[dailydud]

Hey all,

New BMW owner and finding that this really is an ultimate driving machine. So, I have been lurking a while and finding that most, if not all, are blacking out their cars (and yes, it looks great that way too). Anyone out there leaving and liking the chrome trim, like it came from the factory? Would love to see pics!

[jcl78]

In my view, the chrome or satin trim gives the G20 a more sophisticated/ luxury vibe. It is definitely a personal choice. I went with the full shadowline package with extended because I believe it looks much more angry and sporty.

[335aw]

I prefer the shadowline package (its a very common selection) as it tones down the contrast of that chrome. I dont hate the chrome, but dont prefer it

[JABCAT]

Chrome is the equivalent to brass fixtures in a home, decades out-dated. But if the owner likes it, that's all that matters.

[dailydud]

Originally Posted by JABCAT

Chrome is the equivalent to brass fixtures in a home, decades out-dated. But if the owner likes it, that's all that matters.

JABCAT Like everything else, it just might come back in to vogue

jcl78 I agree, it does give it a more sophisticated/luxury look (but not necessarily my favorite as well)

[toddwalton]

There is nothing wrong with chrome, but speaking for myself I just got bored of Black or Grey metallic paint and chrome grills after 20 years, that's 8 E and F BMW's essentially having the identical vibe.

So, for me, the Shadowline with its blacked out trim feels fresh and exciting, and on the 4 Series specifically, really minimizes that controversial grill. These new monochrome paints like Brooklyn Grey without all those different color shades are just crying out for black accents too.

I think BMW offers just the right amount of black gloss trim, I like the wheels having dark inserts but still chrome brightwork, I like the badges remaining chrome, even the headlights are darkened by still maintain some chrome pop. The blacked out side mirrors make the car look less busy too. It's well balanced in that regard.

You're a brand new owner, so you don't understand the redundancy of paint and trim yet. Some day, I promise you, you'll want a changeup. For now, you're in the classic BMW setup and you love it so you're good.

[JABCAT]

Pics comparing the day I picked it up to today. Looks like a completely different car.

[dailydud]

Originally Posted by toddwalton

There is nothing wrong with chrome, but speaking for myself I just got bored of Black or Grey metallic paint and chrome grills after 20 years, that's 8 E and F BMW's essentially having the identical vibe.

So, for me, the Shadowline with its blacked out trim feels fresh and exciting, and on the 4 Series specifically, really minimizes that controversial grill. These new monochrome paints like Brooklyn Grey without all those different color shades are just crying out for black accents too.

I think BMW offers just the right amount of black gloss trim, I like the wheels having dark inserts but still chrome brightwork, I like the badges remaining chrome, even the headlights are darkened by still maintain some chrome pop. The blacked out side mirrors make the car look less busy too. It's well balanced in that regard.

You're a brand new owner, so you don't understand the redundancy of paint and trim yet. Some day, I promise you, you'll want a changeup. For now, you're in the classic BMW setup and you love it so you're good.

toddwalton Beautiful car and great color scheme. I suspect you are right, after a while I will want to change it up. Thanks!

[dailydud]

Originally Posted by JABCAT

Pics comparing the day I picked it up to today. Looks like a completely different car.

JABCAT It sure does, beautiful!

[GOLFFRR]

if owner likes it rock it

[bavarianride]

I have chrome on my 2021 G20 330i and it looks good on my alpine white.

If the car has blacked out grill and black/dark color then the shadowline trims would be good.

[madpistol]

Almost every car I’ve ever had had been slathered in chrome trim. I just wanted something that was a bit more “dark horse” and less “bling bling” this time, so I got the full Shadowline package on my M440i GC. It’s personal preference. Chrome on the regular 3 series is tasteful and looks great IMO.

[elambo]

I don't think chrome is categorically better or worse than other materials, I think it's all about how it lays into the overall design. Some look great with chrome, others might look dated. A good designer knows how to work with all of these materials. Personally, I lean toward the shadowline look and my last 4 or 5 cars have had it, but I've come across many autos w/ chrome that I'd jump on without hesitation.

[Rawhide]

Nothing wrong with chrome, that's a good looking car.

[StevenDS85]

I do like some chrome on THE-3 as well. I even have put the luxury chrome grill on the M-Sport.

[zazzau]

To echo some of the other comments: I’ve had chrome in previous models; in fact I still have my E90 and can’t help but notice how dated the chrome in comparison. I prefer the more subtle but tasteful looks of shadowline. But as others have stated it comes down to personal preference.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by zazzau

To echo some of the other comments: I’ve had chrome in previous models; in fact I still have my E90 and can’t help but notice how dated the chrome in comparison. I prefer the more subtle but tasteful looks of shadowline. But as others have stated it comes down to personal preference.

I would say it is E90 looking dated, not the chrome, when compared to G20. Or shadowline trim would not make E90 look contemporary.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by StevenDS85

I do like some chrome on THE-3 as well. I even have put the luxury chrome grill on the M-Sport.

I do know of people doing the same, as the chrome creates different color contrast, e.g. swapping in chrome on a jet black M sport injects an alternate attitude to an angry looking car.

[zazzau]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

I would say it is E90 looking dated, not the chrome, when compared to G20. Or shadowline trim would not make E90 look contemporary.

Nah I’ve seen some really tricked out E90s with chrome delete and wish I did that to mine. Still love that car.

[Montaver]

From the E90 onwards, they always look better with black trim. Chrome grill on an E30/36/46 M3 looks crisp.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by zazzau

Nah I’ve seen some really tricked out E90s with chrome delete and wish I did that to mine. Still love that car.

I don't know about E90, but my US spec F30 base has non-glossy matte black vertical trim pieces.

My US spec G20 base has glossy shadow line vertical trims from factory. And the chrome pieces are matte(or brushed?) too.

So the glossy shadow pieces and matte chrome pieces create an interesting contrast along the windows.

[AP]

Chrome for me just reminds me plastic trying to look like metal and so I always have in my head that it looks cheap and fake
Just opinion ad. Each to thei of course
Like many I prefer black , even if it is plastic as it looks better imho