Budster:

When I see the model designation removed froma car, I always think it's because the guy hasn't been able to afford the model he really wanted.  Very common with BMWs,

Not with mine. I had an Alpina B5 completely de-badged. With exhaust pipes only on one side, it looked more like a base model diesel to those that don't know.

I did think about fitting 520d badges, but never got around to it.