I've always just left my dash alone in my current and in my previous '01 X5 I had for 9.5 years. And never had any issues with fading or the look of it. That "basketball pebble finish" of the dash is pretty durable.

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2008 X5 4.8
Jet Black/Black Nevada/Dark Burl Walnut
Adaptive Drive
Premium Pack
Tech Pack
Climate Pack
Sport Pack
20" Wheel Option
Premium Sound
Sirius Satellite
Rear DVD Entertainment
Multi-Contour Seats
Comfort Access
3rd Row Seat
Heated Front Seats
Running Boards
3M VentureShield Paint Protection Film