Brushed Ali trim replacement or wrap ......anyone tried ?

[Anonymous]

Ok so I bought a new motor ! E89 35i with low mileage and good spec......just missing the heated wheel really and adaptive headlights but low mileage makes up for that I hope . The thing is that the gear lever/ash tray trim panel has a light scratch around the curved section where the leather passenger side/ arm rest meets the panel( caused by the end of an umbrella being dragged across it apparently ) it's not nasty, just light but it's bugging me. New panel from a stealers is 350 or so but then it still has to be fitted, does anyone have experience of removing this panel ? Also is it lacquered or plain metal finish , it looks lacquered so maybe I could refinish it ( another hobbie is watch case refinishing so I should be ok ) or has anyone had a panel wrapped , I know nothing about such witchcraft so any pointers would be good . Yes I know you all want pictures but I don't collect the car until the 1st Novemeber !

 

[flybobbie]

Have a look on ebay now, I saw a set of ali trim the last few days.
The lot was about £300.
Type in Z4 e89 trim.

 

[Nictrix]

I wrapped ours in carbon weave around 2 years ago and its still looking good.
Most of the panel is fairly flat except at the dash end where there are a few angles that require the vinyl to be stretched a bit.
On both sides the vinyl has moved slightly and not as perfect as it was when fitted, only noticeable if you look for it but it is there nonetheless.
If the brushed effect is the same as the silver carbon effect there is a tinted lacquer over the top of all the bits of trim.

 

[The_Dude]

Hi. Had a similar problem with laquer and an air freshener. The site freshener dissolved some of the laquer. Ended up buying a complete new wood trim set on eBay. The laquer is tinted, so a nightmare to match and as you say Bmw wanted a fortune for the centre panel.


Took mine to an independent to fit and so can't comment on how easy it is to do. Have still got my old set. Tried selling it on here to no joy. Keep saying I might give wrapping a go myself and see what it looks like.