High Gloss Black Trim VS Aluminum

[investor27]

Can someone tell us what are the advantages of having the high gloss black trim over the aluminum in the US 1er? A lot of people are picking the high gloss black over the aluminum here. Is it because the aluminum will reflex more light and distract the driver?

[1ster]

I think it's just a personal preference. Piano black trim can look very sharp, and it results in a more restrained interior appearance. This can be desirable, especially for people who are choosing non-black leather.

I will be going with aluminum with black leatherette because the piano black trim would be too dour in a totally black interior.

I doubt anyone is choosing the piano black for strategic (glare) reasons.

[Templedogg]

I agree with 1ster. I am getting Alum because I am going with black leather, but if I was going with Coral or something like that the Black would look great!

[Crowley]

I guess I'll 3rd that statement then

[Dave]

alum can get damaged easier thou.... while high gloss blk will look good after a nice polish with little risk to getting damaged

either one is a nice choice thou!

[peppebmw]

therefore I have chosen glacier aluminum trim with black leatherette. I am sick of the wood in my Audi, it is so ewwww....

[M3Newbie88]

Hm... I have yet to see a picture of the high gloss black.. only the polar gray and aluminum. Anyone wanna post some quick pics of all 3 for me?

Thanks in advance.

[Khobin~]

I'm not sure about trim yet...:iono:

The Alum looks kinda cheap...but it contrast's the black interior to not be "too black"(if there is such a thing)

The Gloss Black is nice, but wondering if it would be too much black on the int., that and it shows dust like no tomorrow.

The Grey Pop looks ok in pictures, but not 100% sold on it, and feel I'd rather save the $$

And the "other" wood...is well wood

BTW, Anone else think it's odd that the steering wheel keeps the "alum" accents even if you pick different int. trims?...wouldn't it make sense that it would change to match? (according to pics on the US configuror):iono:

[chaz13]

I have aluminum in my Audi and it is really nicked up after only 2 years. I won't get that option again.

[mikeo]

Originally Posted by Khobin~

... BTW, Anone else think it's odd that the steering wheel keeps the "alum" accents even if you pick different int. trims?...wouldn't it make sense that it would change to match? (according to pics on the US configuror):iono:

Yes, and I don't much like that steering wheel aluminum trim, even though I do like it (and ordered it) for the rest of the interior. One reason to go with the Sport Package--it goes away. Just my opinion, though.

[Mike Roberts]

Having had a nosey around some cars....

If it's the standard aluminium, then IMO it's horrible! It has a funny golf ball look about it, reflects badly and has raised dimples to the touch - also looks more like plastic than metal.

The brushed Alu is far better, satin and is more forgiving to scratches.

Piano black is nice with the right seat colour combo, but you'll forever be wiping fingerprints off it.

Wood is just wrong.

HTH

Mike.

[peppebmw]

Originally Posted by chaz13

I have aluminum in my Audi and it is really nicked up after only 2 years. I won't get that option again.

I had aluminum trim in my 02 B6 A4 and it never nicked on me. My buddy has a 06 B7 A4 and it is all nicked up. From what I can see the aluminum is cheaper in the newer A4's. In any case I hate the wood in my current A4. It just doesn't look right in a sport sedan and is constantly dusty. I like the black for the 1 series but not with black interior. Too cave like and not enough contrast.

[mikeo]

I originaly was going with Piano Black trim, but I agree with you that it would offer no contrast at all with a black interior. I'm also in line with you about wood trim in a performance car. That leaves aluminum, so I gues I need to learn to love a little 'patina'.

[1Power]

Originally Posted by Mike Roberts

Having had a nosey around some cars....

If it's the standard aluminium, then IMO it's horrible! It has a funny golf ball look about it, reflects badly and has raised dimples to the touch - also looks more like plastic than metal.

The brushed Alu is far better, satin and is more forgiving to scratches.

Piano black is nice with the right seat colour combo, but you'll forever be wiping fingerprints off it.

Wood is just wrong.

HTH

Mike.

I agree with Mike. The brushed aluminum (available in Europe, not the US) is far better quality than the glacier silver "aluminum" that we get in the US.

I have a high quality real brushed aluminum in my MKV GTI that is flawless after 2 years. The glacier silver is a cheap finish. I've seen piano black on a Euro BMW & it's beautiful (& sporty) with a contrasting interior color, but it does collect fingerprints. The gray poplar wood looks good in some 3-series coupes I've seen, but I'm undecided how I feel about it in the sportier 1er. Overall, I'm very disappointed that the US doesn't get the genuine brushed aluminum trim & also doesn't get the antracite headliner offered on the 135 coupe in Europe. That grey headliner is ugly. Even my GTI has a black headliner. This nickel & dime cost-cutting & deletion of the Terra & Lemon leather colors offered in Europe is turning me off to the 1.

Don't get me wrong. I'm excited about the 135. I've owned 5 BMWs & it's my favorite marque. But I'm disappointed in some details.

[Brandon26pdx]

Considering how affordably the car will be priced over here, I'm not too suprised that some of the finer details and options might go missing in the North American version. Europe gets a fuller range of options, but they pay for it.

[Evolved]

Originally Posted by peppebmw

I had aluminum trim in my 02 B6 A4 and it never nicked on me. My buddy has a 06 B7 A4 and it is all nicked up. From what I can see the aluminum is cheaper in the newer A4's. In any case I hate the wood in my current A4. It just doesn't look right in a sport sedan and is constantly dusty. I like the black for the 1 series but not with black interior. Too cave like and not enough contrast.

I have aluminum trim in my GTi (20th) and it's still in great shape.

[peppebmw]

Originally Posted by Evolved

I have aluminum trim in my GTi (20th) and it's still in great shape.

Guess it all depends on how you treat your car! 20th GTI is a nice ride! I had a R32 and I miss the hell out of that car. Hopefully the One series will bring the same excitement and grin to my face!

[mikeo]

Originally Posted by Brandon26pdx

Considering how affordably the car will be priced over here, I'm not too suprised that some of the finer details and options might go missing in the North American version. Europe gets a fuller range of options, but they pay for it.

You are so right, but we have to whine about something, no? My particular whine is no sunroof delete and no Anthrcite headliner.

[Miata13]

Originally Posted by chaz13

I have aluminum in my Audi and it is really nicked up after only 2 years. I won't get that option again.

I'm thinking the same thing as our Volvo V50 has the brushed aluminum trim on center console and door handles. It shows small nicks and small dents from seat belt buckle hitting driver's side door handle (when casually released by the "other" driver!).

I'd go for either the black or grey poplar (even for $500 more).

Rick

[Robert]

Black + Aluminum is so common though. I have been pacing back and forth on this subject myself. My combinations are black leather with Al, taupe with high gloss, and taupe with Al.

[johnny1019]

I have aluminum trim in my mustang right now, and have no problems as far as wear is concerned. Personally I like the contrast between the black interior and the aluminum. However, I am toying with the idea of a black interior with grey poplar - I just need to see grey poplar in person.

[Papethova]

Looks like im opposite from everyone.... Im thinking gloss black with the black interior and the aluminum with the red interior.

Id take brushed aluminum hands down, this glacier aluminum is questionable looking. Ill have to really see it up close in person first.