Aftermarket molding any good?

Hi, I am new to the board (today) and doing a restore on a 1995 (E34) 540i, engine good as a tank and body solid except the molding (aka: rust creator).

In looking at replacing the molding OEM is like $1,200 (all around), aftermarket comes to $338. I heard some stories of the aftermarket molding being too small.

My question (and thanks for help) is: Can anyone confirm issues with aftermarket molding?

Thank you!

Welcome to the forums. Have you considered junk yards or contacting other members parting their cars on these items before spending that much money on aftermarket parts you're unsure will fit? Couldn't hurt to try. What's wrong with yours?

OP, are you talking about the body colored trim at the very bottoms of the doors? If so it will not be anywhere near $1200, or even $338 for that matter.

Here are the part numbers you need:

Driver Door - 51212230373
Passenger Door - 51212230374
Both Rear Doors - 51222230398

All of these parts are only around $50 each from my local dealer (However that's here in the States)

Thank you for the welcome and advice, auto parts for BMW's (late model OEM) parts are all sourced from the US unless you get super lucky with a dealer, not often for later models (BMW has inventory in the US just due to market size).

I am in Canada, importing auto parts fall under the North American Free Trade Agreement and parts incur a 100% duty (some sneak by via regular mail shipping but that is a lottery), plus provicial tax so a $50 part in the US can go to $125 here.

The molding is the plastic one middoor and just faded - once I finish the paint it will stick out like a sore thumb. I looked at some used parts but no quality here. I am in Toronto and very surprised there is no provider here. So, I gotta look south or incurr OEM insane prices.

I have heard rumors that aftermarket do not have the right length and would hate to buy and then find out they are no good. Worse case I will drive to the US and cross the border to get OEM but if aftermarket ok I could skip the trip.

Cost clarification - $1,200 for chromed or $690 plastic from a dealer for OEM, aftermarket from both US and Canada web sites best price $220, add "shipping" gets me to $338.

Not the first bad thing I have heard about NAFTA... Have you ever heard of Mother's Back to black? It's a product which is supposed to bring back the original color of faded trim, I have never used it personally but it might be worth a shot before you spend $$$ on new trim.

I have used back paste shoe polish on the outside back trim with very good results. Just rub it on with a cloth and then brush off with the horse hair brush that comes in any shoe polish kit. It's worth a try.

Steve

Thanks again, the dang modling has bends so trying to color still shows the bends. Dang frickin plastic!! Replacement is the only "visual" option, gotta have clean lines or I get all jittery (LOL). I would personally hate to hear an observer say "Gee, that is the best E34 restore in the history of the world, except for that lousy modling of course."

If you can find properly fitted aftermarket molding, use it. Nothing special about the plastic or its measurements. I'm doing a restoration as well just spent 2 grand on rust removal and dent/paint repair. New bilstein shocks and brakes. Insurance covered the dents, rust, and paint... have one more scratch to go and a little buffing all around and it'll be perfect. Sorry to babble on but there's nothing that gives me wood more than a restored classic.

I think I'll get a E type jaguar next for restoration. Or maybe a tempest or 1970 chevelle. Ok, back on topic. Aftermarket is fine for rubber/plastic. Don't sweat it. Fuel pumps and other mechanical... not so much.

Tape it off and spray it with Plasti-dip. I have white and I'm considering spraying mine to match the body. I have seen it done and it looks great but too many haters have bashed the idea so I'm torn. I probably will just do it and not care what anyone thinks.

TemporarySanity - I thought about that as well but the shame in the local BMW restore community would likley keep me house bound except for cloud nights! Plus, the pureist in me for the restore means I barely keep my sanity by even considering aftermarket parts, for sure if I use aftermarket parts I will have to lie to my family so they are not shamed!