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      02-14-2011, 02:52 AM   #1
X5plug-in
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Alu trim

Spotting a few peeps who have spent the £250+ on this option. My view was that STD was ok and this money will be worth nothing come resale. What am I missing? Any side-by-side photo comparisons? Thanks.
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      02-14-2011, 03:12 AM   #2
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Hi,

Up close, the Aluminum trim sure looks more premium. Highly questionable if it's worth the money though...

I went with the standard Satin silver for mine with Alpine white/Black Nevada.

For the money I "saved" on trim I got rear view camera, which feels a whole lot more "premium" and 2011 to me.

If I don't like the look of the Satin silver after a while, my backup plan is to redo them in some other color, either repaint or vinyl.

Karl
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      02-14-2011, 05:09 AM   #3
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I guess you are referring to the brushed Aluminum (center console and door trim), and not the chrome package available in the accessories list?

M-Sport package has brushed aluminum as standard.
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      02-14-2011, 06:20 AM   #4
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Yep. The centre console finish options in general are of interest to me. They seem expensive for what they are. I also went for the camera instead! So far!
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      02-14-2011, 06:48 AM   #5
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It came along with the M-sport. Doubt that I'd spend the money if it didn't. Haven't seen them side by side however.
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      02-14-2011, 07:31 AM   #6
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I'm surprised that people say it's not worth the money. I agree, it's not, but neither is pro satnav at £2,500, DAB digital radio at £320, split folding rear seats at £165 or cutting a hole in the roof for £1,155!

I never got to see one in standard silver so didn't want to take the risk and not opt for brushed alu.
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      02-14-2011, 07:39 AM   #7
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The standard silver trim is awful. Sat in some demo cars before, the finish and light reflection on the plastic makes the cabin feel cheap and Japanese (No insult intended).

Of course subjective to each...
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      02-14-2011, 07:41 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcmasman View Post
The standard silver trim is awful. Sat in some demo cars before, the finish and light reflection on the plastic makes the cabin feel cheap and Japanese (No insult intended).

Of course subjective to each...
There we are. Risk avoided and worth every penny then!
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      02-14-2011, 09:22 AM   #9
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So aluminium does not reflect? Anyone for a second opinion or photos?
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      02-14-2011, 10:20 AM   #10
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Take a trip to your dealer and you will see a load of old used 3 series with the standard silver trim (plastic)

Whilst they look the same from a distance the Alu looks far better

For me it is like Leather vs Leatherette

Each to their own
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      02-14-2011, 10:56 AM   #11
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I went for the brushed aluminium. Really pleased with the look of it. Demo models had the satin silver trim in them and it gave the car (IMO) a cheap look and not in fitting with the car.
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      02-14-2011, 11:05 AM   #12
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Good grief! You guys really should be in sales. You are really good at spending my money! Seriously thanks for the advice. This forum is brilliant.
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      02-14-2011, 11:11 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by X3buyerScotland View Post
Good grief! You guys really should be in sales. You are really good at spending my money! Seriously thanks for the advice. This forum is brilliant.
Perhaps we should ask BMKW for commission for online sales
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      02-14-2011, 11:22 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by X3buyerScotland View Post
Good grief! You guys really should be in sales. You are really good at spending my money! Seriously thanks for the advice. This forum is brilliant.
Just realized you have the 3.0i model on order ... the brushed alu trim will definitely make your car feel more premium.

If you ask me, I would react more on the interior trim than say ... the exterior side mirrors don't fold themselves. BTW, do you have that option on your list?? (the sale pitch continues...)
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      02-14-2011, 11:28 AM   #15
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Yes, I have the folding mirrors and top view camera too! And sunroof! Need to see the trim diff. Must say did not like last Alu trim I had in a previous car, which is why I currently have wood which the dealer says is now not worth a bean to him.
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      02-14-2011, 01:47 PM   #16
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if it's anything like the brushed alu in my old z4 and the satin silver in the e60, it's a deffo must for me at least.. makes a world of diff...to the extent i'll take it over the xline package....
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      02-14-2011, 02:07 PM   #17
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I'd drop the top view camera and go for the normal camera. I have it and it works a dream esp. if you switch the path lines on via I drive. You can then utilise the diff to add the brushed aluminium, else just push your dealer to throw it in. Prob harder now that you have paid your deposit.
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      02-14-2011, 02:36 PM   #18
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Ta advice. Couple of points. Need top camera for narrow garage but glad to hear STD camera works well as not seen much on here about it. Next, alu would indeed be another extra. From your previous posts you seem a real fan of the alu with the added bonus that you actually have it, so that carries a lot of opinion value. Reconsidering as a result.
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      02-14-2011, 02:52 PM   #19
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1 for the alu. I have it and it looks and feels premium. Definitely worth the upgrade !
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      02-14-2011, 05:03 PM   #20
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All the cars I'd seen until this past w/e, were either had wood trim or brushed aluminum.
A space grey demo car I saw this Saturday, had standard silver trim - and I have to say it looks cheap and nasty to me. Didn't expect it to look quite as cheap.
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      02-14-2011, 05:14 PM   #21
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Hmmm...sounds like it'll be vinyl wrap time for me when it comes to the interiror then...

If it were a private car, I'd probably add the aluminum trim, but I'm already slightly above my limit for company car, and nothing left to leave out.

Karl
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      02-14-2011, 05:21 PM   #22
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One thing to note, the demo car I saw was unbelievably dirty outside and in, it didn't give a great impression overall - no doubt that made me critical of any difference. All the other cars I'd seen were in showroom condition (as you'd expect really) - if this one had been, I would have still noticed, but probably not as much.
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