shadowline window trim install

[chester22]

Can this be installed after the fact? I hate the chrome window trim and want to replace it.

[desertman123]

I'm sure it can be, but I remember reading someone mentioned it's just easier to paint/plastidip the chrome trim.

Someone else will chime in with more knowledge.

[SamelCamel]

I'm pretty sure you can vinyl wrap as well. I've seen it done on other cars.

-Sam

[olds350]

My 128 came with the black gloss shadow line trim, but it's in terrible shape, lot of fade and someone tried to repair the drivers side door trim. They did a crappy job. That will be one of my spring touch up jobs. Bit too cool outside to paint.

[rowsdower]

Originally Posted by olds350

My 128 came with the black gloss shadow line trim, but it's in terrible shape, lot of fade and someone tried to repair the drivers side door trim. They did a crappy job. That will be one of my spring touch up jobs. Bit too cool outside to paint.

Mine got really weird. It had this hazy, multicolored film on it that would not come off with any amount of scrubbing. I polished the car with a DA polisher and Meguiars M205 and it brought the trim right back to a deep gloss black. That was 3 years ago and it’s still looking great.

[smrtypants44]

I had mine vinyl wrapped for about $250

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by chester22

Can this be installed after the fact? I hate the chrome window trim and want to replace it.

The factory stuff is really expensive. The trim along the bottom of the rear 1/4 windows only comes with the glass.

[low135]

I vinyl wrapped mine for about $40 compared to the $1k+ the OEM stuff was listing for

[DarthFader]

I would wrap it. Shadowline is super expensive and you'd have to replace the small rear windows - they are one piece.

[jkoral]

Originally Posted by rowsdower

Mine got really weird. It had this hazy, multicolored film on it that would not come off with any amount of scrubbing. I polished the car with a DA polisher and Meguiars M205 and it brought the trim right back to a deep gloss black. That was 3 years ago and it’s still looking great.

FWIW, there was a service bulletin about that. Here's an old version (newer versions probably included E82):

SI B 51 53 02
Body Equipment September 2006
Technical Service
This Service Information Bulletin This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. B51 53 02 dated October 2002. designates changes to this revision

SUBJECT
Discoloration of Shadowline Trim

MODEL
E46 (3 Series), E60, E61 (5 Series), E64 (6 Series), E65, E66 (7 Series), E83 (X3), E53 ( X5) Equipped with Shadowline exterior trim

SITUATION
The optional glossy black Shadowline exterior trim may become discolored.

CAUSE
Analysis has determined that the discoloration is due to a film deposited on the trim which distorts the light reflecting off the trim. These deposits may come from car washes, hard water, or other environmental conditions.

CORRECTION
Deposits that cause the discoloration can be easily removed by polishing with a quality swirl removing polish, such as Meguiars #9.

Note: The glossy black trim pieces are anodized, not painted, and the discoloration does not mean that the surface has been damaged. Therefore, the trim pieces should not be replaced for this complaint.

[rowsdower]

Originally Posted by jkoral

FWIW, there was a service bulletin about that. Here's an old version (newer versions probably included E82):

SI B 51 53 02
Body Equipment September 2006
Technical Service
This Service Information Bulletin This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. B51 53 02 dated October 2002. designates changes to this revision

SUBJECT
Discoloration of Shadowline Trim

MODEL
E46 (3 Series), E60, E61 (5 Series), E64 (6 Series), E65, E66 (7 Series), E83 (X3), E53 ( X5) Equipped with Shadowline exterior trim

SITUATION
The optional glossy black Shadowline exterior trim may become discolored.

CAUSE
Analysis has determined that the discoloration is due to a film deposited on the trim which distorts the light reflecting off the trim. These deposits may come from car washes, hard water, or other environmental conditions.

CORRECTION
Deposits that cause the discoloration can be easily removed by polishing with a quality swirl removing polish, such as Meguiars #9.

Note: The glossy black trim pieces are anodized, not painted, and the discoloration does not mean that the surface has been damaged. Therefore, the trim pieces should not be replaced for this complaint.

Interesting! I had no idea they were anodized. Good to know. Yeah the Meguiars fixed that haze right quick in a jiffy.

[chester22]

Are you vinyl wrap guys happy with the finished product? Did you go with a glossy looking wrap or matte? Got any pics?

[Cavpilot2k]

WHen you say "haze", do you mean the rainbow effect?

My shadowline has picked up a slight "rainbow" effect (multicolored).

[rowsdower]

Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k

WHen you say "haze", do you mean the rainbow effect?

My shadowline has picked up a slight "rainbow" effect (multicolored).

Yes, a weird rainbow almost like oil in a puddle.