I've put alot of thought into this so here goes...

The seams does flow but I think it pulls off well in the 5 and 3 series because the there is more Height on the betwwen the HU and the upper AC vents. However, IMO I'm not a fan of the plain black trim - it's just doesn't work for me.

So I came up with 3 design option. I think the wood/beige doesn't go well no does the all beige (material undetermined). The all black seems most natural to my eyes and matching the vinyl on the dash seems like the best material to use...there are other materials out there *alcanta, abs trim, etc.

It's a marriage of color and *texture* to me as my OP stated since the vents and AC controls are smooth. Argh.........why can't this decision be so easy ;-)