[drvai]

Hi to everyone. i know this has been discussed but no real conclusions have been made.

Seems that in order to get the black glossy trim, you can either:

-Buy the shadowline trim: at least 1200 for the coupe

-Wrap it: results have been variable among the group.

-Paint it. I guess this should be ok, but the question is if this will chip.
Maybe getting it done in a body show will be better.

[Tee212]

The painting/wrapping alternative is just as ghetto as front painted reflectors. Of course im bias cause mine came with it so its the best ever.

[crazytaiwanese]

there aint nothin better than OEM, but itll def cost ya.

ive seen vinyl and paint done on the trim and it looks noticeably different, but thats because i have Sports package.

I'd say if you want to have an absolute clean look, gotta fork over the dough. If you can sleep at night knowing you went the "other route" then to each their own.

[twinturbopg]

I had mine painted professionally...what does that mean?

removed trim
sand
prime
paint
finish.

Matte black and they look great! I dont like the shiny finish, it just looks tacky IMHO.

or you could buy them OEM.

[drvai]

Originally Posted by Tee212

The painting/wrapping alternative is just as ghetto as front painted reflectors. Of course im bias cause mine came with it so its the best ever.

I have painted reflectors and look pretty ok!

Mine also came with the ST, but they are stained and is impossible to repair it.

[Tee212]

Originally Posted by drvai

I have painted reflectors and look pretty ok!

Mine also came with the ST, but they are stained and is impossible to repair it.

Thats great and im happy for you, but imo staring at it looks cheap and out of place on a bmw. Its something ill do to a civic 15 years ago.

[drvai]

Originally Posted by Tee212

Thats great and im happy for you, but imo staring at it looks cheap and out of place on a bmw. Its something ill do to a civic 15 years ago.

I guess since I have it from the beginning and I really hate the yellow reflectors, I don't care much. But this trim thing is driving me crazy

[328i]

Originally Posted by drvai

I guess since I have it from the beginning and I really hate the yellow reflectors, I don't care much. But this trim thing is driving me crazy

Take them off and get them painted by a body shop. It is highly unlikely that the trim will be hit with a rock to be chipped, and if it does it would damage the oem shadowline trim as well. I would actually prefer professionally painted trim versus the oem shadowline trim, painted trim will have clearcoat to protect it, the oem does not and is easily stained. It will also get faded over time, I've seen it on many cars that are a few years old.

[drvai]

Originally Posted by 328i

Take them off and get them painted by a body shop. It is highly unlikely that the trim will be hit with a rock to be chipped, and if it does it would damage the oem shadowline trim as well. I would actually prefer professionally painted trim versus the oem shadowline trim, painted trim will have clearcoat to protect it, the oem does not and is easily stained. It will also get faded over time, I've seen it on many cars that are a few years old.

That will be my next step. Thanks.

[drvai]

Originally Posted by 328i

Take them off and get them painted by a body shop. It is highly unlikely that the trim will be hit with a rock to be chipped, and if it does it would damage the oem shadowline trim as well. I would actually prefer professionally painted trim versus the oem shadowline trim, painted trim will have clearcoat to protect it, the oem does not and is easily stained. It will also get faded over time, I've seen it on many cars that are a few years old.

Can they be removed and installed back again?