G05
BMW X5
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2 hours agoLAST POST
02-15-2026
josec70 wrote
Have you thought about trying it on your own? It is not very difficult .. took me about 1.5 hours to do both.

I followed the IND video …

Just a thought if you want to save $ on the labor.

Good luck!!
Thanks for the response. I’m travelling in California, and I don’t have any tools at all, so I’m worried about trying it incase I run into issues. I’m not exactly sure what tools I’ll be needing to complete it all, and may not want to go out and buy them all, unless it’s really basic stuff. That’s the only reason why I’d prefer a shop to do it.
02-20-2026
Has anyone had any fitment issues with IND color matched side markers for the front?
I replaced all 4 front and back stock reflectors with the Brooklyn Gray IND painted reflectors. The rears were easy of course. The fronts were a pain going through the wheel well and they just don’t sit, or stay taped down properly. I prepped the areas perfectly after removing old and installing new, but I think the glue to the double sided tape was just bad. I think I have to go back in, remove and redo.
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02-21-2026
PJ///M wrote
Has anyone had any fitment issues with IND color matched side markers for the front?
I replaced all 4 front and back stock reflectors with the Brooklyn Gray IND painted reflectors. The rears were easy of course. The fronts were a pain going through the wheel well and they just don’t sit, or stay taped down properly. I prepped the areas perfectly after removing old and installing new, but I think the glue to the double sided tape was just bad. I think I have to go back in, remove and redo.
Very strange also to just see the general fitment seems to be off on the corners of the markers, like they aren’t original BMW pieces (which IND certainly uses). It’s throwing off the whole thing, beyond the pieces not sticking flush. Hopefully you can get it addressed. IND say anything about it?
02-21-2026
I saw this referenced in a video but also checked mine that just came in from IND and looks like they no longer use OEM Reflectors. The mold on the back of the reflector says IND. I'm planning on putting mine on tomorrow
02-23-2026
I just did mine today. The first one took a much longer bc i was hesitant to snap the trim which is held in by the clips (green circle).

Even with my fat hands, I was able to complete it by taking out the 2 screws (circled in red), popping off the molding, and popping out two rivots (i drilled out the center of each).

I did purchase a rivot tool that came with appropriate sized rivots off of Amazon for
Like $17. I have never used one before and it worked perfectly.



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02-23-2026
MmmCar wrote
I just did mine today. The first one took a much longer bc i was hesitant to snap the trim which is held in by the clips (green circle).

Even with my fat hands, I was able to complete it by taking out the 2 screws (circled in red), popping off the molding, and popping out two rivots (i drilled out the center of each).

I did purchase a rivot tool that came with appropriate sized rivots off of Amazon for
Like $17. I have never used one before and it worked perfectly.
Could you provide the link for the rivet tool? Looks great BTW
02-23-2026
https://a.co/d/0amLfnFW
They come with 3 sizes, 10 of each. They worked perfectly and i have a bunch extra for when the need arises.
The hardest part for me was to get that body colored trim started. Once u get the bottom, u can gingerly work your way up the wheel well. There is a tab the you cant reach or see on the end of the trim which points straight down. That seems to
Be what keeps it real secure. I would guess to make sure your not doinf this in freezing temps, warm up the plastic to make it more pliable.
02-27-2026
Thanks for the link!

I was also curious to see if anyone has used “Trasitional safety film” before on the reflectors? As a plan B, my tint shop said they would install this film that will darken with exposure to UV during the day, and will stay clear at night to maintain reflectivity and safety.
02-27-2026
IND has an option to add "OE Plastic Rivets that are required for installation" for $18.

Are they literally just 1/4" rivets that you can get from the hardware store?
02-27-2026
Just finished mine up. I took the long route removing the wheel and fender liner. Definitely didn't need to remove it on the second side but did it anyways. As mentioned above removing the two bolts and rivets should give you enough space. The harder part getting the original reflector to come out. I used a heat gun sparingly and eventually got them started from the bottom.
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03-02-2026
I purchased this “black” reflective vinyl from Amazon, and think it looks pretty good. No more ugly yellow yet still a reflector.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9LV5WRZ
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03-07-2026
ooshnoo wrote
I purchased this “black” reflective vinyl from Amazon, and think it looks pretty good. No more ugly yellow yet still a reflector.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9LV5WRZ
Not bad, if I were to buy that vinyl roll, how does one go about installing and wrapping the reflector? Sorry for the Noob question
05-10-2026
Got a shop to install it for me, went with IND option. Very happy w it
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05-10-2026
I went the vinyl tint route and haven't had any issues 2 years in. Plus I think it looks nice with all the other black accents the X5 has.
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8 hours ago
Sevn86 wrote
I went the vinyl tint route and haven't had any issues 2 years in. Plus I think it looks nice with all the other black accents the X5 has.
Can you link the vinyl tint you used? And is it pre-cut?
2 hours ago
www//lamin-x.com