Would members comment on their experience regarding the comparative durability [i.e. longevity] of real carbon fiber interior trim vs. carbon wrap interior trim (setting aside aesthetics).
Thank you
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Would members comment on their experience regarding the comparative durability [i.e. longevity] of real carbon fiber interior trim vs. carbon wrap interior trim (setting aside aesthetics).
Thank you
Well, real CF handles scratches and stuff way better. You could even wrap them in PPF to help with that. The only problem you get is that with cheaper real CF, they don't use UV stable epoxy so then they start to yellow. They are harder to repair if something bad does happen to them. Wrap is cheaper, stays the same pretty much all the time aside from scratches and stuff. It's easily repairable if you scuff a piece, you just rewrap. It just doesn't look real.
Thank you for your input.
Are you familiar with Rogue Engineering? https://www.rdfablife.com/carbon-fib...o3dYQVdfN7W4ck
I am considering their services to carbon wrap the interior pieces for my 2005 ZHP vert.
I would DIY, it’s super easy. YouTube some how to videos. I did the trim in my 08 2500HD and it still looks new. Survived several HOT desert summers.
https://youtu.be/sQMTRRjewjo
https://youtu.be/QaWkSQ_irxY
I have had a number of conversations with Rogue Engineering. I will using them when I do the trim on my sedan. But if I had a coupe I would find a provider that does real carbon fiber. They are out their for sure. Try - https://karbonius.net/producto/bmw-e...-trim-kit-lhd/
Thank you for the information. I had identified Karnonius ;however, the website I had sourced could not be reached (http://www.karbonius.es/web_ing/prod.../base_bmw.html). I will seek to understand Rogue's process and conduct a comparative with Karbonius. My general understanding at this juncture is that Rogue uses actual carbon fiber, not a vinyl wrap.
I also identified an entity in Thailand called NVD Autosport. I have emailed them to understand their process and materials. Awaiting a reply.
I can see why Karbonius comparatively is better than Rogue, assuming Rogue is just wrapping carbon fiber over the original trim pieces and not using an autoclave.
Thank you again for the correct web address for Karbonius.
Get ready to...
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...bbd5596467.jpg
I am. They do use real CF, but I don't like how they lay some of the CF. It's like they try to use a little material as possible so you see like gaps here and there. It looks like they do a wet-lay process to me. That's just from some of the pieces I've seen though. But I think most people would gloss over that detail and be content with it.
Lol Gary!
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NVD Auto Sport
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...ed08741ca3.jpg
$230... just for that piece?!
https://media.tenor.com/images/95c24...bae5/tenor.gif
Rogue responded to my inquiry but did not provide specifics. Since their core services involve fiberglass, I'm certain they are simply transferring those techniques to the carbon fiber application. Rogue is about 50 minutes from me.
Karbonius prices are tolerable but with the 20% VAT it becomes pricey. I like the Karbonius process.
I've attached the NVD Autsport (Thailand) price list for E46 vehicles. Attachment 36970
Your correct. Not certain why it did not attach since I downloaded the price list. Copy 'n paste yields the prices without pictures (see below).
Has anyone used NVD Autosport in Thailand?
I stand corrected on my previous statement for Karbonius VAT rate, since they are located in Spain the VAT is 21%...according to https://www.avalara.com/vatlive/en/v...vat-rates.html
It appears that automotive parts were not included in COVID-19 rate reductions. Obviously the EU does not wish to stimulate trade with rates this high.
No. Pic Description - OEM PART LAMINATED WITH CARBON Price USD
Replacement type not the cover type
E46/2 front grille $180
E46 front grille $180
Carbon Auto gear knob (E36/46/39/60/90/92) $120
2.1 Carbon SMG gear knob $290
E36, E39, E46 Carbon hand brake (Hamann) $85
E46 Carbon boot handle $285
E46 M3 Carbon multi function $205
E46 M3 Carbon lower steering wheel trim $285
E46 Carbon ECU lid $180
Carbon Door sills (inner)
BMW E46 CARBON FIBER PARTS
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
E46 coupe $320
E46 Coupe Carbon Pollen cover/ cover micro filter $180
E46 Carbon inner mirror cover/ pair $95
E46/2 Carbon door handles (1 pair) $285
E46/4 Carbon door handles (2 pairs) $570
E46/2 M3 Carbon side mouldings ( 6 pieces) $760
E46 M3 Carbon Centre Intake + connector $399
E46 M3 Carbon Centre Intake only $310
E46 323CI Carbon Centre Intake $290
E46 Carbon dash trims $240
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
No. Pic Description - OEM PART LAMINATED WITH CARBON Price USD
BMW E46 CARBON FIBER PARTS
E46 Carbon centre console $155
E46 Carbon smg dome $325
E46 Carbon armrests (front- rear: 4 pcs) $830
E46 Sedan interior door trims ( 4 pcs) $360
E46 coupe (pre-facelift) Headlamp trims+washer jet covers $370
E46 coupe (facelift) Headlamp trims+washer jet covers $380
E46 coupe (facelift) Headlamp trims $290
E46 M3 Carbon side grille $185
E46 Carbon Lower kick panel (pair) $360
16
17
18
20
21
22
E46 CSL Rear panel (2 pieces) $1,150
E46 convertible lateral trim top( 2 pcs) $1,680
E46 Carbon xenon ballast cover $135
E46 Carbon jet washer tank cap $80
E46 Carbon shift paddles $99
E46 Carbon seat trim/ pair $420
E46 convertible - seat trim extensions/pair $260
E46 Carbon seat rail cover/ pair $185
E46 Carbon washer bottle $265
E46 M3 Carbon fibre radiator extension tank $385
29
32
33
34
24
25
27
28
No. Pic Description - OEM PART LAMINATED WITH CARBON Price USD
BMW E46 CARBON FIBER PARTS
35 E46 M3 carbon fibre steering wheel (MFSW) $950
E46 M3 carbon fibre steering wheel (MFSW) SPORT VERSION $950
E46 M3 carbon fibre steering wheel with shift paddles(MFSW)
SPORT VERSION $1,250
36 E46 carbon sunglass holder $190
37 E46 carbon instrument panel - switch centre $495
38 E46 carbon handbrake console $575
39
E46 carbon coin storage ( in handbrake console ) $140
40 E46 carbon storage compartment (in handbrake console) $150
40.1 E46 carbon cup holder (in handbrake console) $140
41 E46 carbon roller top storage tray ( in center console) $195
41-1 E46 carbon roller top storage tray holder ( in center console)
( for the version with center armrest ) $135
No. Pic Description - OEM PART LAMINATED WITH CARBON Price USD
BMW E46 CARBON FIBER PARTS
42 E46 carbon battery cover $295
43 E46 carbon trunk tray ( in trunk) $280
E46 storage partition ( in trunk ) $95
44
45
Oil filter cover $120
46 Front Seat pull covers + handles ( pair) $340
47 Automatic Air Control Unit Panel $250
48 Interior Door handles ( coupe / convertible ) $280
49 Steeing wheel column ( upper - lower) $550
50 Dash Storage Box $280
51 Headrest Seatbelt Base ( pair ) for Convertible ONLY $550
52 Side Air Con Vent ( pair ) $240
53 Center Air Con Vent $250
No. Pic Description - OEM PART LAMINATED WITH CARBON Price USD
BMW E46 CARBON FIBER PARTS
54 Coolant cap $110
Good point!
At his juncture I am leaning toward the autoclave process ;therefore, Karbonius or possibly NVD Autosport. Just waiting for detailed process description from NVD Autosport. I've emailed Karbonius to confirm shipping charges and duties to US so that proper comparatives can be performed.
NVD has free shipping (just built into the price). I read NVD Autosport testimonials, one individual stated that NVD declared the shipment as a "gift"; therefore, there were no duties levied.
So far I have not identified another E46 carbon fiber offering that is autoclaved. Should anyone know of another entity, please let me know.
You know, I was thinking you were in the EU before lol Because you were concerned with VAT. We don't pay the VAT in the US. They shouldn't charge you the VAT. I'm not sure how their trim pieces look cosmetically. But the door cards that I have seen from them had a lot of weave imperfections especially around the bends. Nothing too crazy, but it's noticeable if you look. But their CSL airbox looked perfect. I'm talking about Karbonius.
I don't think I know of any other one. But since the trims are cosmetic for the most part, I'm more concerned about the epoxy/clear coat used and the way the weave looks vs. the minimal weight savings.
I did not realize US purchasers did not pay VAT. That change the economics, although duties do apply.
Did you directly see the Karnonius door cards as opposed to images? I am looking at the 8-piece trim set for my ZHP.
I received a reply from NVD Autosport describing their manufacturing process. In essence, the same process as Rogue.
Dear: Sir
We can do the under value invoice so that you do not need to pay the import tax in USA.
Our production process starts from:
1. prepare the core parts ==> clean + prepare the surface+ put in the heating room for 1-2 days to make sure that the surface is completely dry
2. Laminate the real carbon fiber sheet + put in room temp for few days then put in the heating room again
3. Coating with our in house coating formula 3 - 4 layers ( each layers will have a time break) ==> put in the room temp for few days then put in the heating room again
4. do the finishing touch
Please let us know.
Thank you
Prapan
www.NvdAutoSport.com
I have a 8pc wood trim sedan set that I’ve been wanting to get done in carbon fiber
FYI there is a member on the M3Forum that refinish’s trim if you want something other than CF. He does really good work.
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app
Carbon Fiber Wrapped Sedan Trim Sets. Actually looks good.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-SED...gAAOSwb1NcrkxS
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-Sed...MAAOSwXj1ea9Z1
NVD Carbon Fiber Full Sedan Trim Set- $880
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-Sed...gAAOSwLnBX61Gt
Nice ZHP Black Cube Sedan Trim Set- $300
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-330...m/264762061388
I have reviewed the ebay products; additionally I'll look at the M3Forum member's service.
Here is a reply from Karbonius:
Hi Mattthew,
sorry for delay in back to you, the person who usually reply the emails is on leave and I have not too much free time to reply.
I think most of our customers are paying around a 5% to 8% of the amount on the invoice for taxes in USA.
About shipping costs I´m not sure, but you can check on the shop, you can try to make a buy putting your postal code in the required fiels and the system will show you the shipping costs.
And about the exchange rate, the system also show prices in Euros, regardless of how the dollar is..
Please let me know if you have any other doubt.
Regards
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-Sed...gAAOSwLnBX61Gt
They offer this in 1x1 weave.... very tempting :drevil
Welcome. I’ve seen a lot of his refinished trim pieces and they all turned out amazing.
So I just found a note I made for a place that I would use if I ever needed to replace my silver CF trim (due to damage or whatever). I used to work on a lot of Audi's and came across his work. He was a guy working out of his garage at the time, but the quality was top notch from the stuff I handled. I remember that he didn't offer E46 trims at the time, so I would have to do a custom order. He uses a wet lay or laminating process so you'll have to send in your trims to him.
https://ocarbon.com/
I just looked at the site, damn there's so much more stuff now lol Glad they are still around. The hexagon CF looks good. I want that now lol
edit:
this not look good or what? lol
https://ocarbon.com/collections/audi...oneycomb-black
That does look good!
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Another carbon fiber trim source is Dinman https://www.dinmann.com/, although they do not list the E46 as a product offering. I'll contact them as well to see if they have interest in producing an E46 trim set.
Thanks for the ocarbon link, I sent a message as well inquiring about E46 sedan trim. Hopefully they can do it, looks like great work at a VERY reasonable price. That hex pattern is cool, never seen that.
Edit: wooooooo, that reflex purple carbon weave got me in my feels...........so pretty.
Matt at ocarbon got back to me and said that they CAN do E46 trim but can only do overlay work on WOOD TRIM
Here is OCarbon's email response...
Hi Matthew,
We can, and we have in the past. But the E46 is a tricky one. We would need wood core trim pieces to work with, as we have run into quality issues trying to turn some of the E46 plastic trim pieces into carbon. I don't want to sell products that could potentially have issues, so I'd only be able to make something if the pieces you wanted done were the much more sturdy wood pieces.
Thankfully the wood pieces can be found pretty cheap. Looks like these are the same set is under $100 (there are probably even cheaper sets, I just don't have a ton of time to check right now). But I'm also pretty sure some E46s have different wood pieces, including some door pulls:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E46-OEM...IAAOSwsvVd-aGO
So pricing is really going to depend on which pieces you'd want done and if you're able to send us your trim or at very least have us buy used wood trim on eBay on your behalf and add it to the price. I suspect pricing on the carbon is going to run $600-800, depending on which pieces you'd want and if you want any custom colors/fabrics.
So get me a little more info about which pieces of trim you want done, how you want to handle the core situation, and what fabric you'd like and I can get you a more detailed quote.
Let me know if you have any other questions or if you'd like to setup an order.
Cheers,
--
Matt Johnson
Owner
oCarbon.com
I am moving forward with oCarbon especially after Matt sent over some pics of the last E46 set he did.
Attachment 37100
Attachment 37101