Interior

[Blade0058]

Hey all,

My e34 has grey interior. I am thinking of painting in black. Mainly the dashboard, center console and top portion of the door cards. Has anyone done this? Are there any problems in doing it?

Thank you!

[XCRN]

Done it with parchment. Use actual vinyl paint since its a real PITA to take off some of those panels. I would consider finding a black dashboard since those are moderatly common, more so than factory black top door panels.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y442/cneal1227/IMG_1221_zpsewvl0aab.jpg (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/cneal1227/media/IMG_1221_zpsewvl0aab.jpg.html)

[4heid]

548952548953548954

I just did this exact procedure. I used Wurth Satin Black trim paint.

[Blade0058]

Done it with parchment. Use actual vinyl paint since its a real PITA to take off some of those panels. I would consider finding a black dashboard since those are moderatly common, more so than factory black top door panels.

http://i1275.photobucket.com/albums/y442/cneal1227/IMG_1221_zpsewvl0aab.jpg (http://s1275.photobucket.com/user/cneal1227/media/IMG_1221_zpsewvl0aab.jpg.html)


@XCRN: Thank you for the detailed photos. How long since you painted the dash? Have you had any problems? Was it only the dash you painted? Its difficult to find a black dashboard from where I live. So that's why I am looking for the painting option!








548952548953548954

I just did this exact procedure. I used Wurth Satin Black trim paint.

@4heid: This is exactly what I want to do. Have you used any particular brand? Did you paint the door cards also? Any bad experience you have had? Also any advise you can give me in doing this?

[XCRN]

Dash and top off door panels were painted with Duplicolor paint. Its been about a year and is still holding fine.

[jimmyz66]

Dash and top off door panels were painted with Duplicolor paint. Its been about a year and is still holding fine.

Looks like you need new steering wheel leather. Or is that a pic miscue? If you do I have a brand new one for killer price.

[4heid]

@4heid: This is exactly what I want to do. Have you used any particular brand? Did you paint the door cards also? Any bad experience you have had? Also any advise you can give me in doing this?

Yes, I mentioned it in my first post. Its WURTH Satin Black Trim Paint. Its usually for bumpers and exterior trim pieces but I realized it worked well on the dash. Make sure you clean the dash exceptionally well with grease remover, paint prep, isopropyl alcohol and a green scotchbrite pad because you dont know if anyone has ever used Armorall or other silicones which will keep the new paint from adhering. Prep was 90% of the work. Then use an adhesion promotor for vinyl.
SEM also makes a color in its Classic Coat line called Landau Black which matches as well.

I did mine around May and its sat in my driveway all summer in the direct sunlight with no issues. Mind you I live in Miami so it a lot of heat.

[XCRN]

Looks like you need new steering wheel leather. Or is that a pic miscue? If you do I have a brand new one for killer price.

Bad steering wheel, I have bigger priorities at the moment but I am interested. Do tell more.

[762Armo]

I have a black dashboard for sale.
:shifty

[Redfive]

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/9722125036_1cb0539c62_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/fP7r4s)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/fP7r4s) by Redfive Racing (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20746913@N07/), on Flickr

The door panels in the photo above were originally all dove. I used SEM to match the tops to my black dash and then used SEM to match the centers to my seats and decided to go with a third color for everything else. You have to look really close to see that it's not stock, because it looks brand new right now.

[Blade0058]

Thanks @XCRN

- - - Updated - - -

@762Armo: I am based out of Asia. RH driving so it wouldn't fit sadly :(

- - - Updated - - -

@Redfive: This is awesome... This is something which I want to consider doing. Really like your color match. What's SEM?

[Redfive]

http://www.semproducts.com/

They make a really good vinyl and leather dye among other things. They're color match dove is spot on for BMW's dove. In my case, I matched the light grey of the Corbeau seats with the rest of the car. Turns out the correct color for that is called Shale (a GM color to match seats intended for a Mustang, go figure). When sprayed over a dove interior, it's hard to tell that I changed color. There's quite a few steps involved in doing this but totally worth it.

You can order the stuff online or if you find a good supply house. Alternatively, you can also use duplocolor or rustoleum products that you find in your local parts store, but they're not quite as good and the colors are limited to black and grey.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7434/9722125614_21ebf8005a_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/fP7req)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/fP7req) by Redfive Racing (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20746913@N07/), on Flickr

It can help to get a second interior because you can prep one while the other stays in the car.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/9722128102_802f470ae5_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/fP7rYj)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/fP7rYj) by Redfive Racing (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20746913@N07/), on Flickr

My old interior
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/9722128762_cf1aff278d_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/fP7saG)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/fP7saG) by Redfive Racing (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20746913@N07/), on Flickr

My car's original interior (circa 1999)
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2036/2166004852_2e6984477e_z.jpg?zz=1 (https://flic.kr/p/4ipkMf)DCP00431 (https://flic.kr/p/4ipkMf) by Redfive Racing (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20746913@N07/), on Flickr

[jimmyz66]

Bad steering wheel, I have bigger priorities at the moment but I am interested. Do tell more.

Never used steering wheel for 93-95 (bigger spindle diameter). I bought it from dealer but got a good deal on a Victor steering (also for sale :)). PM me if you need prices and pics.

[Blade0058]

http://www.semproducts.com/

They make a really good vinyl and leather dye among other things. They're color match dove is spot on for BMW's dove. In my case, I matched the light grey of the Corbeau seats with the rest of the car. Turns out the correct color for that is called Shale (a GM color to match seats intended for a Mustang, go figure). When sprayed over a dove interior, it's hard to tell that I changed color. There's quite a few steps involved in doing this but totally worth it.

You can order the stuff online or if you find a good supply house. Alternatively, you can also use duplocolor or rustoleum products that you find in your local parts store, but they're not quite as good and the colors are limited to black and grey.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7434/9722125614_21ebf8005a_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/fP7req)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/fP7req) by Redfive Racing (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20746913@N07/), on Flickr

It can help to get a second interior because you can prep one while the other stays in the car.
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/9722128102_802f470ae5_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/fP7rYj)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/fP7rYj) by Redfive Racing (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20746913@N07/), on Flickr

My old interior
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/9722128762_cf1aff278d_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/fP7saG)Untitled (https://flic.kr/p/fP7saG) by Redfive Racing (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20746913@N07/), on Flickr

My car's original interior (circa 1999)
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2036/2166004852_2e6984477e_z.jpg?zz=1 (https://flic.kr/p/4ipkMf)DCP00431 (https://flic.kr/p/4ipkMf) by Redfive Racing (https://www.flickr.com/photos/20746913@N07/), on Flickr


Yes, I mentioned it in my first post. Its WURTH Satin Black Trim Paint. Its usually for bumpers and exterior trim pieces but I realized it worked well on the dash. Make sure you clean the dash exceptionally well with grease remover, paint prep, isopropyl alcohol and a green scotchbrite pad because you dont know if anyone has ever used Armorall or other silicones which will keep the new paint from adhering. Prep was 90% of the work. Then use an adhesion promotor for vinyl.
SEM also makes a color in its Classic Coat line called Landau Black which matches as well.

I did mine around May and its sat in my driveway all summer in the direct sunlight with no issues. Mind you I live in Miami so it a lot of heat.


Thank you for the both of you for the details! This really gives me something positive in proceeding with painting the dash and other parts. Will try to share after I do this... not going to happen soon since I need to get the paint and etc! As I said I am not in Europe or US and its difficult to find the exact brands you guys mentioned. Again, thank you very much for everything!

[4heid]

You can probably order the SEM and Wurth on Amazon and get them shipped to where you are. It will be pricing but worth it.
The SEM silver grey matches the bmw original 99+ percent, its am amazing match and the Wurth Satin Black is an exact match for the finish the factory plastics have.

[Blade0058]

Thanks @4heid I will have a look at that option.