Yes, not totally convinced by the result. I ended by using a metal polish then a Mother's polish just after, good result but, as previously said, the fade comes back. Problem is that the sun light is very hard around here and I have to use good products to protect everything on the car (especially the rubbers), no great success on the trims though.

What about polishing and coating with a clear coat? Anyone tried that?

I bet the clear coat would either not stick well to the surface, turn yellow over time, or be too difficult to spray on for the average DIY'er.

If I can find a real glossy, heavy duty vinyl roll, I might just try to lay it over the factory piece and see how it goes.

i used the carbon overlay for the pillars. looks great! u can also just wax the black anodized trim with wax...rub really hard and it simply cleans it

Which ones did you get, aftermarket (ebay) or BMW accessories ones?

i originally had the oem ones and they suck. the fitment was nice but it was fake carbon fiber. i eventually took them off and replaced with the ebay 10 piece which is way better. the best part is i dont have to look at waterspots on the original black trim any more. the ebay fitment is pretty close to stock fitment
http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z...DSCF0259-1.jpg

Thanks for the reply. Interesting as I would have thought that the aftermarket product would look poor and maybe that the adhesive is not top quality (an issue here with the hot climate).
The only aftermarket pillars I've found on ebay are traded by Paul Miller BMW, BMW X5 E53 Carbon Fiber-Look Door Pillar Accents : eBay Motors (item 390150410862 end time Mar-31-10 15:35:34 PDT)
is it the same as yours?

Keep searching for the 10 pc. Try on eBay keyword: e53 x5 carbon fiber pillars. I'll try and find out where I purchased them

Found that: e53 x5 carbon fiber pillars, eBay Motors, Mouldings Trim. Great deals on eBay!

Do you remember which one you got? (#1 seems a bit too greyish...)

I wonder how these are made....
http://www.4amotors.com/userfiles/pr...4335892234.jpg