[Hoops]

Im sure this has been asked before - and i have had a brief search - and as yet i havent spoken to a BMW dealer as i know it will be expensive if it can be done at all - but im really desperate to de-chrome my bloody 335i - its an SE model and i hate the chrome window trim (i know how much the Yanks love chrome but i detest it!!) - so just wondered if anyone had any good suggestions to dechrome the trim??? I spoke to a car sprayer and he said that although it could be removed and painted it would easily chip and that would look bloody awful. I seem to remember coming across an American website when my wife had her Mini Cooper S and they had a dechrome pack for the mini - if i could find the site again they might be able to make me up a kit for the 335. Any ideas/help much appreciated - otherwise it will be a trip to the stealers and pay through the nose i guess!!!

[willhollin]

Maybe be of some help as I saw on th US E90 forum some guy who had used vinyl wrap to de-chrome his car, and he also used it on his front grilles.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128286

Looks like you need to take a few days of work though.

[Hoops]

Thanks Will - looks like a bloody nightmare and trust me ive got very little patience at the best of times!!! I did hear of something similar but what concerns me is the tape rippling on the corners which would look shite!!!!

[booforty]

Drop a PM to Ant397 at Speed Religion - he will have some ideas. I think he may have de-chromed his D?

[JR]

funny, i tried to get the chrome trim on my e92 2ltr d, it wasn't an option on non 6 cylinder se's !
bob

[AlanQS]

I read a thread on the American part of the site where two guys had swapped black and chrome trim but I got the impression it really wasn't easy - skill set required.
Joke is, I would love to have the chrome instead of the black because I think it defines the car shape better on a darker colour. I can understand it not looking great on a silver car though.

[Hoops]

To be honest - and this is my opinion - i think the chrome trim does kind of suit the silver cars as it doesnt jump out at you as much - but i would prefer the black trim as im not a chrome fan. Just wish there was a very simple and easy fix - but it all seems quite a headache to change and i simply dont have the patience!!!

[Porscha!]

If you do indeed not have a lot of patience or don't like doing work yourself -

I'm sure I've recommended this place on here before but here goes, they won't be cheap, they won't be a quick fix but they sure will be the absolute best in the business -

http://www.wilkinson-son.co.uk/

They will more than likely carry your work out when is a totally different matter and you won't be able to get a loan car or anything from them.

Also if you still want quality work, a bit cheaper, a bit quicker complete with a more modern image try Chartwell

http://www.chartwells.net/

Probably will be more suited to you requirements

[Hoops]

Thanks Nicola - very useful - will contact them in the week.

[willhollin]

You could also consider powder coating them, just a quick Google search brought up these guys who do a 24hr service.

http://www.purposepowdercoatings.com/faq.php

[- Paul -]

Is swapping the full trim with a fellow member on here out of the question - I'm sure someone will want chrome. I'm like you though - not a fan of it myself.

[Hoops]

Ive just found a couple of suppliers of dechrome tape on eBay - going to buy a roll and see how i get on - will keep you all posted!!!!

[booforty]

Originally Posted by bmwbailey

Ive just found a couple of suppliers of dechrome tape on eBay - going to buy a roll and see how i get on - will keep you all posted!!!!

Good going! Black shadowline will look so much better mate!

[Hoops]

I just wish i could buy some "patience" to go with it!!!!

[Porscha!]

Bay,

Why don't you bring it along to UK6? Theres some of us on here that love projects erm well I do, we could transform your motorcar and let you go back to London with a whole new (well new bit o'tape!) car

[Hoops]

Now that is tempting!!! I will see how i get on - ive ordered just one roll and will attempt to do one section - if it goes on ok and looks good once on then i will go the whole hog and finish it myself - but if i have issues i will take you up on that offer!!!

[Porscha!]

Well one word of advice .... be patient

You may find you enjoy working on your own car ... the next thing you know you'll be asking me about classics!

Have you got a link for this stuff what you have bought?

No problem if you have any trouble bring it along, don't know about the others but I'm quite good with cosmetics, attention to detail, patient and very careful, attributes that of a woman petrolhead lol!

[Hoops]

LOL Nicola - next thing you will be wanting to put mascara on my 335i!!!!

[Porscha!]

LOL! Well would cover over that chrome ...

[Hoops]

Oi - cheeky moo!!! Actually - do you think that might work!!!!??? Especially if i get waterproof mascara - i will still be able to wash it!!!

[Porscha!]

Lol no sorry I don't think it would work!

Where is this chrome? I do think chrome looks a bit dodgy on silver cars personally, though didn't you get the option to have the black trim.

[Hoops]

I liked the chrome trim initially - and to be honest it blends in far better on a silver car than on any other colour - a lot of people have said they like it on my car but i now really want it blacked out!!!