[Apex Missing Ape]

With a new baby on the way I had to sell my beloved Supra and start searching for something with a rear seat but not totally devoid of character. Not being a brand snob I looked at a ton of cars like a Kia Stinger, Tesla Model 3, Porsche Panamara etc.. Originally I wanted an E90 M3 but couldn't find one with low enough miles that wasn't new M3 money.

This thing wasn't even on my radar until I did an AutoTrader search for sedans with a V8 that wasn't a Charger. I eventually came across the M550i and decided on 2019 CPO example, then started the process to make it a bit more interesting.

While I can appreciate a sleeper look, I wanted to spice it up a bit. So far that has led me to replace the tiny stock spoiler with a bit more aggressive unit, changed out the kidney grills to gloss black, added a carbon fiber Hammann style front lip, replaced the brow air duct things with carbon fiber ones, and added wheels spacers.

On the performance side, I bought a JB4 but I'm still running the stock maps. Eventually I'll get it tuned, but not before I do something about the tame sound coming from the exhaust. But that part will have to wait because my baby is coming in hot and will be here before I know it.

Here's how my carbon black metallic beauty is looking so far:

[Gautam]

Looks great. Any ground clearance issues with the front lip?

[Apex Missing Ape]

Not over speed bumps, but I have to be careful pulling out of my very steep driveway. Also, the curbing in a parking space would scrap if you pull up to far.

[Apex Missing Ape]

Spice added.

Remus axle-back
Satin Energetic Yellow wrap

[Apex Missing Ape]

Now I just need to reattach my front CF splitter. I wasn't happy with how I mounted it the first go round so I told the vinyl guys to leave it off so I can give it another shot. In the last pic here, the front splitter it temporarily tacked on.

[AP]

You’re going to lose that in a parking lot!

[Junebug85]

Originally Posted by Apex Missing Ape

Now I just need to reattach my front CF splitter. I wasn't happy with how I mounted it the first go round so I told the vinyl guys to leave it off so I give it another shot. The last pic here with the front splitter was just temporarily tacked on.

Car looks awesome

Is that an OEM M550i M Performance Diffuser you have? I'm trying to find a more aggressive one that will fit the Remus Exhaust/Tips.

I currently have the Base/Stock M550i Diffuser but it needs some more aggression.

[tjbuggy2b]

That wrap is beautiful!

[Apex Missing Ape]

Originally Posted by Junebug85

Car looks awesome

Is that an OEM M550i M Performance Diffuser you have? I'm trying to find a more aggressive one that will fit the Remus Exhaust/Tips.

I currently have the Base/Stock M550i Diffuser but it needs some more aggression.

Thanks!

Here’s a closer view of the rear. This is the OEM M Performance diffuser. I was worried that it wasn’t going to fit the huge Remus exhaust tips, but there’s plenty of room.

I ordered some cheapo glossy diffuser from Amazon but it didn’t fit.

[Junebug85]

Originally Posted by Apex Missing Ape

Thanks!

Here’s a closer view of the rear. This is the OEM M Performance diffuser. I was worried that it wasn’t going to fit the huge Remus exhaust tips, but there’s plenty of room.

I ordered some cheapo glossy diffuser from Amazon but it didn’t fit.

Thanks for the reply and the picture - that looks perfect!

That's good to know, that there is plenty of room for these tips to fit. One option I thought of was to reduce the tip size, but I love the size of these Remus tips.

Looks like M Perf M550i Diffuser is the way to go 👍🏼

Are you leaving the top piece of the diffuser in matt or will you be painting/wrapping it?

[Apex Missing Ape]

Originally Posted by Junebug85

Thanks for the reply and the picture - that looks perfect!

That's good to know, that there is plenty of room for these tips to fit. One option I thought of was to reduce the tip size, but I love the size of these Remus tips.

Looks like M Perf M550i Diffuser is the way to go ����

Are you leaving the top piece of the diffuser in matt or will you be painting/wrapping it?

I wanted the piece to be wrapped the same eye-searing color, but the shop says they don't like to wrap pieces that aren't painted. Apparently it won't adhere well enough. So the plan now is to have that part sanded and painted glossy black, then have it wrapped. But that will probably have to wait until spring.

[HerkHealer]

Looks great!
Are you thinking of putting the LCI tails on ?

[Apex Missing Ape]

Originally Posted by HerkHealer

Looks great!
Are you thinking of putting the LCI tails on ?

I appreciate it! The color makes the car feel special to me.

I’d love to get the LCI tail lights, I’m just not sure the order of things. I need to do something about the unpainted portion of my diffuser, and I really want to change a few things in the interior like an Alcantara wrap for my steering wheel and some carbon fiber trim for all of the wood pieces. Also, wheels, lowering kit, sway bars… it’s a slippery slope.

[rkobo928]

Nice! Did you buy the M Performance diffuser from the dealer?

[Apex Missing Ape]

Originally Posted by rkobo928

Nice! Did you buy the M Performance diffuser from the dealer?

I got lucky - I bought the car CPO and it was already on the car. But it’s really easy to install/remove.

[Apex Missing Ape]

Reattached my front splitter.

Up Next:
Alcantara steering wheel (on order)
Autotecknic carbon fiber interior trim (on order)
Carbon fiber side skirts (still deciding which ones)

[Zwmack]

The wrap looks great. I'm thinking of doing a matte black wrap, how much did your shop charge you for this work? It looks great!

[Kid Red]

Color is wow and the car looks great!

What spacers are you running?

[FerasMF]

great and inspiring effort! well done!
any updates?

[Tpriest7893]

Diffuser looks nice, build is sick! Wrap is sweet. Different and stands out. I have a 540 but I’m trying to figure out if I want the m5 style diffuser or the M performance. I can’t decide lol