Glanzschwartz vs "Shadowline" (maybe some other M-Sport questions later)

[Imolarot2]

I apologize ahead of time if this has already been covered, I searched but couldn't find an answer that satisfied me.

For the last 4+ years I have owned a 2005 330Ci (ZHP - aka M-Performance Package) with Shadowline trim (glanzschwartz). It is a high gloss black window trim that seems to be bonded directly to the metal of the window trim, looks completely different from every E38 sport I've ever seen in person.

My question... on the E38, was it made in a different way? My (new-to-me) shorty sporty with shadowline seems to looks like regular window trim that had some sort or additive to make the matte look glossy, but nowhere close to what "Gloss Black" looks like on my E46 (but the first ZHP was built over 2 years after E38 production stopped so that's why I'm thinking they changed processes).

E38 Shadowline (kinda matte after 12 years)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/740i/DC91DEDC-4B36-4EBA-9846-6038567DF97E-674-000001101A384DA0.jpg

E46 Shadowline (look hard, you will see the gloss)

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/DSC_9879.jpg

I will likely end up just vinyl wrapping the trim gloss black since my E46 trim is over $1500 and I an only imagine how much more 7er vs 3er trim costs.

Looking forward to responses

[psjr]

Almost all shadowline E38s are the matte black, and definitely all US ones.
Non-Sport 750s got the B-pillars and mirror surrounds in glanzschwarz.
Glanzschwarz window trim was available for the E38 but I have only seen it once, in Europe.

[Imolarot2]

Almost all shadowline E38s are the matte black, and definitely all US ones.
Non-Sport 750s got the B-pillars and mirror surrounds in glanzschwarz.
Glanzschwarz window trim was available for the E38 but I have only seen it once, in Europe.

damn, I was hoping not to hear this but am not surprised. Thanks for the info!

[M I C H A E L]

what would be the best way to make it look like Glanzschwarz if we can already DIY shadowline without having to spend hundreds of dollars at the dealer for it.

[IcemanBHE]

A blindfold.

[Imolarot2]

what would be the best way to make it look like Glanzschwarz if we can already DIY shadowline without having to spend hundreds of dollars at the dealer for it.

how do you E38 guys do it?

Us ZHP guys like this stuff because it looks closest to the real Glanzschwarz besides wet sand/paint:

http://shadowlinetrim.com/

edit: E46 matte black or chrome window trim is appx half the price of glanzschwarz, I'm sure the relative price is just as crazy for E38's. The one thing I do have to admit is Glanzschwarz was originally available on the E46 M3 CSL, so that might be part of the reason why ZHP trim is so expensive. I would love to get a full set of Glanzschwarz for the E38 but that might just have to be a long term project.

[M I C H A E L]

how do you E38 guys do it?

Us ZHP guys like this stuff because it looks closest to the real Glanzschwarz besides wet sand/paint:

http://shadowlinetrim.com/

edit: E46 matte black or chrome window trim is appx half the price of glanzschwarz, I'm sure the relative price is just as crazy for E38's

wow a grand, definate pass... lol here i come plastidip!!

[Imolarot2]

wow a grand, definate pass... lol here i come plastidip!!

nah... you just buy a roll and cut it to fit. way cheaper than their pre cut stuff

also, Plastidip never looks quite right. I dunno, I've owned too many BMW's over the years and I tend to get picky about options installed on my cars.

[M I C H A E L]

nah... you just buy a roll and cut it to fit. way cheaper than their pre cut stuff

also, Plastidip never looks quite right. I dunno, I've owned too many BMW's over the years and I tend to get picky about options installed on my cars.

huh? which one would i need?? it shows part number for left door, right door, ect...

[Imolarot2]

huh? which one would i need?? it shows part number for left door, right door, ect...

you just buy a huge roof vinyl and trim it, less than $100

http://shadowlinetrim.com/roofvinyls.html

[M I C H A E L]

I was looking under window trim vinyls.. this will be a better alternative than plastidip

[GSXRliterbikz]

I have a set of the gloss trim from a 750. But its an il set. So the rear doors wont fit your car.

[Ghettobird52]

Those IL would obviously fit a 740iL correct? And if so pm me price please (maybe a pic if you have 1)

[FatnWide740iL]

I have a set of the gloss trim from a 750. But its an il set. So the rear doors wont fit your car.

I'm very interested! I've an Royal Red IL too. Ofcourse shipment to Sweden would be a pita.

[billh]

Replacing all the trim would cost $744.46 for new bits

[FatnWide740iL]

Replacing all the trim would cost $744.46 for new bits

Ugh..:shifty

[billh]

Ugh..:shifty
That is for all 10 pieces.

[FatnWide740iL]

That is for all 10 pieces.I just don't have the economy to spend $700+ on trim. Perhaps i'll get some vinyl-wrap later on, plastidip looks a little bit off to me.

[M I C H A E L]

I have an IL...