[UdubBadger]

So i really love how the M3's have the black center console in them and decided i wanted it too so heres a quick DIY for the project.

Parts list:
1-2 cans of Duplicolor Acrylic Lacquer in whatever color you like (I used flat black for a matted look)


1 can of Duplicolor Adhesion Promoter


1-2 Duplicolor Prep Wipes (pretty sure its just paint thinner)
3m blue painters tape

OR

1 Can of plastidip (see bottom for more info on this one)



I'm sure you could do this on any trim but you might have to scuff the clear coat so in that case I would recommend a fill-able primer instead of just the adhesion promoter.


1. Remove the trim pieces from your car that you wish to paint. Use an old credit card in front of a flat head screwdriver (as a buffer from metal to metal contact) to pry the trim pieces up (refer to the interior trim swap DIY guide if you need more info on how to do this)

2. Once your center trim is removed, unscrew the ashtray box from the center piece, and then pop the ashtray top off with your screwdriver. Also make sure to remove your iDrive module or coin tray from the center piece.

3. Now you have the 2 paintable pieces so its time to mark off the edges with the painters tape. It's not 100% necessary but it makes for a better fitting job instead of having paint all over the plastic parts.

On the center piece, I left most of it exposed except the part for the gear shifter and the 2 sides of the opening for the coin tray (image below)


You'll also need to do 3 sides of the ash tray cover where the black plastic is showing.



4. Once you've taped off, grab your prep wipe and make sure your painting surface is cleaned properly and wipe off with a clean towel.

Now take the adhesion promoter and spray on your first coat to all pieces, trying your best for an thin and even layer that hits all the surfaces you want to paint. Let you 1st coat sit for about 3 min. Now apply a 2nd coat using the same method. Let it sit for about 5-8 min after the 2nd coat is applied.


5. OK so now after letting your 2nd coat of adhesion promoter dry a little its time to paint.
Make sure to shake your paint can well before starting. The 1st coat should be light.


Let your 1st coat sit for 10 min. its normal if you don't see too much paint on the trim afterwards, your 2nd and 3rd coats will be a little thicker.

Now for your 2nd coat, go a little thicker but not too much as you still want to do 1 more coat of paint after. Wait another 10 min between coats.


Time for your last coat of paint... the more light coats the better.


Notice the darkness between the 2nd and 3rd coats... after your 2nd coat you want it ALMOST all black but not quite and your 3rd will "top it off" so to speak.

The paint can says you can handle 1 hr after last coat is applied, I let mine sit for about 3 just to be safe.

End product:




OR

If you want a more OEM plastic look, just replace the paint with plasti-dip. You get a rubbery textured look. DarkCyd_Turbo and I tried it out and it looks AWESOME. Plus if it doesn't turn out right or you want to change it peels right off with no permanent lasting effect. If you go this route, no need to prep, prime or use adhesion promoter... just spray a few quick thin layers of it (more if you like), let dry for 4-5 hours (overnight is best) and you are good to go!


End Product



-Badger

[magmd]

Damn...that looks great! Are you going to do the rest of the trim???

[UdubBadger]

Originally Posted by magmd

Damn...that looks great! Are you going to do the rest of the trim???

i was thinking about it... not sure yet though cuz I might try snag the 2 dash pieces of Leather CF trim from the M3 (tischer sells um) and then just paint the 4 door pieces for an all black interior.

[UdubBadger]

think i'm gonna try to do the doors today... i'll post pics if i get around to it

[UdubBadger]

didn't get around to doing the doors today, i'll be doing them sometime this week though.

[AU335]

Looks great. I just dissembled my console today and might do the same thing. Thanks for the DIY

[UdubBadger]

sweet... show us some pics if you do

[dreamk]

does the paint chip?

[UdubBadger]

suprisingly no... that was my biggest fear before doing it.

i suppose a coat or 2 of clear would be a good idea however i still can't find even a semi gloss let alone a flat clear coat so when I do find one, I'll do 1 more layer of paint and then 2 layers of clear to "seal" it up

[HighVoltage]

Originally Posted by UdubBadger

suprisingly no... that was my biggest fear before doing it.

i suppose a coat or 2 of clear would be a good idea however i still can't find even a semi gloss let alone a flat clear coat so when I do find one, I'll do 1 more layer of paint and then 2 layers of clear to "seal" it up

Try a hobby store store. I think they are usually enamels.

[FrankoQ]

very nice.

[beauderek]

Can't you just buy the M3 part w/o technology package? Does it fit?

[UdubBadger]

i think you can but it still comes with the buttons, or at least with the fake buttons

[UdubBadger]

can't find the part on Tischer's website so... i dunno if anyone stocks them. besides... $8.00 in paint or $200 on the oem piece?

I'll go the cheap route on this one

[AU335]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...35&hg=51&fg=35

M3 Part #: 51167898859

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...&siteid=214672

[UdubBadger]

yeah, not sure its worth the $265 from tischer and from the diagram on realoem.com looks like the buttons are separate and don't have anything to "fill" the void such as plastic or something.

rather use the $265 for the 2 top CF leather pieces I plan to order this weekend.

[AU335]

Originally Posted by UdubBadger

yeah, not sure its worth the $265 from tischer and from the diagram on realoem.com looks like the buttons are separate and don't have anything to "fill" the void such as plastic or something.

rather use the $265 for the 2 top CF leather pieces I plan to order this weekend.

Where are you ordering the CF leather pieces from?

[UdubBadger]

Originally Posted by AU335

Where are you ordering the CF leather pieces from?

tischer

[beauderek]

It looks like the shift boot is smaller than stock e9x. Can anyone confirm that?

[UdubBadger]

???

its the M sport boot/shifter... not the stock one if thats what you mean

[beauderek]

Originally Posted by UdubBadger

???

its the M sport boot/shifter... not the stock one if thats what you mean

No. Not what I mean. Not trying to threadjack. Props to OP for a cool mod. I was asking if the boot size on an M3 is smaller than the boot size on a 325, 328, 330, 335?

[UdubBadger]

Originally Posted by beauderek

No. Not what I mean. Not trying to threadjack. Props to OP for a cool mod. I was asking if the boot size on an M3 is smaller than the boot size on a 325, 328, 330, 335?

ooooooooh.



no idea... all the parts are non m3 parts but i'm about 99.999% sure they're the same