Carbon Fiber Interior Trim

[Dan Parker]

So I was hanging out at Lamin-x the other day and decided to apply some carbon fiber film to a few interior pieces of the 1M. The film has a texture that feels very much like real (raw) carbon fiber weave so it doesn't look like some cheap vinyl image printed on it. It came out better then expected so I thought I'd pass this on since I'm sure a lot of you are getting bored with your cars by now. These 2 pieces took me about 30 minutes to complete with just a sharp razor knife and a heat gun so it's by no means a difficult DIY job. I may do more but thought I'd leave it like this for a bit. I don't work at this company but do have friends there so that's my affiliation. No commission for Dan, just passing on a cool product.


Here's the product on their website:
http://www.lamin-x.com/48-x-1-Roll-o...-p/481-bcf.htm

Totally off topic but check out the completely hand built hot rod that came by while I was there. I have more pics if anyone wants to see more detail. It makes my 1M look huge!

[ES BMW]

That looks really good! Also hides the scratch prone soft plastic trim.

[MrRoboto]

Do US cars not get the additional cup holder?

[nicoz]

Very nice.
You should do the radio and "ashtray" as well.
Too bad you live far from Montreal... I would have you do mine!

[v1k0d3n]

Originally Posted by MrRoboto

Do US cars not get the additional cup holder?

Yes, depending on the package option you select. US models have an option of either the Convenience Package or the Premium Package. I believe that option was included in the Convenience Package.

[ozinaldo]

Looks very good indeed. If it was my car I would wrap more plastic bits. And that hot rod is plain nuts.

[Powerbeast]

That Rat Rod is bad ass

[Dan Parker]

I chose the "inconvenience package" as it was free.
I will likely apply more film this weekend but thought I'd start off with these 2 pieces. Oh, and it is very tough stuff. I dropped my phone on the piece around the shift boot and it didn't leave a mark on the film.

[mPlasticDesign]

Originally Posted by Dan Parker

I chose the "inconvenience package" as it was free.
I will likely apply more film this weekend but thought I'd start off with these 2 pieces. Oh, and it is very tough stuff. I dropped my phone on the piece around the shift boot and it didn't leave a mark on the film.

How easy are the AC control trim to remove? Can you outline the steps real quick? I want to continue with my extended alcantara theme! Thanks!

Originally Posted by Powerbeast

That Rat Rod is bad ass

+1

[Dan Parker]

Not hard at all. Just be gentle but apply even pressure.

1) Use a precise pick tool. I found one with a 90' bend and sharp point was best.
2) Remove the (deleted) ash tray trim by prying from the bottom first and moving up.
3) Now the bottom of the a/c trim is exposed so start at the bottom and carefully work your way around it.
4) Done, have a beer.

[v1k0d3n]

Originally Posted by Dan Parker

Not hard at all. Just be gentle but apply even pressure.

4) Done, have a beer.

repeat step 4...just because it's friday.

[JohnCena]

hmm not sure Dan if i like the 3m IMO i was thinking OEM CF Center

[pearlwhites]

Originally Posted by Powerbeast

That Rat Rod is bad ass

agreed, but it also looks like a fast way to die. Something about all that metal so close to the ground + that steering wheel crafted by Satan...

[Dan Parker]

John,
Does BMW make a 1 Series CF center console? I don't recall seeing one. Either way, I'm sure it's crazy expensive compared to this.

Since the Rat Rod is in high demand here are a few more pics. Yes, those lug nuts are hand made as well. Group buy???

[mPlasticDesign]

The car is awesome, but I would be terrified to drive on those welded wheels!

[v1k0d3n]

Originally Posted by Mr.Metak2you

The car is awesome, but I would be terrified to drive on those welded wheels!

HA! true...

but it still looks so damn cool. for the most part, GREAT custom work!! it would be great to take that thing to C&C events. i'm sure it demands a lot of attention.

[///M1]

When I got my CF roof wrap, we tried on one panel (granted it was a 3M film, not LaminX), but felt it cheapened the interior. There was a 335i with the full interior trim with it, and it just felt out of place, as you can tell it was a wrap.

I personally think the best interior mod so far I have seen was the UK fellow that painted his similar to the 'ceramic option' offered on the new BMWs, perhaps it was Aussie (Gloss Black IIRC)?

[ozinaldo]

Originally Posted by ///M1

When I got my CF roof wrap, we tried on one panel (granted it was a 3M film, not LaminX), but felt it cheapened the interior. There was a 335i with the full interior trim with it, and it just felt out of place, as you can tell it was a wrap.

I personally think the best interior mod so far I have seen was the UK fellow that painted his similar to the 'ceramic option' offered on the new BMWs, perhaps it was Aussie (Gloss Black IIRC)?

Yes, it was Aussie and he made some interior parts custom painted in piano black which was hot.

[Dan Parker]

I'm a big fan of the gloss black bits in most interiors but with the gray alcantara I think the CF gives a nice contrast with it. I think I'll stop with what I've done as I don't aim to trick out my car with too much. Less is more.

[JohnCena]

Originally Posted by Dan Parker

John,
Does BMW make a 1 Series CF center console? I don't recall seeing one. Either way, I'm sure it's crazy expensive compared to this.

Since the Rat Rod is in high demand here are a few more pics. Yes, those lug nuts are hand made as well. Group buy???

They do Dan it's around 500 bucks!
it's center shift surround and ash tray surround.

Even with my discount at BMW employee rate

[e82m_van]

I've done the same thing on my 1m and the same panels as well. I want to do the ash tray trim too but it requires you to remove the whole center consol.. And if you wrap the radio trim, you cover some of the light that is on the radio (like the light around the volume knob). One thing that you could improve on is making the direction of the weave on the climate control panel align with the weave on the shifter boot (I've made the same mistake though.. ) besides that, looks great

[Sylon]

The direction of the CF weave going opposite directions is killing my OCD, but nice job on the wrap! And yes, that rat rod is awesome.