Wait, are we debating that cosmos trim is not any more valuable than wood? If so, I don't think it's much of a debate. Cosmos is worth double (at least) the price of almost all of the wood trims. Some have paid crazy for the dark grey poplar (I think that's what it was) but that's because, like cosmos, it was rarer.

IF propellarhead was able to find the data you asked for... it would bear out that cosmos does sell for more than wood all day, any day. I have also been looking for years. Unfortunately I have not saved all the ended ebay auctions so I can not provide data either.

I thought your actual position was that it doesn't change the value of the X5 as a whole vehicle... which I would agree with. But if the above, then I disagree obviously.

+1

If you're not in the market, you cannot know the truth.

Here is yet another example... a nice wood set sold for $230 complete. It'd be awesome to find some used cosmos auction to compare it with but you can't, you see. It's available only new at the $1300 price above.

I don't see why one cold not simply paint some wood trim Cosmos Black, which is what I want to do the rest of my car, with the exception of the 545i.

I would (will?) be the guy to make Cosmos un-rare in due time. Just like how I did with E39 trims.

But to the point, cosmos and smoke poplar are dam rare and worth a very good penny.

I almost had a set about a year ago, but some knob broke a few pieces in half :(

Strange how E39 guys will go nuts over light poplar, but it's "just another trim" in the E53. Where-as high polished black is the opposite!

I'd love some gloss black in my E39. :cool:

You can. Just takes good prep, good paint, good technique, then good finishing to polish it out. < Price that out at a shop, and you'll see why no one does it.

As would I.

Post from X5 Meister.........E53 trims to consider.(link)

I like Piano Gloss Black!

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...smos-black.jpg

Drop me a PM if you want some :D

I googled some more on this. It really does not seem that hard. Sure, I will need to buy a few things, but I will get the color I want and it will be paint and not vinyl. Here is video on you tube that I will be using.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtt_Ucb2vYs

I originally thought my Cosmos Black trim was painted up to the point I found out you could get that OE. I see no downside from trying since if I mess it up and can not redeem it, then I can join the vinyl crowd. This sure as hell seems easier than the alternator removal I did on my n62 545i.

Oh, don't get me wrong. Nothing about painting is particularly difficult. It is just VERY detail oriented and time consuming. I've done some very good things with rattle cans... but even better with a compressor and HVLP gravity feed gun. To get an idea with a rattle can project it takes me 2 - 3 weeks to finish a paint project, depending on the weather and how quickly I can get the paint to cure. That's if I want a primer, base coat, clear with a high gloss finish.

A computer case I painted high gloss white took a total of about 30 hours. Again, it's not terribly difficult, and is very rewarding done right. If you take it on I wish you luck and post your progress. :thumbup: