[KM_SF]

I currently have a Black Sapphire Metallic '09 335 with the sports package on order for European Delivery form a local San Francisco dealership.

Shadowline trim is now a standard part of the sports package for '09. It’s a nice option, but sadly I personally don't like it with the black paint. My dealer is having trouble having the part deleted from the package and getting me the vehicle with the chrome trim.

Has anyone else had any experience getting a part removed from package? Any advice on how I can get the factory to produce the car the way I would like it?

The car currently is scheduled to be delivered in mid October.

Thanks!

[methodtim]

I don't think a la carte options are available for US spec models. You get what's in the package and that's that. I could be wrong though.

[KM_SF]

Originally Posted by methodtim

I don't think a la carte options are available for US spec models. You get what's in the package and that's that. I could be wrong though.

I agree that this seems to be the standard practice, however in this case I am trying to de-content a package to a lower priced standard option without asking for anything in return. In my humble opinion is SHOULD be possible, but I understand it will be a challenge. That said, 6 trim pieces shouldn't be a big deal to swap out, especially since the car has been produced that way for the past 2 years and is sold that way in Europe.

To me it seems to be a question of getting the request to the right person who can actually edit the order.

[Craig@SupremePower]

I don't think they'll do it for you man.... shadowline is now standard content on 335i SP! Embrace it ... throw a lil tint on her and some black wheels and go for that dark menacing look!!!

[KM_SF]

Originally Posted by Craig@SupremePower

I don't think they'll do it for you man.... shadowline is now standard content on 335i SP! Embrace it ... throw a lil tint on her and some black wheels and go for that dark menacing look!!!

I could do that, but sadly that's not what I want, and I am not the "embracing" type. :-) The shadowline trim really changes the character of the car, and thought menacing look is cool, its not what I personally am going for.



If its really not possible to get them to go back to the former standard (which I am not 100% sold on yet), are there any unforeseen consequences to having a qualified body shop switch the trim?

[Craig@SupremePower]

I've swapped the trim on an E46 and it wasn't too difficult at all you should be able to have it done without issue!!

Originally Posted by KM_SF

I could do that, but sadly that's not what I want, and I am not the "embracing" type. :-) The shadowline trim really changes the character of the car, and thought menacing look is cool, its not what I personally am going for.



If its really not possible to get them to go back to the former standard (which I am not 100% sold on yet), are there any unforeseen consequences to having a qualified body shop switch the trim?

[AJerman]

Hell, if the body lines are the same and the trim matches up, I'd swap you for mine. Of course you HAD to live in CA though.

[akack79]

I'm with you, ZSP is a must-have option but for a black car would personally want the chrome instead of the shadow trim. Hope your dealer can pull some strings for you.

[bsd107]

I asked about getting ZSP without the Sport Seats, and was told there was no possible way to delete any items from the package....

[DieselClown]

I actually like the chrome trim too.

[e90fanatic]

ill swap with you

[Lucid4000]

Yeh the chrome on black cars is nice. Breaks up the look. Hopefully they can change it for you. You just have to be a ball buster... and be persistant.

[Jake C]

I hope you get them to swap it out for you. But I think it will be tough to have it ordered that way. You are dipping into the BMW individual program then. And for whatever reason they still don't offer that to the US no matter how nice we ask.

- J

[anerbe]

making individual changes to a package for the OEM is a logistical nightmare. then packages would merely be "options grouped together", and not truely a full package.

allowing such changes provides even more combinations of vehicles, which in turn causes each vehicle's price to increase.

you can try it, and even if the chrome is "cheaper", it probably costs the company more to try to allow such a change.

I recommend either having the dealer swap it with a vehicle in the lot, or find another person to swap trim with.

[Jake C]

Good point. However even if it's more expensive, which I'm sure it is, I , for one, would be willing to pay a premium for certain options.

- J

[KM_SF]

Thanks for all the advice. I am trying to work it out with the dealership, but likely will just trade with someone here in the SF Bay Area once the car is in the US in November.

Thanks again for the feedback.

[dtekone]

i live in union city. i'd be willing to swap my chrome trim for your shadowline.

[abc]

how much are the chrome trim pcs direct from dealer? $500?

[beskone]

please please, update this when you find out if you can get the factory to remove the shadowline from your car. I can't personally stand the shadowline and would rather not have to replace the trim myself when i take delivery.

If you can't get it removed, you'll make my year if you update with how expensive the trim pieces are, and how much of a pain it was to replace as i'll be doing the same if the factory won't budge on deleting the shadowline from my car.

thanks!!

Brian

[e90fanatic]

hey want to trade? my trim is flawless and I prefer shadowline. Let me know

[beskone]

maybe so, how much trouble is it to remove / re-install the trim without messing it up?

[Diamond Skyline]

if anyone can figure out a way to swap trims without ruining the lower piece than be my guest.. i get my car in november with shadowline trim.. i want the aluminum trim from the pre-09 sport packages