De-badging / Emblem Removal

BellasBmw · 07-09-2005, 01:55 AM

I have a 325i and i didnt start to feel the "guilt" of not buying a 330 until i started to read the forums.. But i got over it. And i am planning on removing the emblem- not cause im ashamed i didnt get a 330 (most people my age cant afford the basic 325)- but i wanted to do it so it looks clean and smooth in the back. Bmw people know the difference anyway..so if buying a 325 is looked down upon 330 owners, and if 325 owners debadge, then we're even more frowned upon cause we're "supposedly" trying to cover up the fact that we didnt shell out the extra $6K? No win situation.

cosmosblau · 07-09-2005, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BellasBmw

I have a 325i and i didnt start to feel the "guilt" of not buying a 330 until i started to read the forums.. But i got over it. And i am planning on removing the emblem- not cause im ashamed i didnt get a 330 (most people my age cant afford the basic 325)- but i wanted to do it so it looks clean and smooth in the back. Bmw people know the difference anyway..so if buying a 325 is looked down upon 330 owners, and if 325 owners debadge, then we're even more frowned upon cause we're "supposedly" trying to cover up the fact that we didnt shell out the extra $6K? No win situation.

Nah.. It just looks better. especially on the e90. The 325i badge didn't bother me so much on the e46, but on this car, it looks cluttered.

Tierfreund · 07-09-2005, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pangearox

Cheap people that dont want other people knowing they didnt splurge for the 330i....HAHAHA....just kidding

honestly though....

I ordered my 330 without a badge... Now what?

LEDZEP · 07-09-2005, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Athos

Thanks, Jwocky. Does this work for the fin, too!

I know some people like the fin, but the car looks so much cleaner without it.

Probably looks cleaner without windshield wipers and door handles too. Why don't you remove them? Those pesky side view mirrors really mess up the lines - off with them!

You know, some of the exterior parts are actually functional

Tierfreund · 07-09-2005, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Probably looks cleaner without windshield wipers and door handles too. Why don't you remove them? Those pesky side view mirrors really mess up the lines - off with them!

Let´s see, we´ve got a rain sensor, rear view cameras and comfort access. Maybe that´s feasible... Lemme give it a try.

UncleWede · 07-11-2005, 01:57 PM

Kinda like the (ADVERTISEMENT) dealer plates and logo that you get with a new car. That was the first thing to come off, the day after we picked it up and I got to wash it. Some people stretch the law and leave that on and don't install the plates for as long as they think they can. New car sticker is sorta badge of honor. I want to debaged wife's car, not sure she will understand the cleaning and looks ramifications. Maybe I'll just do it and see if she notices. Yes 325.

onesixeight · 07-11-2005, 02:30 PM

You know what's wierd...

You have two spectrums of owners who debadge...The ones at the lower end who didn't spring for the more expensive models. Then you have the ones with the performance models who debadge because they don't want others to know they have all the horses under the hood (ie. M-models, AMG, S-Audi models). Kinda of just an observation, not saying they all do it for those reasons...

But you know what ticks me off, and I know I shouldn't be messing about other people's business...Those people who re-badge their car as something it isn't. A 325i badged as a 330, or a SL 500 badged as a SL 65 AMG...Grrrrrrrr...pet peeve of mine.

Debadging is cool...But please don't rebadge your car to something it isn't!

stressdoc · 07-11-2005, 02:31 PM

Some of the more activist members (read: juvenile delinquents ...) of various green movements target performance cars because they are wasting resources. The thought was that this would inspire an improved sense of public conscience regarding the environment and the consequences of our driving habits. Just imagine what fun they would have in the USA with the likes of the Cadillac SUV, Hummer, etc.! Too many gun-wielding owners though...

MBChariot · 07-11-2005, 02:59 PM

I got my 330 without the badge, that's the way my wife wanted it. We just didn't like the way the badge looked on the car.

tim916 · 07-11-2005, 03:01 PM

I've been mulling over de-badging my 325 when it arrives, but I also don't want to be perceived as being ashamed that it's a 325 and not a 330. I know that whenever I see a de-badged E36 I just assume it is a 318.

On the other hand, I am going to be throwing on a set of BBS RC's (ordered today

) so I thought that the clean de-badged look with the rims might make for a really mean looking car (jet black w/black interior and alu. trim).

camiloE90 · 07-11-2005, 04:22 PM

I cant beleive what i'm reading...This debadging thing is like a cult.

why the hell are you buying a BMW then. This must be the BMW rat race. Maybe i'm new to this but first off i would never debadge for the purpose of showing off something you dont have. If I did it would be to replace with a kit logo or M (and please only if you have the actual kit on the car). Second why would i take off the hood emblem. Let me see I bought a BMW but now lets take off the BMW logos so people have to guess what car i have

Heres a solution...lets just replace the badge with E90 there now no one knows anything...everyone equal.

Hornet · 07-11-2005, 04:31 PM

116i or M5, I'd debadge it anyway. Much cleaner look.

jubol · 07-11-2005, 04:37 PM

Folks, I also own a Chevy Trailblazer. I removed the Chevy and Trailblazer glue ons from the rear of it. Looks better to me without them!!! IMHO
Fred

cosmosblau · 07-11-2005, 05:12 PM

I debadged my 325i this weekend- It looks so much cleaner to me.

My friend, a Porsche driver, said I should have left it on so people would know it wasn't a Toyota Corrola!

analogue · 07-11-2005, 05:35 PM

cosmosblau,

Did you confirm that it would not be a problem on a lease?

I'm planning on leasing and would prefer to debadge, but not if they are going to charge me.

Execution · 07-11-2005, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wannabe

Someone that spends > $30K on a car is not cheap. Besides you can tell the difference between 325i and 330i without the badges.

That is exactly why I did not "debadge" my vehicle. My vehicle sits on 19's and proudly displays the 325i on the rear. I have owned a couple of 330's ... however, now with both vehicles coming with 3.0 inline six cylinders, I did not feel that there was enough of a difference for me to spend the additional amount, since I was going to change the wheels anyway.

Anyway, the part that really gets me is when people actually debadge their cars and then put an "////M" emblem on the rear. That is so tacky

... but that's just me ...

Execution

Execution · 07-11-2005, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Probably looks cleaner without windshield wipers and door handles too. Why don't you remove them? Those pesky side view mirrors really mess up the lines - off with them!

You know, some of the exterior parts are actually functional

ROTFLMAO

As far as I can see ... it seems like the majority of "debadgers" are 325 owners. I am definitely not buying that, "It looks cleaner!" ... what a story!

It is a 3-Series ... no matter what designation it has on its a$$ ...

Execution

cosmosblau · 07-12-2005, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by analogue

cosmosblau,

Did you confirm that it would not be a problem on a lease?

I'm planning on leasing and would prefer to debadge, but not if they are going to charge me.

I never found out, but I realized that you can buy a new set of numbers for less than 20 bucks.
I figured that if I get any guff when I drop it off, I can run to the parts dept. and slap a new set on!

cosmosblau · 07-12-2005, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Execution

As far as I can see ... it seems like the majority of "debadgers" are 325 owners. I am definitely not buying that, "It looks cleaner!" ... what a story!

Execution

I can't imagine how anyone could think that having the rear deck of the car festooned with numbers looks better than without.

It's just advertising!
Some people are mesmerized by shiny objects, I guess.

I could have easily afforded a 330i, or a 545i for that matter. In no way do I feel less relavant or ashamed because I chose a 325. If you bought a BMW to make up for low self esteem, you are in trouble because a car can't fix that.

Hornet · 07-12-2005, 04:44 AM

Having a badge is like having those orange front blinkers.

UncleWede · 07-12-2005, 09:27 AM

I looked last night at mine, and I think I should just remove the 2 and 5, leave the 3 and i

tim916 · 07-12-2005, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleWede

I looked last night at mine, and I think I should just remove the 2 and 5, leave the 3 and i

No, that would be stupid. I'm de-badging mine and putting a VTEC badge on there. :rocks:

07-09-2005, 01:55 AM	#45
BellasBmw If love is the answer,please rephrase the question 315 Rep 1,731 Posts Drives: Tit Silver 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Diego, Ca iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I have a 325i and i didnt start to feel the "guilt" of not buying a 330 until i started to read the forums.. But i got over it. And i am planning on removing the emblem- not cause im ashamed i didnt get a 330 (most people my age cant afford the basic 325)- but i wanted to do it so it looks clean and smooth in the back. Bmw people know the difference anyway..so if buying a 325 is looked down upon 330 owners, and if 325 owners debadge, then we're even more frowned upon cause we're "supposedly" trying to cover up the fact that we didnt shell out the extra $6K? No win situation. __________________ ~~BellasBmw~~ Proud mama to 325i/TiAg/Black lette/Pwr seats/Sirius/Sport/Walnut/Step/Xenons/Chrome exhaust/20% tint
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07-11-2005, 01:57 PM	#50
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 17980 Rep 9,377 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	Kinda like the (ADVERTISEMENT) dealer plates and logo that you get with a new car. That was the first thing to come off, the day after we picked it up and I got to wash it. Some people stretch the law and leave that on and don't install the plates for as long as they think they can. New car sticker is sorta badge of honor. I want to debaged wife's car, not sure she will understand the cleaning and looks ramifications. Maybe I'll just do it and see if she notices. Yes 325.
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07-11-2005, 02:30 PM	#51
onesixeight Captain 102 Rep 614 Posts Drives: F82 M4/i8 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (3)	You know what's wierd... You have two spectrums of owners who debadge...The ones at the lower end who didn't spring for the more expensive models. Then you have the ones with the performance models who debadge because they don't want others to know they have all the horses under the hood (ie. M-models, AMG, S-Audi models). Kinda of just an observation, not saying they all do it for those reasons... But you know what ticks me off, and I know I shouldn't be messing about other people's business...Those people who re-badge their car as something it isn't. A 325i badged as a 330, or a SL 500 badged as a SL 65 AMG...Grrrrrrrr...pet peeve of mine. Debadging is cool...But please don't rebadge your car to something it isn't!
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07-11-2005, 02:31 PM	#52
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Some of the more activist members (read: juvenile delinquents ...) of various green movements target performance cars because they are wasting resources. The thought was that this would inspire an improved sense of public conscience regarding the environment and the consequences of our driving habits. Just imagine what fun they would have in the USA with the likes of the Cadillac SUV, Hummer, etc.! Too many gun-wielding owners though...
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07-11-2005, 02:59 PM	#53
MBChariot HESSEN///M3 10 Rep 225 Posts Drives: TIag E46 ///M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Belton, Texas iTrader: (0)	I got my 330 without the badge, that's the way my wife wanted it. We just didn't like the way the badge looked on the car. __________________ MB 330i ZSP Sport PKG TIAG/Imola E46 M3/OEM ZCP wheels "A6 direction Saarbrücken"
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07-11-2005, 03:01 PM	#54
tim916 Private First Class 8 Rep 114 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: RI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I've been mulling over de-badging my 325 when it arrives, but I also don't want to be perceived as being ashamed that it's a 325 and not a 330. I know that whenever I see a de-badged E36 I just assume it is a 318. On the other hand, I am going to be throwing on a set of BBS RC's (ordered today ) so I thought that the clean de-badged look with the rims might make for a really mean looking car (jet black w/black interior and alu. trim).
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07-11-2005, 04:22 PM	#55
camiloE90 Private 20 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	I cant beleive what i'm reading...This debadging thing is like a cult. why the hell are you buying a BMW then. This must be the BMW rat race. Maybe i'm new to this but first off i would never debadge for the purpose of showing off something you dont have. If I did it would be to replace with a kit logo or M (and please only if you have the actual kit on the car). Second why would i take off the hood emblem. Let me see I bought a BMW but now lets take off the BMW logos so people have to guess what car i have Heres a solution...lets just replace the badge with E90 there now no one knows anything...everyone equal.
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07-11-2005, 04:31 PM	#56
Hornet Lieutenant 59 Rep 410 Posts Drives: g20 330d xdrive Join Date: May 2005 Location: Finland iTrader: (0)	116i or M5, I'd debadge it anyway. Much cleaner look.
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07-11-2005, 04:37 PM	#57
jubol Private 0 Rep 58 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Dover, De, USA iTrader: (0)	Folks, I also own a Chevy Trailblazer. I removed the Chevy and Trailblazer glue ons from the rear of it. Looks better to me without them!!! IMHO Fred
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07-11-2005, 05:12 PM	#58
cosmosblau cunning, baffling, powerful 19 Rep 369 Posts Drives: '08 BMW 535i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pacific Palisades, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I debadged my 325i this weekend- It looks so much cleaner to me. My friend, a Porsche driver, said I should have left it on so people would know it wasn't a Toyota Corrola! __________________ 2013 328i • Alpine White • Black Leather • Sport Line • Premium Pkg • SprintBooster •
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07-11-2005, 05:35 PM	#59
analogue Second Lieutenant 247 Rep 298 Posts Drives: 1M, iX Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: WI iTrader: (1)	cosmosblau, Did you confirm that it would not be a problem on a lease? I'm planning on leasing and would prefer to debadge, but not if they are going to charge me.
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07-12-2005, 04:44 AM	#64
Hornet Lieutenant 59 Rep 410 Posts Drives: g20 330d xdrive Join Date: May 2005 Location: Finland iTrader: (0)	Having a badge is like having those orange front blinkers.
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07-12-2005, 09:27 AM	#65
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 17980 Rep 9,377 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	I looked last night at mine, and I think I should just remove the 2 and 5, leave the 3 and i
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