Just Ordered

MTTM · 04-20-2008, 06:59 PM

I've been lurking on the site for a month or two now and just pulled the trigger on a Titanium Silver / Black 135i this weekend. For those who have gotten their cars with the high gloss black trim - does it really sparkle in person as much as some of the pictures show? It's got me thinking about switching to the gray poplar even though I don't really want the wood.

TP 135i · 04-20-2008, 07:31 PM

You only see the "sparkle" in direct sunlight. In any other light it just looks black..........and I love it by the way. I'm very happy with the gloss black.
Depending on where you are in PA you can see mine if you want.

Oregon · 04-20-2008, 07:55 PM

It's true, the sparkles are mostly visible in direct sunlight. In another thread I stated I would have opted for GP had I known about the sparkles, but, I'm not so sure now, the GB trim is sort of obligatory if your car has a black interior, gotta' go all the way. ALFM.

MTTM · 04-21-2008, 02:05 PM

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to switch to the aluminum. Not sure I think GP suits the cars demeanor and would like to avoid any sparkling (even though all black is mean looking).

TP 135i · 04-21-2008, 03:12 PM

Have you seen the aluminum?
It's textured........some like it others don't.
You should see it before you decide to get it.
There are some close-up pics of it on here somewhere...

TP 135i · 04-21-2008, 03:24 PM

I found the pic...........FYI

MTTM · 04-21-2008, 04:39 PM

Thanks for posting the pics. I've seen the aluminum in person. I liked it. Wouldn't get it with black leather in a 3 because it's too much aluminum and creates a halo like effect in my opinion. Either way I think I'd be happy.

Dan203 · 04-21-2008, 04:41 PM

I got the black leather and aluminum sight unseen. I'm hoping I like the aluminum, but if not there are after market options for replacing it.

Dan

shawshank772 · 04-21-2008, 05:33 PM

Humm, the textured aluminum doesnt look to bad. It almost looks like my budies c32 AMG.

Bizall · 04-21-2008, 07:20 PM

No offense to anyone, but the aluminum

It looks like snake/alligator/fish scales or something. Why didn't they keep the same aluminum on the E46ers. We have black/aluminum on our 330xi and love it. More like a brushed aluminum.

NY SLC 93 · 04-21-2008, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bizall

No offense to anyone, but the aluminum

It looks like snake/alligator/fish scales or something. Why didn't they keep the same aluminum on the E46ers. We have black/aluminum on our 330xi and love it. More like a brushed aluminum.

I haven't even seen the aluminum but I'm diggin it. Word up.

Bizall · 04-21-2008, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NY SLC 93

I haven't even seen the aluminum but I'm diggin it. Word up.

See the above pics for the aluminum.

Qube · 06-11-2008, 08:01 AM

Gloss black is pretty ugly for me. I just picked up a JB/black vert and I don't like it. I believe it's primarily because my wife's 135 has the black poplar trim... that looks nice. Still, BOTH are nicer than the wood trim in my 540 though

sethchan · 06-11-2008, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bizall

No offense to anyone, but the aluminum

It looks like snake/alligator/fish scales or something. Why didn't they keep the same aluminum on the E46ers. We have black/aluminum on our 330xi and love it. More like a brushed aluminum.

In fact, that was the main reason I got the M-Sport package, because in Sweden, it's the only way to get it. I realize I'm in the minority here, though.

InsaneSkippy · 06-11-2008, 08:08 AM

I got the high gloss black and I noticed "sparkles" once. Besides, you have to be paying a LOT of attention to notice it

WhiteOne · 06-11-2008, 12:59 PM

Is anyone old enough to remember aluminum ice trays? The ones with the handle you raised to break up the ice? That is what I see when I look at the aluminum trim. Wood trim is for luxury cars. Sport package/blackette/gloss black for me. I really would like to see the CF trim in person though. JMHO

OrientBlauZHP · 06-11-2008, 01:47 PM

I liked the trim in my 330 ZHP so that's why I went with it on my 1; but I can see why some don't like it. It's all a matter of personal preference

mikead_99 · 06-11-2008, 01:55 PM

I like the idea of gloss black, but I'm also afraid it will scratch up real easy. I ended up ordering aluminum for that reason alone.

Bullitt · 06-11-2008, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteOne

Wood trim is for luxury cars.

+1

I felt the aluminum and high gloss black were the only trims that matched the sporty tone of the 1 series. When I saw the aluminum trim in person, its material quality and scaly texture felt relatively cheap and low-grade compared to the other trims. The gloss black was by no means what I had hoped for either. I actually didn't notice the sparkles in it until I made some effort to inspect for them. From a maintenance perspective, I feel that the gloss black is easier to clean due to its slick smooth surface, whereas I can see myself having a more difficult time removing any dirt and grime that collects within all the tiny recessed scales of the aluminum.

If only high gloss black was truly "piano black".

04-20-2008, 06:59 PM	#1
MTTM Enlisted Member 1 Rep 38 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	Just Ordered - High Gloss Question I've been lurking on the site for a month or two now and just pulled the trigger on a Titanium Silver / Black 135i this weekend. For those who have gotten their cars with the high gloss black trim - does it really sparkle in person as much as some of the pictures show? It's got me thinking about switching to the gray poplar even though I don't really want the wood.
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04-20-2008, 07:31 PM	#2
TP 135i Major 29 Rep 1,340 Posts Drives: 2008 135i SGM MT Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Finksburg, Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 1995 Acura Integra SE [0.00] 2008 BMW 135i [0.00] 2006 Porsche Cayman S [0.00] 1999 Toyota 4-Runner [0.00]	You only see the "sparkle" in direct sunlight. In any other light it just looks black..........and I love it by the way. I'm very happy with the gloss black. Depending on where you are in PA you can see mine if you want. __________________ 2008 135i SGM
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04-20-2008, 07:55 PM	#3
Oregon NRA Life Member, BMW CCA 30 year member 181 Rep 2,614 Posts Drives: 04' M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Oregon iTrader: (1) Garage List 1971 2002 [0.00] 2004 M3 [0.00] 2008 135i [0.00]	It's true, the sparkles are mostly visible in direct sunlight. In another thread I stated I would have opted for GP had I known about the sparkles, but, I'm not so sure now, the GB trim is sort of obligatory if your car has a black interior, gotta' go all the way. ALFM. __________________ Resigned 1ADDICTS Moderator “To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them.” – George Mason
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04-21-2008, 02:05 PM	#4
MTTM Enlisted Member 1 Rep 38 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to switch to the aluminum. Not sure I think GP suits the cars demeanor and would like to avoid any sparkling (even though all black is mean looking).
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04-21-2008, 03:12 PM	#5
TP 135i Major 29 Rep 1,340 Posts Drives: 2008 135i SGM MT Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Finksburg, Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 1995 Acura Integra SE [0.00] 2008 BMW 135i [0.00] 2006 Porsche Cayman S [0.00] 1999 Toyota 4-Runner [0.00]	Have you seen the aluminum? It's textured........some like it others don't. You should see it before you decide to get it. There are some close-up pics of it on here somewhere... __________________ 2008 135i SGM
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04-21-2008, 03:24 PM	#6
TP 135i Major 29 Rep 1,340 Posts Drives: 2008 135i SGM MT Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Finksburg, Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 1995 Acura Integra SE [0.00] 2008 BMW 135i [0.00] 2006 Porsche Cayman S [0.00] 1999 Toyota 4-Runner [0.00]	I found the pic...........FYI Attached Images __________________ 2008 135i SGM
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04-21-2008, 04:39 PM	#7
MTTM Enlisted Member 1 Rep 38 Posts Drives: Join Date: Apr 2008 iTrader: (0)	Thanks for posting the pics. I've seen the aluminum in person. I liked it. Wouldn't get it with black leather in a 3 because it's too much aluminum and creates a halo like effect in my opinion. Either way I think I'd be happy.
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04-21-2008, 04:41 PM	#8
Dan203 Lieutenant Colonel 136 Rep 1,592 Posts Drives: 2016 340i xDrive Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Carson City, NV iTrader: (1)	I got the black leather and aluminum sight unseen. I'm hoping I like the aluminum, but if not there are after market options for replacing it. Dan
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04-21-2008, 05:33 PM	#9
shawshank772 Major 120 Rep 1,159 Posts Drives: 08 135i and 16 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chicago iTrader: (1)	Humm, the textured aluminum doesnt look to bad. It almost looks like my budies c32 AMG.
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04-21-2008, 07:20 PM	#10
Bizall Captain 123 Rep 905 Posts Drives: 2019 Honda Accord Touring 2.0 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northern Virginia iTrader: (0)	No offense to anyone, but the aluminum It looks like snake/alligator/fish scales or something. Why didn't they keep the same aluminum on the E46ers. We have black/aluminum on our 330xi and love it. More like a brushed aluminum. __________________ 2018 BMW M3 - 12.1 @ 121mph 2014 BMW 335i M-Sport (Sold) 12.4 @ 113mph 2008 BMW 135i (Sold) 12.8 @ 106mph
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06-11-2008, 08:01 AM	#13
Qube Lieutenant 34 Rep 531 Posts Drives: E39 540 :: 09 STi Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Right here. iTrader: (0)	Gloss black is pretty ugly for me. I just picked up a JB/black vert and I don't like it. I believe it's primarily because my wife's 135 has the black poplar trim... that looks nice. Still, BOTH are nicer than the wood trim in my 540 though
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06-11-2008, 08:08 AM	#15
InsaneSkippy Lieutenant Colonel 79 Rep 1,597 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Florida iTrader: (1)	I got the high gloss black and I noticed "sparkles" once. Besides, you have to be paying a LOT of attention to notice it __________________
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06-11-2008, 12:59 PM	#16
WhiteOne Major 28 Rep 1,000 Posts Drives: 2008 AW 135i Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Alabama iTrader: (0)	Is anyone old enough to remember aluminum ice trays? The ones with the handle you raised to break up the ice? That is what I see when I look at the aluminum trim. Wood trim is for luxury cars. Sport package/blackette/gloss black for me. I really would like to see the CF trim in person though. JMHO
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06-11-2008, 01:47 PM	#17
OrientBlauZHP 1addict regardless 7 Rep 248 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	I liked the trim in my 330 ZHP so that's why I went with it on my 1; but I can see why some don't like it. It's all a matter of personal preference __________________ 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie 05 Orient Blau ZHP
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06-11-2008, 01:55 PM	#18
mikead_99 Second Lieutenant 6 Rep 201 Posts Drives: 08 SMG 135i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NoVA iTrader: (1)	I like the idea of gloss black, but I'm also afraid it will scratch up real easy. I ended up ordering aluminum for that reason alone. __________________ 135i ....
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