Does the "raw" trim as you call it, need to be prepped before it is painted as its surface is a little rough? Just curious. Here in NYC actually some people prefer that because anywhere you park your bumpers will be messed up. Having that plastic on the bumpers, as ugly as they look, it is an advantage. People here would literary push your car to make room for their car. Not to mention the horrible parking abilities of some people.

No thanks on the painted trim. Its a sports activity vehicle. We use it on dirt roads going to the cottage, we use off road to launch to boat and we will probably take it camping. I don't want to worry about painted trim.

porsche 911 style rock chip defender
 

this is what I did today to prevent chips. time consuming job though.

another option is to have the X5 parts wrapped with clear or any color you want.