I read that you can order the car without the badge (525i, 530i, 545i, etc). If I do that, can I order the correct badge and add it later?

 

You can in the UK.

Obviously it will cost you though!

 

In the US, you can just remove it, or have it removed and then if you ever want to put it back, you can.

 

If you remove it yourself...wouldn't that leave screw holes behind??

 

There are no screw holes. BMW has been using double stick foam or rubber tape to hold the model designation on the trunks since at least the early eighties. You can take it off and leave no holes or scratches behind. A heat gun or hair dryer helps it peel off easier.

If you decide to re-install it again you can either buy a new one from the dealer or use the one you took off but make sure to replace the double sided adhesive. Make sure to get one that is the same thickness as the original and also is weatherproof. If it's too wide it can be cut to the right width but the thickness is the important dimension that you have to match closely. Also, if you do decide to put it back on again make sure to get a picture of the rear of an E60 and try to match the position as correctly as possible. I have seen many BMW's where the model designation is placed too far up or down or too far in, and sometimes even on the wrong side of the trunk (Mercedes side). Not only does it look weird and bad, most of the time it means that the trunk has been repainted and the body shop stuck the model designation in the wrong position. So if you don't want your car to look like it has been in an accident and painted then make sure to install the designation in the correct (original) position.

rodybmw

 

Good point Rody!

 

My last BMW had the model designation from factory. After leaving the place where i got it, first thing i did was to take it out. With a hair dryer it's very easy.
If you prefer you can order the car without designation from factory. It won't cost more. These days in Germany people use to do the opposite, it's very usual to see top BMW's, Audi's, Mercedes with other inferior designations on the back.......
Tuga.

 

Yepp, my 530d will have a old 518 sign on the back. Many M5 in Germany are signed with 520i etc...
WBB.

 

can i know why you like to do that? i mean..changing to lower engine badge?
im curious though..im in US.
Thanks

 

I'm in the U.S. and I dont know for sure, but I suspect it's like buying a brand new pair of "worn out" jeans.

Or maybe, those who can 'walk the walk', dont need the badge to 'talk the talk'.

Maybe like Brad Pitt disguising himself in the local Starbucks. Sure he can say, "Look at me, I'm Brad Pitt", but do you think he does?