[musa]

The fading gray stripes made me want to replace the cover and then I was shocked they're very expensive - $200 plus and used covers are already fading the same way to various degrees, and no aftermarket replacements exist. The BMW logo and black plastic are all fine, but the silver/gray stripes are thoroughly washed out on my beloved 2007 E92 N54.
So, the real question becomes: what exact color is that factory gray, and how do you restore it cleanly and heat‑safely?

Here's what I found .

Duplicolor DE1650 – Cast Coat Aluminum

Clean, OEM‑looking restoration method:

1. Clean the cover with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Mask the stripes with 3M automotive tape.
3. Lightly scuff the faded stripes with a gray Scotch‑Brite pad.
4. Apply 2–3 light coats of the chosen high‑temp silver.
5. Let it cure 24 hours before reinstalling.

Because the rest of the cover is textured black plastic, the fresh stripes blend in perfectly. The only real risk is poor adhesion if the surface isn’t prepped correctly. To avoid peeling:

- Clean with isopropyl alcohol, not harsh solvents
- Lightly scuff the faded stripes with a gray Scotch‑Brite pad
- Apply light coats
- Let it cure fully before reinstalling

This ensures the paint bonds to the plastic instead of sitting on top of it.