[Llarry]

I have been investigating the possiblity of getting anthracite birch wood trim from BMW Individual on my '05 M3. While I've not yet seen it in person, I'm impressed with the photos and comments I've seen on the internet.

Step 1 -- Contact Steve Diamond at Eurobuyers. Yes, he can get me a set. $2,000. Ouch! Seems pretty expensive! I wonder if there are any other options...

Step 2 -- Dealership parts dept. "Yep, there it is in the parts data base. Expensive stuff! $443 list price for the 3 pieces that run across the E46 dash, for example. But -- not to worry, LMC -- we'll give you the normal generous discount. Oops -- that field there means we can't order it. Let's call the parts experts at BMWNA."
"Bad news -- you can't order the parts. It's only available as an option when the car is built."

Step 3 -- The dealership sales dept would be happy to inquire on my behalf if this trim can be special-ordered. Bad news -- it can't. The price in Germany is 790 euros, so I figure this would cost about a thousand if BMWNA would allow it -- they won't.

So the bottom line is that BMW Individual wood can be had in the USA -- but only because an enterprising American has developed a way to get around BMWNA to import the pieces. And it's expensive. I guess that makes sense.

www.eurobuyers.com

(Steve has had some significant medical problems lately; give him plenty of time to answer any email query.)

 

[Alex Baumann]

I remember Terry Kennedy mentioned paying $1400 for the set in his car.

 

[Llarry]

I remember Terry Kennedy mentioned paying $1400 for the set in his car.

Yes, and that price difference sounds about right for sedan/touring trim versus coupe and cabrio trim.

For Terry's touring, since he had gray leather I think it was indeed an excellent choice to complement his colors.

I think it would be the only wood trim I would put it an M3; beautiful wood, yet does not spoil the sport effect, either. Another intriguing idea for trim is trim covered in leather to match the exterior color -- I have discussed this with LeatherZ.

One other possibility would be to buy a cheap ticket to Germany, find an E46 coupe on the street, break in and take the wood trim. Do German jails have comfortable beds and good food?

 

[Alex Baumann]

Do German jails have comfortable beds and good food?

:lmao:

Do you like beer for breakfast?

 

[tierfreund]

:lmao:

Do you like beer for breakfast?

How would you know? Have you been wringing out your Alpina on the wrong streets?

 

[machmeter]

AB trim rocks! :thumbup:

 

[johnf]

One other possibility would be to buy a cheap ticket to Germany, find an E46 coupe on the street, break in and take the wood trim. Do German jails have comfortable beds and good food?

I would think ordering the trim from a German dealer might be a little easier but perhaps that's just me. Life in a German prision would probably be just a little too orderly.

 

[WAM]

Since you are desperate enough to break into a car, try ordering it from a Vancouver dealer and driving over to pick up the trim. I had the same issue when trying to order screws for the E46 first aid kit bracket. I ordered them from Toronto and had a cousin mail them over.

 

[Llarry]

I would think ordering the trim from a German dealer might be a little easier but perhaps that's just me. Life in a German prision would probably be just a little too orderly.

Very, very orderly, I'm sure.

 

[Llarry]

Since you are desperate enough to break into a car, try ordering it from a Vancouver dealer and driving over to pick up the trim. I had the same issue when trying to order screws for the E46 first aid kit bracket. I ordered them from Toronto and had a cousin mail them over.

Interesting thought! Actually, Steve's Eurobuyers prices are normally quite reasonable and less than list price at the dealer's price counter. I was really just trying to think of a way to "beat the system" and find a screaming deal on something that is quite expensive. I don't know how Canadian parts prices compare to US prices, but I'd guess that the list price for a set of this trim in the USA would run 2500ish.

 

[Kaz]

Anthracite Birch is definitely a difficult item. My local dealer's parts gal has been trying to piece it all for some time, and I think she finally got all the bits (except for the e-brake, I think) after over a year of trying. And this is a BMW parts person doing this.

 

[Toast]

Interesting thought! Actually, Steve's Eurobuyers prices are normally quite reasonable and less than list price at the dealer's price counter. I was really just trying to think of a way to "beat the system" and find a screaming deal on something that is quite expensive. I don't know how Canadian parts prices compare to US prices, but I'd guess that the list price for a set of this trim in the USA would run 2500ish.

I'm in Vancouver. If you have all the part numbers handy I can drop by my dealership sometime next week and get a quote for you. Let me know if you need my help.

 

[Llarry]

Let me know if you need my help.

Many thanks, O Great White Northern Friend!

Let me PM you a list instead of taking up bandwidth here.

 

[tierfreund]

@Toast

I like the picture in your sig. Cute.

 

[Alex Baumann]

How would you know? Have you been wringing out your Alpina on the wrong streets?

:eeps: :eeps: