It being a high-chip area is exactly why I'd use paint on plastic. Since you'll be re-doing it often due to the rock chips, with paint you at least won't have to go peeling off what's already there before you lay down another coat.
I tried PlastiDip on my front bumper trim a while back. I laid it on very thick, as you're supposed to. It was all peeling and chipped up within months and it looked horrendous. When rocks or other debris hits it, the debris penetrates the layer and it starts to peel. With paint, at least you can just spray right over it and call it a day.
Quality of results definitely depends on the surface. Because that lower mesh isn't something people look at (other than color) I wouldn't bother peeling before reapplying--considering how anal I am, that's saying something.
This is the grille on my E83. I've not given this car any love since getting the ZHP, and I'd say that dip is at least 18 months old. Given the X3 slats are about 2" wide, I consider it a pretty high-chip area. Not trying to be argumentative, just saying decent results are achievable.
Edit: that's bug splatter on the middle slat, not something wrong with the PD.
Emma - 2005 BMW 330ci ZHP 6MT Estorilblau Individual
Sportline 8s 18x8.5F - 18x9.5R | APEX ARC-8 18x8.5 Square | aFe Intake | 135i Brembo F/R Calipers | 26mm Front/20mm Rear Sway Bars | Z4 Mirror
M3 Dead Pedal | Lexus ES300 Yellow Fog Light Retrofit | Koni Yellows/H&R Springs | Llumar CTX 40% | Coby Tri-Stitch Wheel & Boots
Awaiting Install: M3 Wing Mirrors
Perhaps your location has something to do with that.
I would imagine we have much higher traffic volume, and definitely have a shit ton of salt on the roads at almost all times during the winter. Perhaps that is what was contributing to my sub-optimal results?
Emma - 2005 BMW 330ci ZHP 6MT Estorilblau Individual
Sportline 8s 18x8.5F - 18x9.5R | APEX ARC-8 18x8.5 Square | aFe Intake | 135i Brembo F/R Calipers | 26mm Front/20mm Rear Sway Bars | Z4 Mirror
M3 Dead Pedal | Lexus ES300 Yellow Fog Light Retrofit | Koni Yellows/H&R Springs | Llumar CTX 40% | Coby Tri-Stitch Wheel & Boots
Awaiting Install: M3 Wing Mirrors
Washed, scheduled an appointment for Llumar CTX40 to be installed, and (fingers crossed) will get some of the backseat put back in the car tonight.
Emma - 2005 BMW 330ci ZHP 6MT Estorilblau Individual
Sportline 8s 18x8.5F - 18x9.5R | APEX ARC-8 18x8.5 Square | aFe Intake | 135i Brembo F/R Calipers | 26mm Front/20mm Rear Sway Bars | Z4 Mirror
M3 Dead Pedal | Lexus ES300 Yellow Fog Light Retrofit | Koni Yellows/H&R Springs | Llumar CTX 40% | Coby Tri-Stitch Wheel & Boots
Awaiting Install: M3 Wing Mirrors
Replaced the lower grille (t parts).
Need this E14.
Finished putting the ESS TS2 on today and painted lower mesh grill while I had the bumper off.
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2006 6MT Coupe, Alpine White • Premium, Cold Weather and Xenon packages
MFactory 3.38 LSD • 27mm M3 bar • ECS strut brace • Koni FSD's
Other tweaks: see my profile