[The Accountant]

Originally posted in the general forum, but then an American replied who has probably never seen either of the trims



Ordered the coupe with Piano trim but....

Cost is about euro 1,000 vs. no charge for the black high gloss (plastic) trim with dakota leather.

The BMW woods in fact seem similar to plastic (although they are wood).

The question is, should I save the cash and swtich to high gloss trim or is the piano black actually nicer?

I know it isn't going to be euro 1,000 nicer, but will it actually look better at all?

[Serjames]

When I saw the gloss plastic finish it was rather prone to finger prints if that makes sense...

SJ

[G33]

very easily scratched also... just rubbing with a cloth will scratch it

[SDRX]

I agree with the above, the piano trim does not do justice to the car. However, if you opt for the Individual Pack, real Piano wood trim is available.

[G33]

:O are u sure??? my brothers got the piano black and it feels plastic to me. i havent seen high gloss trim to compare tho

[G33]

wats shit is that with the msports u have to spec the individual piano black and become £500 worse off when on the SEs u get High gloss trim for free. as i say i havent compared the two in the flesh so cant tell the difference but in the pics they look the same!

[The Accountant]

When I state "Piano Black" I am referring to the individual option (in Poland you can buy the individual packages or any one of the compents, eg. the leather, the paint or the trim).

[SDRX]

Originally Posted by G33

:O are u sure??? my brothers got the piano black and it feels plastic to me. i havent seen high gloss trim to compare tho

Woops!! I've just checked, the Piano black with the Individual pack is also plastic. Hardly "individual" if its made from plastic!!!

[G33]

Originally Posted by The Accountant

When I state "Piano Black" I am referring to the individual option (in Poland you can buy the individual packages or any one of the compents, eg. the leather, the paint or the trim).

yes thats what we can have in the uk too :P

[mikem]

I prefer the dark poplar, if thats what its called (the grey wood one)

[The Accountant]

any evidence that at least the real "piano" that you pay for is more scratch resistant?

If not, seems only a fool would choose the individual "piano" option

[BC4J]

Originally Posted by The Accountant

When I state "Piano Black" I am referring to the individual option (in Poland you can buy the individual packages or any one of the compents, eg. the leather, the paint or the trim).

Accountant, I went with the Individual Pack but not Black Piano trim as nowhere did it actually indicate it was wood. Paying extra for plastic is not my thing! The Amarone Walnut is nice though

[G33]

Originally Posted by The Accountant

any evidence that at least the real "piano" that you pay for is more scratch resistant?

If not, seems only a fool would choose the individual "piano" option

are u reading wat ive written?!?!? the piano black scratches like hell dont know in comparison to gloss black but a rub of a cloth (non microfibre i guess) or hands will scratch it very finely. it reminded me a bit of the face on the 5th generation ipod videos. if u are getting an SE just get the free gloss black. if u want the look on an msport u got no choice but to specify the piano black. end of.

[Gibbo]

BMW 'Individual' charging £500 for Piano Black trim is a joke - Don't waste your money. If it's a sport go Chrome or pay to upgrade to Dark Poplar wood.

Individual has a place for an exclusive exterior / interior combination but trim at £500, I am embarased for them by the sheer stupidity of it.

[miopyk]

OK this might not be the same thing but my wife has piano black in her Cooper S and I have the black gloss in my e93 and I can't tell the difference between them.

Hope this helps

Miopyk

[Terza]

I've got the black high gloss trim, 4 months now, and no scratches at all. And I'm not a freak when it comes to maintaining my car, nor do I take special care of the interior.

And I really love how it looks, especially with cream beige...

[Z4 Beemer]

The only minor complaint I would have about the black glass trim is that it tends to attract dust at times. It does look good with light coloured leather though.

[Terza]

Originally Posted by Z4 Beemer

The only minor complaint I would have about the black glass trim is that it tends to attract dust at times. It does look good with light coloured leather though.

Yes, that is true, dust is easily seen on the black trim, especially when the sun shines in from the right angle.. But I'm not bothered by that.. It's easy to fix..

[lipek]

aluminium

[Ted]

Piano Black is listed under Fine Wood in the Individual brochure and am fairly sure it is wood having seen it. I have High Gloss Black at the moment and to me it looks and feels a bit plasticky, plus it creaks, especially when cold.

Piano in real life looks and feels a lot higher quality, can't comment on scratch resistance of course but will be getting this on my next.

[BC4J]

Originally Posted by Ted

Piano Black is listed under Fine Wood in the Individual brochure and am fairly sure it is wood having seen it. I have High Gloss Black at the moment and to me it looks and feels a bit plasticky, plus it creaks, especially when cold.

Piano in real life looks and feels a lot higher quality, can't comment on scratch resistance of course but will be getting this on my next.

Not sure about piano black being wood. My edition of the Individual catalogue lists 'piano finish black' under the BMW Individual Interior Trim section. The other section is BMW Individual Wood Trim, containing Walnut Amarone, Birch Anthracite, etc. If it's wood you'd expect it to be with the latter.

[Ted]

Hmm, Got this from the 5 Series Price List where it puts Piano Black as Fine Wood Trim along with Amarone etc.