can aluminum trim be added/retrofitted? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

MEnthusiast · 16th May 2003, 07:45

just curious. our car does not have this and I would have preferred to have the aluminum trim. its not of supreme importance to us, but Id like to have the aluminum and I began to think- maybe its not a big deal to add it on now. any thoughts/ suggestions?

Zlaatan · 16th May 2003, 14:06

Yes, you can retrofit the aluminium trim. It's pretty easy also IIRC.

What trim do you have now?

MEnthusiast · 17th May 2003, 04:32

whatever comes as standard. its a kind of metallic looking plastic. I will speak with the dealer about swaping the trim.

pdiack · 17th May 2003, 05:44

I'm curious...what does the aluminum trim look like - anyone got some pics? My car has the greyish metallic plastic stuff as well.

HIPAD · 17th May 2003, 07:47

Here is one

Another one

Gene · 17th May 2003, 15:41

Jerry!

Are you talking about M3 or M5? I was thinking about replacing wood trim in my M5 with real aluminum but it looks like the only one available is aluminum looking plastic.

Best regards, Gene.

HIPAD · 17th May 2003, 19:22

The M3 can be ordered with real aluminum trim. It has a brushed look and texture, but It doesn't show in the pictures.

MEnthusiast · 20th May 2003, 05:22

Gene,
Im talking about the M3. Because I am a car nut and I wanted my wife to be able to drive a convertible when she wanted to, and that she loves the M3 look, I picked up a M3 SMG Cab about a week ago. Ive been driving it ever since and having a ball. I figure to do a little write up on the M5 forum when I have some time to put all my thoughts down. It would seem to me that the trim on the car could be easily replaced- I will check it out. the texture on the M3 aluminum is much rougher than on the M5- the M5 aluminum is smoother. I prefer the M3's it just seems more substantial.

CzTom · 21st May 2003, 22:20

I replaced my painted plastic with the factory aluminum trim pieces - total cost was about $600 (a year ago) and the install was pretty easy on my cab. Call your favorite BMW parts counter for the parts - I bought from Cutter.
You'll need 8 pieces - the 3 piece dash trim, the center console, and 4 armrests (NOTE: be sure to get the cab rear armrests - they're different from the coupe).
Installation requires removing the inner door panels to get the armrests off, then popping the armrest pads off - the trickiest part for me.
The results look great, and the real metal makes the door pull feel a lot stronger!
I highly recommend it - makes the interior much classier!