Back in a BM after 12 months, return to diesel & my first SUV

[JoziNick]

After selling my F30 320d and looking (perving) almost everyday the sale threads, autotrader, cars.co.za, dealerships & the like & giving up hope (eventually I had resigned myself to the fact that maybe it’s just not on the cards)…not long after that a work supplier that is emigrating we have a chat at his car…an F25 X3 we chat about him leaving & me looking for an X3…and today I have taken delivery…man so happy to be behind the wheel of a BM again..(& a diesel..whoop whoop!)

It’s been very well looked after (it has a few small scratches on the front bumper here and there) & a handful of things that im replacing (glovebox lid, left front spot light, and rear boot switch & needed a service) but otherwise In really great shape.

A shout out to Deago at ABM for the amazing service and helping me quickly and getting parts I needed. Car went for its service today, Spotlight has been replaced, boot switch replaced.
It will be going DP & software, aswell as getting transfer case oil change replaced as well as rear diff oil change @ZF + rear diff side seal replacement (shoutout to FILV for the advice on getting the car to ZF for testing)3
Once done it’s going for full Valet (get stickers removed professionally) and ceramic coat

I had planned to do Msport twin fin grills in gloss & getting the rims painted Matt black.

I’m just not sure with the black bumper if it will “fit” feedback & thoughts appreciated (there have been some great examples of it looking ie Pete’s F25 20i) or should I leave it stock and just sort out the small cosmetic work needed (front bumper below the right hand headlight)
Part of me had thought to try & find the Msport bumpers front & rear, wheel trim & side skirts but that is VERY long money & I feel not worth putting into (especially as the car isn’t an msport)

Again appreciate an advice / feedback


Thanks all!

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[///M Individual]

Congrats bud. Welcome back to the BMW diesel club!

My advice, no MSport stuff. In time upgrade the wheels to something decent and then start with some other cosmetic upgrades.

 

[JoziNick]

Congrats bud. Welcome back to the BMW diesel club!

My advice, no MSport stuff. In time upgrade the wheels to something decent and then start with some other cosmetic upgrades.

Thanks Bud! Super stoked…I’m leaning that way. What cosmetic upgrades would you consider?


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[tman]

Thanks Bud! Super stoked…I’m leaning that way. What cosmetic upgrades would you consider?


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Start with removing the stickers on the boot.

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[JoziNick]

Start with removing the stickers on the boot.

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That is job #1


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[cRed001]

Congrats. As a non- Msport F25 owner I would'nt bother with Msport bumpers. With the 2.0d engine its never going to be a sporty vehicle. Rather leave it as it is and enjoy the utility the X3 provides.

 

[JoziNick]

Congrats. As a non- Msport F25 owner I would'nt bother with Msport bumpers. With the 2.0d engine its never going to be a sporty vehicle. Rather leave it as it is and enjoy the utility the X3 provides.

I agree. Not worth spending the cash on msport bumpers.
Might maybe look at different wheels & tyres.


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[///M Individual]

Thanks Bud! Super stoked…I’m leaning that way. What cosmetic upgrades would you consider?


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I think you should go for the X Line look since it isn't an MSport:

1. 18 or 19 inch wheels
2. Wrap grilles in Matt Silver matching the bottom piece on the front bumper

 

[JoziNick]

I think you should go for the X Line look since it isn't an MSport:

1. 18 or 19 inch wheels
2. Wrap grilles in Matt Silver matching the bottom piece on the front bumper

View attachment 10334View attachment 10333

Great suggestion! Thanks.

A question regarding wheels / tyres…
Currently fitted are 17’s, I find the ride (hard is not the word but definitely “connected” to the road, which is the whole reason I love a BM drive…) but wouldn’t replacing with 18’s / 19’s impact the ride “hardness” as then would have to consider lower profile tyre? Or would a 60 profile still fit? As there is a quite a lot of space


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[Yulz9081]

Congrats! Wishing you many happy miles and smiles.

Please try source the below wheels! They are epic and IMHO best F25 wheel across the range.
Looks so good that no Msport cosmetics are even necessary.

*SNIP*

 

[JoziNick]

Congrats! Wishing you many happy miles and smiles.

Please try source the below wheels! They are epic and IMHO best F25 wheel across the range.
Looks so good that no Msport cosmetics are even necessary.

Thanks bud!


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[JoziNick]

Those 608 wheels are straight fire


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[byaru1]

Great suggestion! Thanks.

A question regarding wheels / tyres…
Currently fitted are 17’s,

Which is a very good thing. You get to play with meatier wheels and tyre pressures within safe provisions.

I find the ride (hard is not the word but definitely “connected” to the road, which is the whole reason I love a BM drive…)

See if the tyre pressures are a bit higher than spec. Also if using RFT, consider dropping the pressure just a little. Just a tiny little bit. You will be amazed the difference it makes on ride harshness.

but wouldn’t replacing with 18’s / 19’s impact the ride “hardness” as then would have to consider lower profile tyre?

of course it would. (You knew that before you asked)



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[JoziNick]

of course it would. (You knew that before you asked)



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[FILV]

Congrats!!!

I wouldn't go Msport kit... but Def size up on the wheels. You have xenon's, so with the car clean, and with the enchantment of a detail + plus 18's or 19's and it will look great! I find the 18s are a sweet spot for looks and practicality, having taken the car to a rocky road in Clarens, i didnt worry about the tires as much with the 50 profile.

I do love the look of the F25 LCI Msport rims!

19" bmw "f25 x3 " Original Motorsports | Roodepoort | Gumtree South Africa

19" Bmw X3 Oem motorsport mags in excellent condition.Never been repaired.2 sets available....

www.gumtree.co.za

Drive the car as is for a bit to get used to its driving traits and abilities, then downpipe and remap it. It totally transforms the car.

Looking forward to a X3 hook up soon to see the new Ride

 

[JoziNick]

A small update…things are moving slower than expected. Service was done, front fog light replaced & interior mats replaced (thanks [mention]deago.partsabmbmw [/mention], alway super service and attention)
Rear diff seals, oil, DP & software to be done before end of the month then transfer case oil to be done.
Detail will be at some stage either before or after.

In the interim got through my first tank of diesel. And got a glorious 8.5L/100 out of it. (4L less per 100 than the Stuttgart petrol garage mate it sits next to)

The hunt for wheels / tyres continues but The price of 18’s/19’s + rims is enough to put me off changing them, I’m finding it very hard to justify dropping that kind of ammo on it (hoping to squeeze out every last drop of value on this F25 over the next 2/3 years…I don’t know that R50k on wheels/tyres will do that)


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[///M Individual]

A small update…things are moving slower than expected. Service was done, front fog light replaced & interior mats replaced (thanks [mention]deago.partsabmbmw [/mention], alway super service and attention)
Rear diff seals, oil, DP & software to be done before end of the month then transfer case oil to be done.
Detail will be at some stage either before or after.

In the interim got through my first tank of diesel. And got a glorious 8.5L/100 out of it. (4L less per 100 than the Stuttgart petrol garage mate it sits next to)

The hunt for wheels / tyres continues but The price of 18’s/19’s + rims is enough to put me off changing them, I’m finding it very hard to justify dropping that kind of ammo on it (hoping to squeeze out every last drop of value on this F25 over the next 2/3 years…I don’t know that R50k on wheels/tyres will do that)


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I get you regarding the wheels bud. I have been driving our company F25 with the same wheels as yours for a few days and the comfort is incredible! When I jumped back into my car it felt like my suspension was broken lol. Also these 225/60R17 runflat tyres cost around R3500 each to replace so can only imagine the price of 18s/19s.

The other option to get it looking sportier/reduce the small wheel look may be to have it dipped black. If you don't like it can just peel off.

 

[JoziNick]

I get you regarding the wheels bud. I have been driving our company F25 with the same wheels as yours for a few days and the comfort is incredible! When I jumped back into my car it felt like my suspension was broken lol. Also these 225/60R17 runflat tyres cost around R3500 each to replace so can only imagine the price of 18s/19s.

The other option to get it looking sportier/reduce the small wheel look may be to have it dipped black. If you don't like it can just peel off.

View attachment 10498

I saw Pete’s f25 20i had the same and I was going to have them sprayed but perhaps dip is a better alternative if anyone has anyone they can recommend so I can call for prices I’d appreciate…are those on yours gloss or Matt?


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[///M Individual]

I saw Pete’s f25 20i had the same and I was going to have them sprayed but perhaps dip is a better alternative if anyone has anyone they can recommend so I can call for prices I’d appreciate…are those on yours gloss or Matt?


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This is an internet pic bud just to show what a 17inch black wheel could look like. Couldn't find a pic with the style 304 wheels exactly.

I think look at the options whichever dipping service provider has but for me a Gloss or Satin finish would look good. Matt dips end up looking too dirty for my liking.

 

[AshG108]

I saw Pete’s f25 20i had the same and I was going to have them sprayed but perhaps dip is a better alternative if anyone has anyone they can recommend so I can call for prices I’d appreciate…are those on yours gloss or Matt?


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What you can do is get Plastidip....spray it on and it comes out matt. Then there is another can called glossifier...which makes the matt gloss. if unhappy just peel it off Under R1000 for all cans I would think