Window trim questions. Shadowline? ...various others.

[CharlesAFerg]

Where could I purchase high quality "shadowline" window trim, not the tape.

Or, someone who has done it themselves, I am very interested in how it turned out/how you did it!

Is it connected by some sort of pushpin connectors? I need to remove my trim as it is starting to bend off of the windows.

Also, since this is fairly on topic, do you know how much it would cost to replace the center black window pillars behind the drivers side doors? There seems to have been a break-in attempt on my poor E34 :-( They split the trim in a very, very sloppy, ugly fashion. I guess they weren't interested in the radio :-P...

[Jay 535i]

Also, since this is fairly on topic, do you know how much it would cost to replace the center black window pillars behind the drivers side doors? There seems to have been a break-in attempt on my poor E34 :-( They split the trim in a very, very sloppy, ugly fashion. I guess they weren't interested in the radio :-P...

Parts 9 & 12 are each about $40 from the dealer. Or you could get a whole set of carbon fiber ones from ebay for $60, but I wouldn't.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/v/l/3.png

[CharlesAFerg]

Thanks Jay, what abour parts 1 and 3, are those the chrome pieces? I wonder if there are any other places besides the dealer to buy the dark, shadowline version... If not, DIY time!
again, thanks!
-Charles

[ILoveMPower]

Thanks Jay, what abour parts 1 and 3, are those the chrome pieces? I wonder if there are any other places besides the dealer to buy the dark, shadowline version... If not, DIY time!
again, thanks!
-Charles

There is, but I believe it's about $600 for the set.

[Johntee540]

That is correct. You have to special order it from the Euro Parts catalog. I just did this. however the installer destroyed one of the pieces and I had to get another. It took another 3 weeks to get it in.

It looks great and you will never have to maintain or touch it up - JT

[Alan_525i]

Mel at Abrahams Motorsport offered a group buy on the Shadowline trim a little while ago at a price lower than what you could get at any dealer. He might be able to come close to it again. I thinkg the price was 539 for the 12 pc set (includes the four interior chrome trims).

[swenpro]

I still cannot understand why anyone (who has a budget) wouldn't use the shadowline tape... I personally think it looks great, very cheap, easy to install, and does not attract any attention from people saying "hmm, does that guy have tape on his chrome trim?" cuz i've black ALL of it out (except the grill and 540i letters)

Please, buy some $5 tape and spend your $600 on an upgrade worth the $$

[sKilled]

Where can I get some trim tape online? - can't find any retailers for it here in New Zealand.

[SchnellE34]

Where can I get some trim tape online? - can't find any retailers for it here in New Zealand.

I know someone is offering it here (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-e36-3-E30-5-e34-7-e39-whEEl-E28-m-e38-Dinan-aC-E46_W0QQitemZ8055182469QQcategoryZ33654QQssPageNam eZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) on eBay here in the states. It looks like he will ship worldwide. I am not sure if anyone on the board has bought this specific tape. If so, please post with results.

I was thinking about doing the same thing. Anyone have pictures with shadow line on a black car? If not, I will probably Photoshop some pics.

[Incantation]

the tape works great EXCEPT at the back of the trim (where the roof trim meets the bottom of the window trim). at that point the trim is too wide for the tape and even with some stretching it is impossible (for me at least) to get it to cover and stay .. i ended up taking a small second piece and covering up the remaining trim which leaves a little seam .. not really noticeable but in retrospect i think it would be better to either do a permanent job of it

or maybe someone has had better experience with the stuff? it looks great on the rest of the trim piece

[ElSupremo]

Rather than $600 for the trim, why not just paint it? You should be able to paint all of it with 1/2 pint of black, and touch up will always be easy.

[swenpro]

This is the stuff... looks like the same thing as that $15 tape on ebay.

Purchase it here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00029XD62/002-3309696-9186452?v=glance&n=15684181) for $3.59 on amazon.com!

Yes, in a couple places like the wide chrome at the rear of the rear doors, I used multiple pieces or used a scissors to cut...

The best way to know if you like it is... try it! For four bucks and a few minutes you'll soon have a good idea if it's worth it to you

[ElSupremo]

This is the stuff... looks like the same thing as that $15 tape on ebay.

Purchase it here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00029XD62/002-3309696-9186452?v=glance&n=15684181) for $3.59 on amazon.com!

Yes, in a couple places like the wide chrome at the rear of the rear doors, I used multiple pieces or used a scissors to cut...

The best way to know if you like it is... try it! For four bucks and a few minutes you'll soon have a good idea if it's worth it to you
Is that what you have on the car in your sig? How long has it been on there? The durability would be my only concern, although it is cheap enough to do over and over.

[kev535i]

ive used the tape on my car and am more than happy with the results - i couldnt get the tape here in oz and helpful person on an oz bm board who is a sign writer by trade noticed that its the same tape they use on window signs- they call it 5 year tape - so try getting in touch with a local sign writer, the tape comes in any length and a variety of widths- very helpful for the rear door curve. easy to put on with a few hints from signwriter and still only about 10 aussie dollars
http://www.users.bigpond.com/kevinfishing/car1.jpg

[sKilled]

ive used the tape on my car and am more than happy with the results - i couldnt get the tape here in oz and helpful person on an oz bm board who is a sign writer by trade noticed that its the same tape they use on window signs- they call it 5 year tape - so try getting in touch with a local sign writer, the tape comes in any length and a variety of widths- very helpful for the rear door curve. easy to put on with a few hints from signwriter and still only about 10 aussie dollars
http://www.users.bigpond.com/kevinfishing/car1.jpg

Cheers mate - will give it a whirl once the shops here in Auckland have reopened (I don't like easter - it's making me fat, now where are my cadbury cream eggs?)

[liquidtiger720]

I don't know if I want to tape the suckers, or paint them.

[kev535i]

the stuff i got is made by Oracal and about 45cm wide the guy i got it from bought about 50 mtrs of it you need about 11mtrs do do the car so get 20 just in case if you need any more info let me know

[kev535i]

I don't know if I want to tape the suckers, or paint them.
at least with the tape liquidtiger you can remove it if you dont like it

[liquidtiger720]

But I know I'll like it, lol.

[JAlfredPrufrock]

I F'ed up bad taking the window trim off the car on the bottom driver's side sills, it's kind of bent... and painting I found to be a bitch because of all the weather stripping attached to the trim. Take that as you will.

[wingman]

I still cannot understand why anyone (who has a budget) wouldn't use the shadowline tape... I personally think it looks great, very cheap, easy to install, and does not attract any attention from people saying "hmm, does that guy have tape on his chrome trim?" cuz i've black ALL of it out (except the grill and 540i letters)

Please, buy some $5 tape and spend your $600 on an upgrade worth the $$

Is it just me or hmmm have you got tape on your chrome?:D

[CharlesAFerg]

I F'ed up bad taking the window trim off the car on the bottom driver's side sills, it's kind of bent... and painting I found to be a bitch because of all the weather stripping attached to the trim. Take that as you will.

Oh okay, yeah definately, I'm looking for some sort of diagram if anyone has one, I need to know whats involved in dissassembly and painting...

Thanks a ton for the tip
-Charles

[SC David]

I might try doing mine the super ghetto way I've done my bumpers, which is to quickly tape and newspaper up the car to prevent overspray. Only takes a minute, and has worked well. I'm sure it would work just as well with the trim, so that I don't have to risk bending, or go through the process of ordering new clips.

[CharlesAFerg]

I might try doing mine the super ghetto way I've done my bumpers, which is to quickly tape and newspaper up the car to prevent overspray. Only takes a minute, and has worked well. I'm sure it would work just as well with the trim, so that I don't have to risk bending, or go through the process of ordering new clips.

Could you tell me the part numbers for the clips? The parts manager at the BMW dealership here didn't think they would break, but I think I've heard it here before... So any help in that regard would be appreciated
-Charles

[sKilled]

Thanks Patrick, after reading Gordon's write-up I am so going ghetto. Trim tape, here I come.

[Patrick]

I saved these from a long time back -some familiar names in the first post re: painting. And yes, everyone says the clips break.
Here's Gordon's excellent writeup using the tape:
http://www.vaxxine.com/gblawson/shadowline/shadowline.eht

Painting:
http://www.bimmernut.com/wwwboard/e34/messages/55657.html
http://www.bimmernut.com/wwwboard/e34/messages01/messages/23014.html
http://bmwe34m5.com/faqs/?theme=1&level=4&question_id_select=440&chapitre_id_select=37&document_id_select=3

Hth.

[BigKriss]

I don't mind the look of the tape Ken, but whats wrong with the chrome anyway, assuming it's not worn out and looks crappy.


ive used the tape on my car and am more than happy with the results - i couldnt get the tape here in oz and helpful person on an oz bm board who is a sign writer by trade noticed that its the same tape they use on window signs- they call it 5 year tape - so try getting in touch with a local sign writer, the tape comes in any length and a variety of widths- very helpful for the rear door curve. easy to put on with a few hints from signwriter and still only about 10 aussie dollars
http://www.users.bigpond.com/kevinfishing/car1.jpg

[kev535i]

i just found on my car the chrome stood out too much and the black blended iinto the car better,almost giving the appearence of lower roof-kev

[1995 525i]

Could you tell me the part numbers for the clips? The parts manager at the BMW dealership here didn't think they would break, but I think I've heard it here before... So any help in that regard would be appreciated
-Charles


The clips break. Simple as that. I couldn't get the trim off without breaking mine. I painted my trim black and i love it. You have to remove it to really get the job done right ( I know cause I tried painting it while on the car). Sand the trim with course sand paper, clean then sand with a finer grit (I sanded the chrome off). Clean again and let dry. Spray the metal with a self etching primer (key step). Let it dry then spray another coat ( I put a few on myself). Let it dry then apply the paint. Let it dry and apply some more ( I put on many coats). I did this in my garage and it took me all day to do it right. The clips are cheap and you should get at least 20 (10 for each side) plus some spares. I could not find a way to take the trim off without breaking the clips.

Good Luck!

Michael

[CharlesAFerg]

First of all, your PM box is full.

I tried sending this-

Thanks for the advice, I will probably get the trim painting done soon. I've got to remove one of those black pillar pieces as well, as someone tried to break in a while back with the PO, and its...destroyed. Anyways, what kind of paint exactly did you use after the primer?
-Charles


The clips break. Simple as that. I couldn't get the trim off without breaking mine. I painted my trim black and i love it. You have to remove it to really get the job done right ( I know cause I tried painting it while on the car). Sand the trim with course sand paper, clean then sand with a finer grit (I sanded the chrome off). Clean again and let dry. Spray the metal with a self etching primer (key step). Let it dry then spray another coat ( I put a few on myself). Let it dry then apply the paint. Let it dry and apply some more ( I put on many coats). I did this in my garage and it took me all day to do it right. The clips are cheap and you should get at least 20 (10 for each side) plus some spares. I could not find a way to take the trim off without breaking the clips.

Good Luck!

Michael

[1995 525i]

Thanks Patrick, after reading Gordon's write-up I am so going ghetto. Trim tape, here I come.

Taking the trim off and painting it will last longer and probably be just as easy to do (to make it look perfect). I painted mine 6 months ago and it still looks great.http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/8/web/668000-668999/668949_15_full.jpg

[632 Regal]

Patrick, been trying to catch up with you for over a month, your emails suck! lol, my server i believe is banned by most places.