E30 Zone

Hi all,

I'm the proud new owner of a 318is, my first venture into E30's. Couldn't be happier, already itching to get to work on it!

First thing I'd like to tackle is the exterior trim pieces that were once black and now a faded grey. Particularly the door mouldings, rear spoiler & vents just under the windscreen.

Does anyone have any advise / useful links that would aid me in getting these pieces back to their original black?

Thanks folks.

Autoglym Bumper and Trim gel gives good results in my experience.

I use a heat gun, be gentel when you do it, It brings the oils in the plastic back to the surface.

Not sure how long it'll last, but I've been doing all of my plastic trim, and shadow line trims, with hycote satin black:





Not sure I'd use it on the spoiler though.

zaust wrote:I use a heat gun, be gentel when you do it, It brings the oils in the plastic back to the surface.

Interesting technique.

Anyone have experience with Gtechniq C4?

poshjollard wrote:
Anyone have experience with Gtechniq C4?

been meaning to try this myself, wouldnt bother with the heat gun i tried it, youd have to be very very good to get it looking half decent, plus its no good for the scuttle vents as it melts the very thin mesh bits

they paint very well , rub down primer paint laquer, has them looking great particularly the bumper trims

the door mouldings i wouldnt paint as they are rubber, just use ag bumper trim gel or try the g4 stuff

scuttle vents are only £12 odd each for brand new ones, along with getting wiper arms powder coated or re painted, give a great look

Great,

I've got some C4 on the way and will attempt to respray what doesn't seem to take too well to it.

Unrelated question - the power window buttons on my center console aren't illuminating, am I to assume you just replace them with a new switch?

Heat Gun then After The Heat Gun , Just use Some Shoe Polish (Wax Based) , and It'll Shine for about two days , then after that it'll get back it's original Matte Look Trim .
Been using that Method for years.

poshjollard wrote:
Unrelated question - the power window buttons on my center console aren't illuminating, am I to assume you just replace them with a new switch?

Bulbs aren't intended to be replaceable, but it's easy to do. CPC-Farnel can supply the correct spec. bulbs.
Heat gun is the professional way of restoring the black bits!

Peanut butter jelly time, If this works please take a before and after haha

Brianmoooore wrote:

poshjollard wrote:
Unrelated question - the power window buttons on my center console aren't illuminating, am I to assume you just replace them with a new switch?

Bulbs aren't intended to be replaceable, but it's easy to do. CPC-Farnel can supply the correct spec. bulbs.

I'd be very surprised if every bulb in every switch has failed. I see the odd switch these days, with one out in a switch but never all 8.

DaveMcleod88 wrote:

Peanut butter jelly time, If this works please take a before and after haha

I've seen it done and it works , but short lived, heat gun for long lasting.