Carbon Fiber Shifter Trim

TK335iMSPT · 08-13-2018, 02:28 PM

I ordered this carbon fiber M performance shifter off a bmw dealer on eBay. Their picture shows a gloss carbon fiber but I received a matte carbon fiber.

What I wanted:
Gloss Carbon fiber shifter

What I got:
Matte Carbon fiber shifter

Is there a way to add gloss to the shifter, or does anyone know where I can get the gloss shifter from?

a803sgo · 08-13-2018, 03:07 PM

Urm, send it back?

TK335iMSPT · 08-13-2018, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a803sgo

Urm, send it back?

Thank you for the input. For anyone else wondering, RW carbon sells this piece (non OEM) in gloss carbon. They are the only ones I've found to sell it in that spec.

Kailec · 08-13-2018, 08:42 PM

So I can see where the confusion is from. You have an F30, a 3 series. The pic above is from the 5 series. The 5 series M Performance CF shifter is glossy CF, whereas the 3 series is matte carbon. Not sure if they made that clear to you in the ad, it is what it is. At the point if you can, I would return it. Your options for actual glossy CF trim is to go for RW or any other aftermarket maker, or you can try oCarbon. They hand lay real CF on existing OEM pieces. You can either send in your existing piece, or they will do it on a piece they have in hand, send it to you, and you mail them back your piece as a trade.

TK335iMSPT · 08-13-2018, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kailec

So I can see where the confusion is from. You have an F30, a 3 series. The pic above is from the 5 series. The 5 series M Performance CF shifter is glossy CF, whereas the 3 series is matte carbon. Not sure if they made that clear to you in the ad, it is what it is. At the point if you can, I would return it. Your options for actual glossy CF trim is to go for RW or any other aftermarket maker, or you can try oCarbon. They hand lay real CF on existing OEM pieces. You can either send in your existing piece, or they will do it on a piece they have in hand, send it to you, and you mail them back your piece as a trade.

Thank you! I am in the process of returning the shifter. I spoke to RW carbon and they assured me they use a gloss finish on their products. The picture of the M5 was posted on the ad and there was no clarification that it was matte in the description of the item. Just a mistake on both ends. All is good now!

Kailec · 08-13-2018, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TK335iMSPT

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kailec

So I can see where the confusion is from. You have an F30, a 3 series. The pic above is from the 5 series. The 5 series M Performance CF shifter is glossy CF, whereas the 3 series is matte carbon. Not sure if they made that clear to you in the ad, it is what it is. At the point if you can, I would return it. Your options for actual glossy CF trim is to go for RW or any other aftermarket maker, or you can try oCarbon. They hand lay real CF on existing OEM pieces. You can either send in your existing piece, or they will do it on a piece they have in hand, send it to you, and you mail them back your piece as a trade.

Thank you! I am in the process of returning the shifter. I spoke to RW carbon and they assured me they use a gloss finish on their products. The picture of the M5 was posted on the ad and there was no clarification that it was matte in the description of the item. Just a mistake on both ends. All is good now!

Good to hear! I'm with you on the glossy CF, not a fan of matte. Not sure why there can't be both options..

The Airman · 10-29-2018, 08:58 PM

I installed the gloss AutoTecknic shifter trim today. I wasn't a big fan of the matte finish, either. Also, it wouldn't have matched my other trim parts.

Be sure you have a (hard to find) T8 Torx bit before you start the job. Also, as hard as I tried, I could not get the plastic gear position indication piece out of the shifter without chipping it. It was just stuck too tight. I am glad it's a cheap part.

Overall, it is really nice. The one problem is, the first leg of the "M" does not light up. It's just a little off. I guess it's all made in China anyways.

Name: 100_2149 copy.JPG
Views: 968
Size: 518.9 KB

Name: 100_2149 copy.JPG
Views: 968
Size: 518.9 KB

Name: 100_2151 copy.JPG
Views: 935
Size: 506.2 KB

Name: 100_2152 copy.JPG
Views: 937
Size: 434.4 KB

ishowerinjager · 10-29-2018, 09:35 PM

I see the shifter in CF on the RW site but not the surround piece.

Where are you guys getting that piece?

TK335iMSPT · 10-29-2018, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishowerinjager

I see the shifter in CF on the RW site but not the surround piece.

Where are you guys getting that piece?

Got mine on eBay

ishowerinjager · 10-29-2018, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TK335iMSPT

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishowerinjager

I see the shifter in CF on the RW site but not the surround piece.

Where are you guys getting that piece?

Got mine on eBay

Happy with the way it looks and fits?

TK335iMSPT · 10-29-2018, 09:45 PM

Got the shifter surround and steering trim on eBay during a 20 percent off day and the shifter itself off rw carbon. Used oem face plate because the aftermarket did not fit well.

Kailec · 10-29-2018, 09:58 PM

I went a different route altogether. Local guy in my area does CF work and he did my entire interior including shifter and surround. Then got the cover off ebay for cheap and voila!

TK335iMSPT · 10-29-2018, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishowerinjager

Quote:

Originally Posted by TK335iMSPT

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishowerinjager

I see the shifter in CF on the RW site but not the surround piece.

Where are you guys getting that piece?

Got mine on eBay

Happy with the way it looks and fits?

Very happy. Just beware, 99 percent of what is sold for the shifter surrounds are real carbon but stick on the original trim. The black plastic and shift surround are one piece.

The Airman · 10-30-2018, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TK335iMSPT

Very happy. Just beware, 99 percent of what is sold for the shifter surrounds are real carbon but stick on the original trim. The black plastic and shift surround are one piece.

You're right, and some of the stick on trim parts from China are not even real carbon fiber. The ad might say "carbon fiber 'sticker', or something like that. In that case, it's usually fake plastic.

Shop for these trim parts very carefully. "Flea-bay" is filled with carbon fiber scammers.

LiquidBlue_F30 · 05-11-2019, 11:52 AM

How difficult is the CF shifter install? My only concern is some of the plastic OE pieces breaking.

TK335iMSPT · 05-11-2019, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiquidBlue_F30

How difficult is the CF shifter install? My only concern is some of the plastic OE pieces breaking.

No difficult at all but prepare to have a replacement piece for the black plastic that shows r n d m/s. You have to pry that off to get to the screw to remove the old trim. If you can take it off neatly you can re glue it down but I slipped and nicked the black paint. I'm ocd so I needed a new one to glue down. Found a used on on eBay for 30 bucks.

08-13-2018, 02:28 PM	#1
TK335iMSPT Lieutenant 299 Rep 479 Posts Drives: F30 335ixdrive M Sport Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (3)	Carbon Fiber Shifter Trim I ordered this carbon fiber M performance shifter off a bmw dealer on eBay. Their picture shows a gloss carbon fiber but I received a matte carbon fiber. What I wanted: Gloss Carbon fiber shifter What I got: Matte Carbon fiber shifter Is there a way to add gloss to the shifter, or does anyone know where I can get the gloss shifter from? Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

08-13-2018, 03:07 PM	#2
a803sgo Captain 170 Rep 616 Posts Drives: BMW 320D M-SPORT (F30) Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Kent, UK iTrader: (0)	Urm, send it back?
	Appreciate 2 Billfitz8243.00 Joshd6353.00 Quote

08-13-2018, 08:42 PM	#4
Kailec Lieutenant Colonel 595 Rep 1,953 Posts Drives: 2013 328i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 328i xDrive [0.00]	So I can see where the confusion is from. You have an F30, a 3 series. The pic above is from the 5 series. The 5 series M Performance CF shifter is glossy CF, whereas the 3 series is matte carbon. Not sure if they made that clear to you in the ad, it is what it is. At the point if you can, I would return it. Your options for actual glossy CF trim is to go for RW or any other aftermarket maker, or you can try oCarbon. They hand lay real CF on existing OEM pieces. You can either send in your existing piece, or they will do it on a piece they have in hand, send it to you, and you mail them back your piece as a trade.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-29-2018, 08:58 PM	#7
The Airman Second Lieutenant 171 Rep 257 Posts Drives: 2021 i3s Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Pittsburgh iTrader: (0)	I installed the gloss AutoTecknic shifter trim today. I wasn't a big fan of the matte finish, either. Also, it wouldn't have matched my other trim parts. Be sure you have a (hard to find) T8 Torx bit before you start the job. Also, as hard as I tried, I could not get the plastic gear position indication piece out of the shifter without chipping it. It was just stuck too tight. I am glad it's a cheap part. Overall, it is really nice. The one problem is, the first leg of the "M" does not light up. It's just a little off. I guess it's all made in China anyways. __________________ 2021 i3s AC Schnitzer BMW CCA #67486
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-29-2018, 09:35 PM	#8
ishowerinjager Second Lieutenant 111 Rep 216 Posts Drives: 2017 340i M Performance Editio Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Edmonton iTrader: (0)	I see the shifter in CF on the RW site but not the surround piece. Where are you guys getting that piece? __________________ 2017 340i M Performance Edition: Fashion Grey, MPPSK, M performance front splitter, rear diffuser, side sills, black grille, CF spoiler, 405M 20s, 8AT, full Marino interior and dash, adaptive suspension
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-29-2018, 09:45 PM	#11
TK335iMSPT Lieutenant 299 Rep 479 Posts Drives: F30 335ixdrive M Sport Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (3)	Got the shifter surround and steering trim on eBay during a 20 percent off day and the shifter itself off rw carbon. Used oem face plate because the aftermarket did not fit well. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-29-2018, 09:58 PM	#12
Kailec Lieutenant Colonel 595 Rep 1,953 Posts Drives: 2013 328i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 328i xDrive [0.00]	I went a different route altogether. Local guy in my area does CF work and he did my entire interior including shifter and surround. Then got the cover off ebay for cheap and voila!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-11-2019, 11:52 AM	#15
LiquidBlue_F30 Enlisted Member 21 Rep 34 Posts Drives: BMW 320i XDrive Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: United States iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 320i XDrive [0.00]	How difficult is the CF shifter install? My only concern is some of the plastic OE pieces breaking.
	Appreciate 0 Quote