Paint Trim

[MPowerFarmer]

I absolutely hate the fact that BMW leaves the rim unpainted. I am on my second X5d and I love the car; I'm certain I'll own a third, but I think the car would look so much better with the trim painted. Has anyone done it? How much did it cost? Any estimates?

Thanks

[watrob]

Originally Posted by MPowerFarmer

I absolutely hate the fact that BMW leaves the rim unpainted. I am on my second X5d and I love the car; I'm certain I'll own a third, but I think the car would look so much better with the trim painted. Has anyone done it? How much did it cost? Any estimates?

Thanks

What trim are you talking about........photo

[MPowerFarmer]

Wheel arches, rockers, lower bumpers.

[ard]

Just more parts to worry about chips, scratches and dings...plus IMO it looks weird and massive to have everything all monochromatic.

BUT, to each their own- it has been done. The issue is covering the texture on the plastic parts AND using the right paint (with an elastomeric additive) ... estimates vary widely based on quality.

A

[blondboinsd]

Originally Posted by ard

Just more parts to worry about chips, scratches and dings...plus IMO it looks weird and massive to have everything all monochromatic.

BUT, to each their own- it has been done. The issue is covering the texture on the plastic parts AND using the right paint (with an elastomeric additive) ... estimates vary widely based on quality.

A

the M Sport includes it and I've heard horror stories of rock chips. No thank you!

[tribecax5]

I always wondered how would it look if the plastic trim and bumper is painted. Would it look glossy and smooth since the surface of the bumpers is a bit rough? On 2007-09 models, the complete bumpers are like that plastic so would it be worth painting them just for cosmetic purposes. I've been searching to see if anyone has done it on a '09 but no luck.

[MPowerFarmer]

All the X5M's have painted trim...

[watrob]

I have no problem with paint chips, I run mudflaps. The mudflaps use to be standard on the X5 but the ADR rules changed a couple years ago and are not required now.

On my latest X5 I bought them as an optional spare part and the dealer fitted them at pre-delivery, it actually makes the X5 squarter and wider from the back view.

[tribecax5]

Originally Posted by watrob

I have no problem with paint chips, I run mudflaps. The mudflaps use to be standard on the X5 but the ADR rules changed a couple years ago and are not required now.

On my latest X5 I bought them as an optional spare part and the dealer fitted them at pre-delivery, it actually makes the X5 squarter and wider from the back view.

I agree. Mud flaps do make the car look wider and lower.

[MPowerFarmer]

The raw plastic trim just looks cheap to me. Its the same thing american manufactures have been doing for years. When its painted it looks like the car is actually finished.