Chrome Is The Enemy

Rugs · 03-02-2008, 09:24 PM

Since my car has the Brushed Aluminum Trim, I thought that the Shiny Chrome pieces on my stock Sport steering wheel looked a little out of place. So when I did the "M" Steering wheel Paddle mod, I decided to go ahead and Scotch-Brite the Chrome trim accents. Link:http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122287

When done carefully taking care not to sand through the Chrome finish while sanding in ONE direction, you can get a nice "Brushed Aluminum Look" using an inexpensive green "Scotch-Brite Pad". I been doing this for years on my Cars & Bikes with good results. Just Thought I'd share.

I also decided to Scotch-Brite the Chrome trim accents, including the Shift knob / i-Drive knob / Door handles / Seat belt brackets & Kidney grills...

Before, door handle in chrome.

After / Brushed Aluminum look w/ Scotch-Brite Pad

Now the Door Handles, Steering Wheel, Shift knob & i-Drive knob all match the Factory Brushed Aluminum Trim.

Before / Rt. side Stock Chrome Kidney Grill.

After...Lft. side

Side by Side.

On the car...

Amir87 · 03-02-2008, 09:48 PM

Great work!

You should post a DIY sometime.

Mattscott · 03-02-2008, 09:55 PM

its pretty simple. Take scotch bright, brush in one direction, end. haha

Looks great though. I might have to do this.

Luongo · 03-02-2008, 10:03 PM

Wow, you are brave!

s1eepy · 03-03-2008, 01:54 AM

wut the. i've never seen or thought of this.
looks good bro.

ROYGEN · 03-03-2008, 02:01 AM

nice job

john0213 · 03-03-2008, 02:25 AM

hey didn't that came from the Ipod DIY few years ago?

black36 · 03-03-2008, 05:05 AM

Looks awesome!!

So basically you used Scothch-Brite pads and then 300grit sanding pad to soften, thats it? I will try mine too, any advice?

InfamousM3 · 03-03-2008, 05:15 AM

wow.. u knw what i might just do my grills.. this is easy stuff

BMW DIET · 03-03-2008, 05:47 AM

very different

bemmin335 · 03-03-2008, 06:35 AM

Looks good!

Gen_E92 · 03-03-2008, 07:56 AM

wow the grille turned out great! I know it should be simple, but a DIY would be much appreciated!

chazzz · 03-03-2008, 09:30 AM

I think it looks nice...it can be done with Scotch Brite. Lots of pics.

sandyeggo325i · 03-03-2008, 09:32 AM

hrm.......great idea!

Mattscott · 03-03-2008, 09:33 AM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122927

posted last night. Thanks though

Frosty · 03-03-2008, 09:52 AM

wow... I like that look better then the polished look.... hmmm. ~Frost

Rugs · 03-06-2008, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen_E92

wow the grille turned out great! I know it should be simple, but a DIY would be much appreciated!

This is a fairly straight forward process, so I don't think a DYI is really nessesary. But here's a quick explanation for those who may want to try it.

DISCLAIMER: DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. If you can find an old piece of metal or plastic plated chrome (like a chromed license tag frame, chrome picture frame, even a chrome toilet paper holder, the spring loaded part that goes through the toilet paper & so on...) it would be a good idea to practice and get the technique down before moving on to your project! It just takes a little patience & practice and in no time you'll be a pro.

Green Scotch-Brite Pad & Nortons Yellow 3X ultra-fine 320 grit sanding pad. You can pick these up at any hardware or Home improvement store.

With plastic parts like the front Grill, you'll need to be careful not to sand through the Chrome coating (especially on the sharp corners you can go through easily) since it's not as thick as the chrome on metal pieces.

Just start at an inconspicuous place rubbing gently trying not to stay in one place too long. If your using the Scotch-Brite Pads be sure to sand in one direction so you'll get that brushed look. It your going for more of a muted look w/out the brush marks, I'd recommend a 1/4" foam sanding pad like Nortons Yellow 3X ultra-fine 320 grit(pictured below next to the Scotch-Brite Pad). With this method, your less likely to sand though the Chrome since it'd finer. You may even want to go with a 200 grit for faster results.

My G35 Grill I did 4 years ago. It still looked good when I traded it last June, so lightly sanding the gloss/sheen off the Chrome shouldn't have any long term effects.

Just got my TRANSFORMER Tag (My Kids idea, since I have an E93) and did the chrome license plate frame, the camera flash makes it look shinier than it really is.
Now I need to do the "335i" emblem, then maybe the Roundels...It never ends!

AWD Addict · 03-06-2008, 11:01 AM

Nice work. Looks great!

cipher5 · 03-06-2008, 11:11 AM

Good stuff man

Mr. 5 · 03-06-2008, 12:25 PM

That looks really really good.

Much better than the chrome.

eecc · 03-06-2008, 12:39 PM

wow great job... i would have never thought of this.

i've been doing the exact same thing with the green brillo pads to the bands of my brushed stainless steel watches to buff out the scratches.

Couch · 03-06-2008, 02:36 PM

That's a damn sweet idea man. Looks great!

03-02-2008, 09:24 PM	#1
Rugs Lieutenant 48 Rep 502 Posts Drives: E93 335i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Southeast U.S. iTrader: (2)	Chrome Is The Enemy Since my car has the Brushed Aluminum Trim, I thought that the Shiny Chrome pieces on my stock Sport steering wheel looked a little out of place. So when I did the "M" Steering wheel Paddle mod, I decided to go ahead and Scotch-Brite the Chrome trim accents. Link:http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122287 When done carefully taking care not to sand through the Chrome finish while sanding in ONE direction, you can get a nice "Brushed Aluminum Look" using an inexpensive green "Scotch-Brite Pad". I been doing this for years on my Cars & Bikes with good results. Just Thought I'd share. I also decided to Scotch-Brite the Chrome trim accents, including the Shift knob / i-Drive knob / Door handles / Seat belt brackets & Kidney grills... Before, door handle in chrome. After / Brushed Aluminum look w/ Scotch-Brite Pad Now the Door Handles, Steering Wheel, Shift knob & i-Drive knob all match the Factory Brushed Aluminum Trim. Before / Rt. side Stock Chrome Kidney Grill. After...Lft. side Side by Side. On the car... __________________ "WorldsQuickest 335i E93" SMART-Top /One-Off Opaque Vinyl EYELIDS / 30% TINT / A.C.SCHNITZER Pedals / "M" Tri-Color Wheel w/Paddles / EIBACH Pro-Kit / AKEBONA F. & EBC RED-STUFF R.Dustless Pads / Drilled & Slotted ROTORS / MIRO M6 Reps / MICHELIN PS2's / U.R.Coated DP's / CYBA-QUAD Exhaust Tips / BMS-TUNED... Last edited by Rugs; 03-02-2008 at 11:21 PM..
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03-02-2008, 09:48 PM	#2
Amir87 Gruppe Titan 319 Rep 2,839 Posts Drives: 08 E92 SG/Coral Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: NC iTrader: (37) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [10.00]	Great work! You should post a DIY sometime. __________________
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03-02-2008, 09:55 PM	#3
Mattscott Major General 112 Rep 8,327 Posts Drives: 2007 335i E90 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Beaumont, CA iTrader: (2)	its pretty simple. Take scotch bright, brush in one direction, end. haha Looks great though. I might have to do this. __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(e90post.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
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03-02-2008, 10:03 PM	#4
Luongo Lieutenant 144 Rep 463 Posts Drives: 2018 Porsche Carrera T Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago, Illinois iTrader: (2)	Wow, you are brave!
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03-03-2008, 01:54 AM	#5
s1eepy -_- 36 Rep 204 Posts Drives: e92 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: socal iTrader: (1)	wut the. i've never seen or thought of this. looks good bro.
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03-03-2008, 02:01 AM	#6
ROYGEN HOY! PINOY AKO! 1 Rep 112 Posts Drives: 2010 Titanium Silver E90 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: The Bay Area iTrader: (0)	nice job
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03-03-2008, 02:25 AM	#7
john0213 The Allergy Season 56 Rep 1,008 Posts Drives: E92 Blk Saph. 335xi Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	hey didn't that came from the Ipod DIY few years ago?
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03-03-2008, 05:05 AM	#8
black36 Back Again 2 Rep 204 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (2)	Looks awesome!! So basically you used Scothch-Brite pads and then 300grit sanding pad to soften, thats it? I will try mine too, any advice? __________________ What's next?
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03-03-2008, 05:15 AM	#9
InfamousM3 Captain 96 Rep 808 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW M3 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (7) Garage List 2015 BMW M3 [0.00]	wow.. u knw what i might just do my grills.. this is easy stuff
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03-03-2008, 05:47 AM	#10
BMW DIET Captain 40 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2007/330coupe/silv/BBSch Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Dubai iTrader: (0)	very different __________________ Let me see your grillz!!!
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03-03-2008, 06:35 AM	#11
bemmin335 Private 3 Rep 75 Posts Drives: E90 335i 6M/T Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Colorado Springs, CO iTrader: (0)	Looks good! __________________ 07 335i – SG, 6M, Terra, Brushed alum, Sport, Premium, Cold, Nav, CA, PDC, iPod, 15% Tint "The Ring"
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03-03-2008, 07:56 AM	#12
Gen_E92 Brigadier General 124 Rep 3,430 Posts Drives: slow Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (17) Garage List 2007 335i [7.80]	wow the grille turned out great! I know it should be simple, but a DIY would be much appreciated!
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03-03-2008, 09:30 AM	#13
chazzz Captain 132 Rep 712 Posts Drives: 2018 Chrysler 300S Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Southern California iTrader: (4)	From Chrome to Brushed using Scotch Brite I think it looks nice...it can be done with Scotch Brite. Lots of pics. __________________ SOLD - 2007 BMW 335i Sedan, Montego Blue with Lemon seats, AluFelgen CS7 rims & Continental DW tires CURRENT - 2018 Chrysler 300S, Crystal Granite Metallic.
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03-03-2008, 09:32 AM	#14
sandyeggo325i Captain 70 Rep 629 Posts Drives: BMW e90 \| 09 Accord V6 EXL Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: San Diego iTrader: (6)	hrm.......great idea! __________________ SG e90 \| Black Dakota Leather \| ZPP \| ZSP \| 19" BBS LM Reps \| Steptronic iDrive \| Aluminum Trim \| Xenon \| CF Roundels \| 15% Tint
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03-03-2008, 09:33 AM	#15
Mattscott Major General 112 Rep 8,327 Posts Drives: 2007 335i E90 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Beaumont, CA iTrader: (2)	http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122927 posted last night. Thanks though __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(e90post.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
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03-03-2008, 09:52 AM	#16
Frosty Colonel 964 Rep 2,739 Posts Drives: M240i - 2021 - 6MT - Join Date: May 2006 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (0)	wow... I like that look better then the polished look.... hmmm. ~Frost __________________ M240i Coupe (6MT) (2021: 6/2021 build ) Accord Coupe (6MT) (2017) 335i Coupe (6MT) (2007: 9/06 build SOLD 8/2016) Prelude (5MT) (1995)
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03-06-2008, 11:01 AM	#18
AWD Addict Chief Executive 418 Rep 2,938 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi 6spd Coupe Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi [0.00]	Nice work. Looks great!
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03-06-2008, 11:11 AM	#19
cipher5 575 Rep 3,474 Posts Drives: 2020 Donington Grey X3M Comp Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (12)	Good stuff man
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03-06-2008, 12:25 PM	#20
Mr. 5 Modder Raider 900 Rep 8,635 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Surf City, HB iTrader: (31) Garage List 2007 e90 335i [8.00]	That looks really really good. Much better than the chrome. __________________ e36 M3 Coupe, e36 325i Sedan e90 335i--SOLD Best 60-130-------------9.15 Seconds------------------WWW.MR5RACING.COM
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03-06-2008, 12:39 PM	#21
eecc Private 1 Rep 75 Posts Drives: E92 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Home iTrader: (2)	wow great job... i would have never thought of this. i've been doing the exact same thing with the green brillo pads to the bands of my brushed stainless steel watches to buff out the scratches.
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03-06-2008, 02:36 PM	#22
Couch Colonel 155 Rep 2,900 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Houston iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [0.00]	That's a damn sweet idea man. Looks great!
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