Suggestions for OEM match paint.

[Kev]

Hi guys,
Having read through many of the posts (most too long and off-topic) about painting interior trim, here's my problem.

Squeezing too many suitcases in the X5 last week we managed to scuff the front passenger side front dash trim. The car is factory fitted with Graphit grey trim. The part damaged is 51457124624

I can get a new one for around $80 (+pp) but before shelling out this money, I would like to have a try to repair mine first.

Did anyone ever find a colour match for this interior, or should I just take the part to a car spares shop and look for the nearest match? It's already matt so a light wet&dry rub down should be fine.

Thanks a lot for any useful advice, and please no comments that spraying interior parts is rice etc. etc. If it doesn't come out exactly like before I'll just change it.

Cheers, Kev.

[Bayerische E53]

I'm not sure that you can get a paint "code" for the interior trim so matching might be a big problem. Honestly, even if you get the color match correct, the newer finish will make the other parts look old and rough. In other words, you can't realistically match the trim. I think you have two options:

1) Replace just the damaged part (you might encounter matching issues depending on the sort of shape your original trim pieces are) or
2) Repaint every trim piece in the car (or at least all the trim pieces on the dash. This will be slightly more expensive but you'll have a perfect match).

Good luck.

[Bimmer Tool Rental]

Getting someone to paint the matte finish over plastic trim is going to be interesting. May be cheaper just to buy the trim piece.