[NGT2]

Don't think I'm done. Trying to take it slow. Don't want to delete all the chrome and particularly want to leave the chrome around the fog lights.

I'm thinking the fender vents are probably next. If I do anything with the handles, it will be new painted handles from IND.

Would love any feedback and also any tips for washing and maintaining the wrapped sections. They said not to hit it with much pressure, so I'll have to be careful as I use a pressure washer (40 degree spray nozzle) to wash it.

Any other suggestions welcome.

Before/after:

[cna90]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Don't think I'm done. Trying to take it slow. Don't want to delete all the chrome and particularly want to leave the chrome around the fog lights.

I'm thinking the fender vents are probably next. If I do anything with the handles, it will be new painted handles from IND.

Would love any feedback and also any tips for washing and maintaining the wrapped sections. They said not to hit it with much pressure, so I'll have to be careful as I use a pressure washer (40 degree spray nozzle) to wash it.

Any other suggestions welcome.

Before/after:

I did the same. Changed the window trims and changed to kidney grill. Although I do have Msport with gloss black fender trim. Only thing I left was the side air breathers since they blend in nicely with my paint and match my rims.
Do whatever you feel like, it's great as long you'd like it.

[ITmobility]

Love the chrome delete. Did you wrap the trim? I'm looking to do mine and unsure if I should go with the chrome replacement or just wrap it as i've seen some members do.

Looks nice!

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by ITmobility

Love the chrome delete. Did you wrap the trim? I'm looking to do mine and unsure if I should go with the chrome replacement or just wrap it as i've seen some members do.

Looks nice!

Yes I did mine with 3M gloss black wrap. I'm happy with it. From what I've seen, the actual trim replacement is a pain to do and the pieces are expensive. I think over a grand, total.

Now I'm just on pause, waiting to see how I feel about wrapping some other chrome pieces like the fog light trim (probably will leave alone), the side vents, and chrome strip on the rear bumper.

[ITmobility]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Yes I did mine with 3M gloss black wrap. I'm happy with it. From what I've seen, the actual trim replacement is a pain to do and the pieces are expensive. I think over a grand, total.

Now I'm just on pause, waiting to see how I feel about wrapping some other chrome pieces like the fog light trim (probably will leave alone), the side vents, and chrome strip on the rear bumper.

My thoughts exactly, I was even thinking of wrapping the front vent frame as i don't want to mess with the integrity of the movement of the air vents.

I'll hold off replacing the trim for the $$. Just need to find a good wrapping company around here.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by ITmobility

My thoughts exactly, I was even thinking of wrapping the front vent frame as i don't want to mess with the integrity of the movement of the air vents.

I'll hold off replacing the trim for the $$. Just need to find a good wrapping company around here.

I doubt we are in the same market, because I haven't found anyone else here that is. But if you're around west TN/Memphis, I'd be happy to recommend the shop that did my tint and wrap. It shouldn't be hard for you to find one. All kinds of businesses use vehicle wraps these days. These chrome deletes are small jobs and easy money for these guys.

[ITmobility]

Yeah i'm in South Florida but I appreciate the offer! I've got a shop nearby i can work with. We shall see.

Thanks again!

[NGT2]

I've pretty much decided that I am going to wrap the side vents and chrome strip on the back bumper. About 90% decided at this point. If/when I do, I'll post some updated pictures. I am going to leave the handles alone.

[mavic1010]

I haven't put up pics yet as I haven't had the time to properly wash the car after my tint and chrome delete. However, I will say there is a difference between the 3M gloss black vinyl wrap and the chrome pieces I replaced w/OEM. Not necessarily in black color, but in finish. The wrap has orange peel and doesn't have that deep color like paint does. You can't really tell from like 5 ft away, but up close you can tell the difference.

Is it enough for me to get the real shadowline trim? Probably down the line if I can find it cheap enough. But my recommendation would be if you can get and have the patience to install the OEM pieces in black, do it.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by mavic1010

I haven't put up pics yet as I haven't had the time to properly wash the car after my tint and chrome delete. However, I will say there is a difference between the 3M gloss black vinyl wrap and the painted chrome pieces I replaced. Not necessarily in black color, but in finish. The wrap has orange peel and doesn't have that deep color like paint does. You can't really tell from like 5 ft away, but up close you can tell the difference.

Is it enough for me to get the real shadowline trim? Probably down the line if I can find it cheap enough. But my recommendation would be if you can get and have the patience to install the OEM pieces in black, do it.

I buy this completely. I just have to do the math on these things and prioritize. I've got a 4 year old car with 39,000 miles on it that I bought for around $43k. I've put 8-9k miles on it since I got it, in December. At that rate, I can't count on keeping it more than 4-5 more years.

So when I consider the initial investment, usage, and likely length of ownership, I use those things to decide what expensive mods are worth it. The cost of OEM shadowline trim windows, vents, etc. plus install is just more than I want to invest in trim. Total it all up and I'd rather put that toward axle back exhaust, if I'm spending 4 figures.

I'm not lobbying for my way being the best. I'm just offering my perspective on this stuff. If you are impatient or don't want to make the investment, the wrap is a good looking mod that will only cost you a couple hundred bucks.

Last thing - I also wasn't 100% sure how I'd like it. The wrap is inexpensive and easy and also easily reversed, whatever the reason might be.

I do agree that it's not a 1-1 match with OEM. But it looks good. And that's why I will just wrap anything else I do. Might as well have the various black trim pieces match, if I'm going to do the vents and rear bumper strip.

If I keep the car longer than I expect and want to do OEM, it's always an option. It's not like I'm over invested with the wrap.

Way longer post than I'd planned. I guess it's the late night coffee I had to supplement a 10 pm airport run! Anyway, that's my thought process.

[Joe-BMW33]

I would have to agree and I am a perfectionist. Blacking out the trim is really all about changing the lines of the car from 4-5 feet away or more. I have seen many great wrap jobs and they do the job and unless you touched it, you would not know if was wrap.

A crappy wrap job will drive you crazy. One where you can see seams and non-uniformity.