Yes, my recollection is that the upper chrome-colored plastic trim is attached to the black plastic part with 2-sided trim tape. So I carefully pried it apart and I was able to get them separated with breaking either. I bought some 3M branded 2-sided trim tape and reinstalled the chrome-colored trim onto the new part...No painting.

I looked online at 2005 and 2006 X5's and it seems to me you should be able to do the same thing with your existing color-matched outer trim.

Would dental floss be a good way to "cut" the 3M mounting tape, when removing the factory painted trim piece? :dunno:

Gents, thanks for confirming my understanding on how this part is built

Thats one way to try.

Also thinking of just cutting up the old unpainted portion with the dremel to make it easier to strip off the painted part?

Comes as a single part. You paint to match. Unscrews from the hatch, then wires unplug. I replaced mine a few months ago. Never seen one with chrome on it.

I've done this a few times and replaced the original painted cover piece. There are three versions available: base painted, black plastic and chrome plated. Check which one is currently the cheapest if you plan to use just the core with original painted cover. They are connected with visible plastic tabs, two in the middle and one on each end. You have to pry and keep them open with for example pieces of plastic card. Then there are two glued points between lights and screw holes. When removing think it like a rolling motion while prying and separating the glued points while keeping the plastic tabs free at the same time.

Sounds like something you'd need four hands for!

Slices of plastic card will keep the plastic tabs unlocked while you pry out the glued points. Though wouldn't hurt to have some extra hands. And warming up those parts makes it a bit easier.

Thanks guys for adding more info to this topic.

I really try to avoid paintwork. Especially with certain colors like silver. Color matching is a chore considering things like age of the paint. And I'm a bit nitpicky about texture matching tge original orange peel. My paint guy grimaces when I show up lol!

When the time comes I'd like to re-use the upper painted portion and lots of good info here to be able to do that.

For now since the switch is working again I'll be pushing through with ordering the Land Rover rubber switch cover.

I had a paint match done for my olivin green that has faded. I sent them a piece of mirror cover I was replacing and they did a match and sent me three cans of spray paint. Could have ordered more, but wanted to try it. It came out pretty close. Painted my rear switch cover with it and blends very well. You can only tell the difference if you know it's not the same. Used 2k clear over the base coat. If you want to adjust the orange peal a little wet sanding and polishing will get you there. In my case I didn't need to.

Had the paint match done by this outfit: 66 Auto Color

https://www.66autocolor.com/?srsltid...ccIUXBc7_yY7yU

Any suggestions where they are available stateside? I have seen the Ebay sources in Latvia, but would prefer a US source- solely for shipping reasons.

I haven't found any from my usual parts suppliers.