24-2010, 02:04 AM
#12
Members
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Fresno, CA
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2008 550i
07-24-2010, 08:51 AM
#13
Senior Members
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Peterborough - UK
Posts: 301
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: -Current-
535d Sport LCI
Bi-Xenon Adaptive Lights, S.A.T, Professional SatNav, Logic7, Elec Memory seats, iPod interface, 19" Alloys WITHOUT RUNFLATS!
CIC and Combox Retrofit, White Angel Eyes, Speed in Centre console.
-Previous-
Mini Cooper S
525d Tourer Auto
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 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.
07-24-2010, 09:29 AM
#14
Contributors
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Europe
Posts: 1,594
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
07-24-2010, 11:01 AM
#15
Contributors
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
My Ride: 2010 535i M Sport 6MT
Model Year: 2010
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
The new BMW 5 Series - Product Overview from January 2007
07-24-2010, 11:09 AM
#16
Members
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Plano TX
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2004 545i - 2001 325i
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
Just my two cents
02-01-2011, 04:58 AM
#19
Members
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Lancaster, PA
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 05 525i
but I got a killer deal on it.
02-01-2011, 05:32 AM
#20
Senior Members
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Colorado USA
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2004 545i, 6-speed Manual, Silver Grey Metallic, Grey Dakota Leather, Cold Weather Pkg, Premium Sound Pkg, Sport Pkg, Lumbar Support
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.