Anyone prefer OEM orange reflectors over Paint match reflectors?

[henrylee]

Anyone else prefer OEM orange reflectors vs Paint match reflectors?

I have a BSM f80 and first mod was IND paint match reflectors. After a while I when back to the OEM orange ones because it seem too monochrome black & white with lack of color. Recently went back to the paint match reflectors but slightly prefer the orange reflectors weirdly. Anyone else have a preference for the OEM Orange ones?

For lighter color cars, paint match reflectors look so much better but for black BSM I kinda like the touch of orange.

Some photos below to compare (orange vs paint match). Btw these are not my photos.

[zamboni]

Mine is imola red and the orange reflector is acceptable.

[dcpatters]

I don’t know OP, your F80 looks bad ass with the painted reflectors.

[jmg]

I like the contrast. I don't mind paint matched, but I don't want to spend money on something I don't mind. I think it's almost weird to have a painted rectangle on the fender.

[SherM4n]

Originally Posted by zamboni

Mine is imola red and the orange reflector is acceptable.

Same. I've never been bothered by reflectors, really, and like jmg says you either have an obvious reflector or a mysterious rectangle (edit: which, to be fair, is harder to see on dark cars like OP's). Of course, I guess it helps when your rear reflectors come paint-matched from the factory...

[Taco_Bueno]

Personally prefer color matched but instead of getting IND pant match reflectors, if you've got BSM, you can just get heavy tint film and it achieves the same result.

[RoundelM3]

Nope...I've installed painted reflectors on every BMW I've owned. The orange really clashed, particularly with my Tanzanite M3.

[NickyC]

Orange got to go.

[ntg44]

Ordered the fronts for my car as one of the first mods. Tried for 20 minutes to remove one side, and gave up. Any more force and I would have damaged the bumper. Stock reflectors it is. I got over it pretty quickly.

[CanAutM3]

I think it is important to point out that these cars are originally designed to be without those orange reflectors because they are not required in most parts of the world.

I personally prefer the look without the reflectors, just as the designers intended

[jmg]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

I think it is important to point out that these cars are originally designed to be without those orange reflectors because they are not required in most parts of the world.

I personally prefer the look without the reflectors, just as the designers intended

That's a good point, however I once specified a euro bumper on my S4 that didn't have reflectors. I think that's the best solution since there won't be a odd rectangle on it, but not very financially practical. It's also a shame that many rear ends are designed for the wider European license plates.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by jmg

That's a good point, however I once specified a euro bumper on my S4 that didn't have reflectors. I think that's the best solution since there won't be a odd rectangle on it, but not very financially practical. It's also a shame that many rear ends are designed for the wider European license plates.

I agree. I had to get the bumper cover replaced on my E92 and specified a Euro bumper (the dealer had me sign a "disclaimer"). It looked so much better, especially on the E92 because the reflectors were not flush with the bumper (see picture).

[agentrnge]

I am Ok with the reflector, especially on black. Probably looks the worst on YMB. I also like having my corners more visible. I'll take anything that might decrease the odds of an absent minded minivan driver from accidentally merging into me.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by agentrnge

I am Ok with the reflector, especially on black. Probably looks the worst on YMB. I also like having my corners more visible. I'll take anything that might decrease the odds of an absent minded minivan driver from accidentally merging into me.

The reflectors will do little to nothing for the potential incident you describe...

[Humdizzle]

if someone is completely oblivious to your yas marina on the road i don't think a little orange reflector will help much lol.

I did painted reflectors on the front but left the back bumper ones as it.

OP, i think it looks good painted. if you want a black car to pop you need to get some aftermarket wheels.

[henrylee]

Originally Posted by Humdizzle

if someone is completely oblivious to your yas marina on the road i don't think a little orange reflector will help much lol.

I did painted reflectors on the front but left the back bumper ones as it.

OP, i think it looks good painted. if you want a black car to pop you need to get some aftermarket wheels.

Haha yea YMB is pretty bright. I appreciate your advice

[Groganrocket]

Originally Posted by jmg

I like the contrast. I don't mind paint matched, but I don't want to spend money on something I don't mind. I think it's almost weird to have a painted rectangle on the fender.

I just tinted mine as I like some contrast but not totally blacked out.

[White340]

I have the smoked out version on alpine white and love the look.

[papasmurf_m3]

That's a negative. The painted looks much cleaner. I've got some extra YMB painted reflectors if anyone interested!

[NYBulldog]

I like both. I prefer the amber on my E60 M5 and M wagon but color matched on my F80. What I can't stand is the white or smoked reflectors, looks very wrong.

[Redacre]

I think orange reflectors can look really cool with black or dark grey. Any other color, I prefer blacked out or paint matched. And if you have a car with the optional side cameras -- black is a great way to go because you already have the sensor visible anyway.

As a bonus its just like a few bucks to black them out compared to like $100 for paint-matched inserts.

[jmciver]

Not a fan of the orange reflectors like many others, but not a fan of the body colored ones either. The body colored ones look like there is some type of James Bond, swampworks hidden door type installation IMHO..... So I went for the "blacked out" look for the front and the rear. Smoked reflector for the front and plastic grill insert for the rear....