When did BMW start painting the side molding on the M3?

[Ben 93 325is]

I see a lot of '95s with the black molding, and was wondering if the painted molding was an option...or did they start painting it the same color starting with a model year. Anyone know?

[GatorM]

I don't think they ever did. I have an Estoril 99 and the molding is black.

[Spencer]

All E36 moldings are black. People get them painted.

[Ben 93 325is]

Originally posted by Spencer
All E36 moldings are black. People get them painted.

Really?! A lot of people have done that...made me think it was factory!

[NiTE]

Originally posted by Ben 93 325is
Really?! A lot of people have done that...made me think it was factory!

yep, alot of people do it, no factory option. Im hoping to get mine done but the body shop isnt willing to do it because they "cant warranty the paint work"

[Rusty 904]

Yea i have talked to alot of body shops about this and they will not warrenty it so i dont want to get it done....I live in Fl and bugs here are bad they say the paint will not adhere to the plastic properly and when impacted it will chip like no tommorrow..........

[///M3ryder NY]

Originally posted by Rusty 904
Yea i have talked to alot of body shops about this and they will not warrenty it so i dont want to get it done....I live in Fl and bugs here are bad they say the paint will not adhere to the plastic properly and when impacted it will chip like no tommorrow..........

If a shop knows what they're doing, and adds a "flex agent" to the paint, there shouldn't be a problem. It's the same way plastic bumpers are painted, ie. with Flex agent, because the paint in that area needs to have more "give". Find a new shop!

[bcn///M3]

prep the molding and mix the paint (2 part) right and you don't need a warrenty.

you need adheisive promotor and flex agent

anybody with a spray both can spray them

2 coat base
4 coat clear