Looking for 3 series E46. Dashboard trim question.

[pion]

Greetings,Have been reading through the forum for some time. Am contemplating of getting my self a used 3 series E46 (either this or a reasonably priced Audi A4T B6 ....hahaha). Since I used to have an e36 many years ago, a big part of me is inclined towards the E46 ...Have some questions I hope u guys can help me with:1. Is it possible to change the interior dashboard & door trim from the wood ones to the silver coloured ones? I've noticed that on some cars, the trims are kinda loose and shaky. Any comments on this?2. Can the pre-facelifted lights (pre-2002 models) be changed to the facelifted ones?Cheers!

 

[saat]

1. The trim can be changed. There are many that changed the brushed alluminium trim to carbon fibre look. So there are used brushed alluminium for sale.

2. The facelift on the E46 includes, headlight design, both left and right front wings and the engine. It is not to say it cannot be done but I think the cost is high. I think you are better off getting a post facelift right off rather than trying to modify the look of a prefacelift.

 

[pion]

Saat,
Thanks for your reply.

I presume that the comparment door (the one in front of the auto gearstick) can be changed too if badly scratched. Right?

 

[mini_jeff67]

Yup. Shld be able to get it at any BMW part shop or at AB (worst case scenario).

 

[scin]

Yup....
I changed all the wood trim out and replaced it with this matt silver finish... including the centre gear piece and gear lever...

Wasn't cheap, but just couldn't tahan the wood!

 

[mini_jeff67]

Ori stuff? Looks great!

 

[scin]

All Original stuff..

 

[mini_jeff67]

Cool!

 

[pion]

Scin,

That looks beautifullll!!! Clean & modern. How much does it cost you?

In my humble opinion, the wood trim makes the car very the "uncle" one.

Does the trim fit properly? Tight fit? Loose fit?

What about the compartment door just in front of the auto gear stick, the one where you push to open - can change too?


Cheers

 

[fire]

Scin,

is your beem UK spec huh? I notice your dashboard have some kind of TV navigation & your T-Sport steering also got some button on it..

Regard,
Fire

 

[fire]

The door compartment can be replaced with new one..the new one are no better as it also get scratch easily..I guess it better take it out & respray it which much more cheaper & scratch proof.. The ori paint on the compartment are some kind of rubberish and get scratch very easy...

If i am not mistaken choose the paint color called "Army Black" which is not shinny black & resemble close to original color..just my 2 sen opinion..

 

[graffika]

fire : regardless of uk or japan spec, the centre console can be fitted with a screen ..in fact u can change to wide screen too.

facelifted is not more expensive..only very minimal difference between pre face lift and post face lift...

 

[mini_jeff67]

Fire getting itchy, guys!

Scratch, scratch, scratch!

 

[E46Fanatic]

Wah such a well taken care of interior. The T steering in the pic was only available for 1999 spec E46's if I am not mistaken.

As for the satnav/DVD center console screen, its a huge job to get it installed on the standard console in the CKD BMWs. Not sure if there is a retrofit wiring harness already in the market to make the job easier.

I also changed my orig wood trims to the matt aluminium trims and the gear knob and handbrake knob as well. It was RM1.6k for the alum set a few years ago. No shakyness at all.

 

[MANAMOHAN]

Sure thats ur car interior, Scin? 328Ci fitted with 4 power window switches? Hmmm...something i don't know here...?

 

[evisuzuki82]

the coupe does have 4 power window too.....2 for the front just like usual and another two for the rear window that just can open 1/4 from it.......

 

[fire]

:cry: I guess i have to settle down with my factory fitted headunit..can only receive 3 radio station only....with a tin can sound quality from the cassette...

 

[mini_jeff67]

Fire, can intro u to the place where I do my ICE of sorts... put in a modulator to receive almost all available channels, put in a bass tube and upgrade speakers... wah la! No more tin sound! Or at least more variety of tin sounds! kekekeke....

 

[fire]

Hahahahah..different frequency of tin sound...Got modulator can increase radio channel.?.so cool huh...how much it cost you? which shop you install it? got sub Woofer, amp & speaker from previous car taken out..not yet installed or maybe not going to install...u know lah ppl worksmanship..know how to dismantle everything but when put back...got extra screw given back to you...heheheheh..scary..so better left it original...until i find reliable installer...BTW, u change yr headunit or not?

There is a bracket OEM for Headunit supposed you planning to use commercial HU..the OEM bracket really look as original panel...for fittin 1 Din HD..quite tempting...but still try to maintain as original as possible...perhap can find CD changer suit existing HU good enough oladi..
or ipod adapter...i guess ipod adapter will be better..

 

[mini_jeff67]

Installer quite careful one - if cannot do, he'll tell u. Won't mati-mati do til cock up! Call me when u free - arrange to drive yr car and bring yr stuff there for assessment.

Modulator cost RM120 or thereabouts. My CD Changer is Sony... feed to HU by FM frequency. - so one of my radio channels is for the changer.