[Posull78]

Originally Posted by comber

Sorry I was on holidays...already replied your PM, but I put the link here anyway.

This can help:

https://youtu.be/qwAl2Qqj4ew

Extremely helpful, thanks!

[nakamuru]

Originally Posted by comber

Sorry I was on holidays...already replied your PM, but I put the link here anyway.

This can help:

https://youtu.be/qwAl2Qqj4ew

Holy moly just was i was looking for didnt realize it popped off that easily. But the buttons are able to be removed eaisly to and put on the new center too?

[comber]

Originally Posted by nakamuru

Holy moly just was i was looking for didnt realize it popped off that easily. But the buttons are able to be removed eaisly to and put on the new center too?

Yep, they just have some small screws...

[abh2188]

Anyone knows an aftermarket solution for the piano black on the 2022 x3m40?
It gets smudgy so fast..ughh
Will the gear shifter console for m340i fit it? As the shifter config is same now.

[Shaun170]

Originally Posted by abh2188

Anyone knows an aftermarket solution for the piano black on the 2022 x3m40?
It gets smudgy so fast..ughh
Will the gear shifter console for m340i fit it? As the shifter config is same now.

I’m waiting for a good quality real carbon fibre trim to come out.

[kimsmoltz]

Originally Posted by Shaun170

I’m waiting for a good quality real carbon fibre trim to come out.

same here. i want to replace all the piano black trim to match the factory carbon fiber

[oasis3582]

For anyone that might be interested….I bought a super cheap carbon fiber overlay kit on amazon to give it a try. It had free returns so I figured I could just send it back if it looked crappy out of the box. Anyways, upon opening it, it looked decent enough. I just installed it, and I am quite pleased with the result. Below are some before and after pics…

For reference here is the link to the product:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CBSVGPP...UTF8&psc=1

[mclark2112]

I'm not big on the carbon look anymore, but what do you think of this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/14397724390...MAAOSwrLNgTRE4

I have the aluminum trim so this may be a nice compliment.

[DenverSteve]

Okay. Doesn't look bad but it looks like you went from piano-black to piano-zebra. Looks like a highly stretchable material - like the OEM if you are rough on it.

[PX3]

Originally Posted by oasis3582

For anyone that might be interested….I bought a super cheap carbon fiber overlay kit on amazon to give it a try. It had free returns so I figured I could just send it back if it looked crappy out of the box. Anyways, upon opening it, it looked decent enough. I just installed it, and I am quite pleased with the result. Below are some before and after pics…

For reference here is the link to the product:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CBSVGPP...ing=UTF8&psc=1

I think it looks pretty decent. Let's face it, anything is better than the piano black!

[g.m00]

Actually it looks pretty good. Doesn't have the cheap look when you glance at it. The After picture certainly stands out.

Originally Posted by oasis3582

For anyone that might be interested….I bought a super cheap carbon fiber overlay kit on amazon to give it a try. It had free returns so I figured I could just send it back if it looked crappy out of the box. Anyways, upon opening it, it looked decent enough. I just installed it, and I am quite pleased with the result. Below are some before and after pics…

For reference here is the link to the product:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CBSVGPP...ing=UTF8&psc=1

[X3MCRN]

Originally Posted by suby01

I'm literally shopping for options to get rid of the piano black all week. I called my local wrapping shop they want $350 to do a CF wrap. Or I found this alternative that will most likely look too cheesy and I will end up going with the CF wrap anyway.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/383321827615

My detailer is going to do interior Xpel on my center console and around the radio/climate control for $200

[BobBMWX3]

I actually like the look of the piano black. I think it is sharp, stands out, and provides contrast to the rest of the interior. I dont mind the fingerprints, dust, etc. Easy enough to clean off. You have to clean often, but it looks nice when done.

My problem with it is the scratching. I dont like the how easily it takes scratches. I did see the repair video, but I am not that skilled. Been under a month and already have one light scratch seen under a light.

Do you all hate the piano black enough to want to replace it in all the little places the trim is at? Around the quick select buttons, the rear passenger vents, etc.

[oasis3582]

Originally Posted by BobBMWX3

I actually like the look of the piano black. I think it is sharp, stands out, and provides contrast to the rest of the interior. I dont mind the fingerprints, dust, etc. Easy enough to clean off. You have to clean often, but it looks nice when done.

My problem with it is the scratching. I dont like the how easily it takes scratches. I did see the repair video, but I am not that skilled. Been under a month and already have one light scratch seen under a light.

Do you all hate the piano black enough to want to replace it in all the little places the trim is at? Around the quick select buttons, the rear passenger vents, etc.

I agree that I like the looks of it when it is clean, but the dust is what drove me absolutely crazy. I was literally using a microfiber to dust it off every single time I got in the car.

I don't find the dust accumulation is bad enough in the other areas to make me want to take any action on those parts. If there was an easier solution, I might pursue it...but not a huge deal to me.

[Alias1431]

Originally Posted by BobBMWX3

I actually like the look of the piano black. I think it is sharp, stands out, and provides contrast to the rest of the interior.

I think most here would agree. It looks fantastic when new, and that's why it's so popular with brands (plus it's cheap!). The issue is as you go on to say. It picks up scratches just by looking at it. Fingerprints, dust, etc. After a couple days it already looks like garbage. Not ideal for something you want to have for years.

[Golease]

Originally Posted by g.m00

Actually it looks pretty good. Doesn't have the cheap look when you glance at it. The After picture certainly stands out.

Do all these console overlays fit 2022 LCI 30i? I don't see much difference in the pictures on the console btw pre LCI and LCI.

[oasis3582]

Originally Posted by Golease

Do all these console overlays fit 2022 LCI 30i? I don't see much difference in the pictures on the console btw pre LCI and LCI.

I would doubt it. The shifter and iDrive knobs are both substantially different.

You can always order one from Amazon that has free returns to check for yourself. You can try to lay it over where it would go without pulling the backing off the double sided tape.

[BobBMWX3]

I was in my wife's Volvo today and compared it to my new X3. Hers has a Shiny Wood around the gear shifter and center console area. I definitely like the look of the piano black over that. In addition, hers is scratched up also, but maybe less noticeable because you need the sun to hit it. And...hers was definitely dusty since she does not care about interior (or exterior care)...ha.

[g.m00]

Actually I prefer that Shiny Wood look. Has that rustic feeling to it but if the scratches are gonna be noticeable that easily, I'd take Piano Black over that any day

Originally Posted by BobBMWX3

I was in my wife's Volvo today and compared it to my new X3. Hers has a Shiny Wood around the gear shifter and center console area. I definitely like the look of the piano black over that. In addition, hers is scratched up also, but maybe less noticeable because you need the sun to hit it. And...hers was definitely dusty since she does not care about interior (or exterior care)...ha.

[MyfirstBMW_X3M40i]

Originally Posted by Shaun170

I’m waiting for a good quality real carbon fibre trim to come out.

See AliExpress now have the CF trim for the 2022 LCI model, and not just LHD models, it looks symmetrical so should fit both. I hate the piano black, and may just get this. Whats your thoughts?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...rch-mainSearch

Actually several pieces of CF for the 2022 model

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...rch-mainSearch

[DCC]

Nice find 👌

I was hoping to replace the entire piece vs the "stick on" version like this one is

[Snave01]

Originally Posted by oasis3582

For anyone that might be interested….I bought a super cheap carbon fiber overlay kit on amazon to give it a try. It had free returns so I figured I could just send it back if it looked crappy out of the box. Anyways, upon opening it, it looked decent enough. I just installed it, and I am quite pleased with the result. Below are some before and after pics…

For reference here is the link to the product:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CBSVGPP...ing=UTF8&psc=1

The CF actually doesn’t look as bad as I thought with the AR trim above. Since mine is a lease, I wouldn’t apply a sticker type overlay on mine but would love to replace the piano black with an AR version or even more of a matte black.