How well does OEM shadowline hold up?

[Rouvld]

For those of you who have M3's and 318is that came from the factory with shadowline trim, how well does oem shadowline hold up? Does it start to look like crap as the car ages? I'm thinking of ordering all new oem shadowline and wanted to know how it compares to the SEM trim paint route. I already have my trim done with the SEM trim paint, but in my order I got today from ECS tuning I accedetilly ordered the wrong item. I though I ordered the center door moulding but I actually ordered the lower door trim. To my surprise it was black, I guess that's why I accidentally ordered it. Now seeing how the OEM stuff looks compared to my SEM painted ones I want to go that route.

[flyboyx]

Oem holds up fantastic. Painting your trim with black paint looks like total dog crap in a year or two.

The next best option is to take all the trim off your car and get it powder coated in black. This should last just as long as oem. Should cost less than 150.00 bucks. The last time I looked at it a couple years ago, this is what I was quoted. It's a lot cheaper than buying it new from bmw.

[and_e30]

I have a 91 318is and it has been a southern car its whole life. The majority of the trim held up very well. However some spots are starting to fade over time from the sun blasting. If you plan on babying the car and keeping it garaged its entire life you will be completely fine with OEM black. Powder coat will def be more robust and cheaper than oem but I don't think it will look as classy. Def do not rattle can them, it looks terrible and doesn't age well at all. I have considered buying new OEM trim as well for mine.

[Todd Black 88]

If you are going the powdercoat route, make sure they use UV resistant powder. Most places don't, and it will fade quickly.

[Staszek]

Can you get all OEM shadow line still? I thought some of the parts are NLA.

[reelizmpro]

OEM holds up very well as long as it's taken care of and isn't baking in the sun 24/7. Even fade can be restored easily with products and it is very chip resistant vs most DIY treatments. I tried removing some from a 91 318iS in the junkyard once but it's hard working with brittle trim. It bends pretty easily as well.

[Rouvld]

Can you get all OEM shadow line still? I thought some of the parts are NLA.

I thought it was no longer available as well until ECS accidentally sent me a shadowline door piece. Everything is still available, I ordered everything from ECS the only thing that isn't available from ECS is, I think the left connection joint (small piece that goes over the trim) you have to get that from fco euro.

[Staszek]

I thought it was no longer available as well until ECS accidentally sent me a shadowline door piece. Everything is still available, I ordered everything from ECS the only thing that isn't available from ECS is, I think the left connection joint (small piece that goes over the trim) you have to get that from fco euro.

Awesome!! I will order them then, I am missing some trim anyway and I planned on going shadowline.

[profbooty]

Plastidip has held up well for me for the last 7 years.

[Northern]

I vinyl wrapped mine, but I should've taken off the little clips above the quarter windows and painted or wrapped them separately.

Also, the vinyl hates the roof racks, so there are permanent stretch marks on it from mounting them.