E93 M3 Questions: Shadowline or Chrome? Euro Seats or Not?

spark146 · 05-13-2008, 07:30 AM

I'm wondering if we can get some clarity on two inconsistencies that have come up with US E93 M3's.

First, there are a number of photos of US M3 convertibles popping up on the site now, all of which show cars with chrome trim. Like others, I believed that shadowline was standard on all US M3's, including convertibles. Calling the 800 number yesterday I was told -- repeatedly -- that US convertibles were going to have shadowline trim as standard equipment. I pressed the point, saying that I've seen photos to the contrary -- the person put me on hold for several minutes to check again -- and came back with the same story: shadowline for US convertibles is standard. So: Has anyone seen a convertible that DOESN'T have chrome? Can anyone explain this contradiction?

Second is the question of Euro or US seats. We all know that US spec M3's do not come equipped with Euro M3 seats. On this site, however, I believe I've seen interior photos of only US convertible but it had the European seats. So: Has anyone seen a convertible that DOESN'T have European seats? Again, can anyone explain this?

I suppose it's possible that early US E93 M3's are coming with some of the Euro equipment (where chrome is standard, for example). (Note, though, that the cars are all shown with US front side markers.) If this is the case -- as odd as it would be -- when will the change-over be made to US equipment?

What's going on??

Big Windy · 05-13-2008, 08:35 AM

Why early E93s would come with "euro" equipment is beyond me. You are correct that there have been pictures posted on this forum (yesterday) that show an e93 with chrome trim and euro seats. I, personally, have not seen pics of the US spec e93 with shadowline trim. I wouldn't trust them on the phone for a second. Also, the site is not accurate. Just go to the US configurator for the e92 and check out the interior pics- the seats are euro spec when clearly the US ones are not. hopefully other members know more. i am not buying the e93, but i am curious about these issues.

rmmcdaniel · 05-13-2008, 01:12 PM

Do those pics really have the full Euro seats or just the Euro center portions? I haven't looked in enough detail to tell, but I thought one photo I saw appeared to have the Euro center portion with the stitching, but the side pieces were US spec. That seems even more odd though, now that I think about it, that the seats would have a mix of US and Euro parts. Then again, I've seen weirder things from BMW. One that comes to mind was an M3 that had a US driver's seat and Euro passenger seat!

Not sure on the trim but all the photos I've seen do have the chrome like you said.

spark146 · 05-14-2008, 07:15 AM

From elsewhere on this site, it is now being reported that BMW has reversed themselves with respect to exterior trim for convertibles: All US E93 M3's will have chrome trim, period, with no option for shadowline trim. (You may know that, until now, they stated that all US cars will have shadowline, period, with no option for chrome.) European cars still have chrome standard with s'line as optional. Thanks BMW...

Does anyone have information that is different from this?

TheBry · 05-16-2008, 05:59 PM

The exterior "chromeline" trim is a done deal. That's all we're getting in the USA -- at least for 2008 models.

However, there is still the question of the seats. I guess we'll have to wait until more E93 M3s are delivered to US customers. The pics should start flowing in a matter of days.

Big Windy · 05-17-2008, 07:02 AM

The seats are the euro version. BMW is so fucked up I cannot stand it. There is no consistency. This is the first time I have ever used profanity on this forum it just makes me so mad. The ordering brochure says shadowline trim standard and then it comes with chrome. The coupe and sedan don't have euro seats and then out of nowhere and for no reason the e93 has the stripe. WTF!

HotLap · 05-17-2008, 10:09 PM

Yup - seen two E93 verts in person now and they do have the chrome trim...too bad as the shadowline would be a MUCH better look!! By the time my order would arrive, I'd be ordering an '09 anyways, going to wait for the 09 sure now! Plus I'll have a year newer car!! And no matter what your dealer will tell you now, a year newer model does have more value regardless of how low the mileage may be on the late model '08! Patience does have it's rewards!!

brandon @ eas · 05-18-2008, 12:47 AM

I can do shadowline vinyl trim for e93 m3's in socal. Its an overlay, that goes over the stock trim, like a large sticker. I have done numerous e92, and would like a go at the e93.

first e93 m3 I will do for the standard e92 price of $120 installed.

each one after will be $150.

e93's require almost twice as much vinyl as an e92, thats why the cost is more for e93s.

I am in so-cal, PM me to set up!

we all know chrome sucks

SHADY1 · 05-18-2008, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Windy

The seats are the euro version. BMW is so fucked up I cannot stand it. There is no consistency. This is the first time I have ever used profanity on this forum it just makes me so mad. The ordering brochure says shadowline trim standard and then it comes with chrome. The coupe and sedan don't have euro seats and then out of nowhere and for no reason the e93 has the stripe. WTF!

Yeah everyone that already have their coupe or sedan have been a$$ raped by BMW on the Euro seat deal.

BMW those no good rat tail little bastards

TheBry · 05-18-2008, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brandon @ eas

I can do shadowline vinyl trim for e93 m3's in socal. Its an overlay, that goes over the stock trim, like a large sticker. I have done numerous e92, and would like a go at the e93.

first e93 m3 I will do for the standard e92 price of $120 installed.

each one after will be $150.

e93's require almost twice as much vinyl as an e92, thats why the cost is more for e93s.

I am in so-cal, PM me to set up!

we all know chrome sucks

Hey there... I am VERY interested in this option. Have any pics of work you've done on E92's? Are there any pictures you can direct me to? Just sent you a PM with a few other questions as well.

brandon @ eas · 05-19-2008, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBry

Hey there... I am VERY interested in this option. Have any pics of work you've done on E92's? Are there any pictures you can direct me to? Just sent you a PM with a few other questions as well.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142995

AZ-BMW · 05-19-2008, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotLap

Yup - seen two E93 verts in person now and they do have the chrome trim...too bad as the shadowline would be a MUCH better look!!

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143292
According to the 03/08 M3 CIC ordering guide, Shadowline Trim (order code 780) is standard. So why are we seeing chrome in the U.S.

Big Windy · 05-20-2008, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZ-BMW

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143292
According to the 03/08 M3 CIC ordering guide, Shadowline Trim (order code 780) is standard. So why are we seeing chrome in the U.S.

BMW has their head in their ass. the ordering guide doesn't mean anything. seriously. don't believe what it says becaust it is riddled with errors.

valeram · 05-20-2008, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotLap

Yup - seen two E93 verts in person now and they do have the chrome trim...too bad as the shadowline would be a MUCH better look!! By the time my order would arrive, I'd be ordering an '09 anyways, going to wait for the 09 sure now! Plus I'll have a year newer car!! And no matter what your dealer will tell you now, a year newer model does have more value regardless of how low the mileage may be on the late model '08! Patience does have it's rewards!!

Please note that there is also a price increase as of June 01 for 08 model. The price increase in the M3 is more on the options but not on the base car. We still don't know if there will be an increase on 09 MY. The value of the US$ is in a free fall as compared to Euro. But you will still come up OK but not as much as before.

TheBry · 05-20-2008, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Windy

BMW has their head in their ass. the ordering guide doesn't mean anything. seriously. don't believe what it says becaust it is riddled with errors.

Exactly. If we followed that guide for the E93 M3, we'd not only be getting Shadowline Trim, we'd also be getting a spoiler lip on the trunk, and a bunch of other stuff that's standard for the E92. Very sloppy in my opinion (to have let the options get so mixed up).

brandon @ eas · 05-23-2008, 11:01 PM

did an e93 today:

spark146 · 05-25-2008, 06:53 AM

Brandon, your work looks terrific; seriously. Unfortunately, So. California is a bit far for me to drive for it; I live in NY...! Do you happen to know anyone in my area that does this? If so, can you comment on their quality (comparable to yours, for example)?

Thanks.

brandon @ eas · 05-27-2008, 01:32 AM

I will be on tour with my band and in NYC july 21 doing a show on Fox, maybe we could meet up then, Im sure I will need the money hahah

ase2dais · 05-27-2008, 06:37 AM

looks good Brandon

I wish I knew that when I was checking out the e93, those chrome made me decide on a e92 instead.

Al

Big Windy · 05-27-2008, 08:30 AM

i like brandon's work but it is definitely not "high-gloss"

HotLap · 05-27-2008, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by valeram

Please note that there is also a price increase as of June 01 for 08 model. The price increase in the M3 is more on the options but not on the base car. We still don't know if there will be an increase on 09 MY. The value of the US$ is in a free fall as compared to Euro. But you will still come up OK but not as much as before.

Yeah, I had read that...but it's not a base price increase (a few options only) and I'm hoping the M3's wont have a base increase for '09 (as with the recent introduction hopefully they aren't due for a base price increase yet). You never know though and that's a risk that those ordering the '09's will have to take. How often does BMW increase their base prices...in general?

TheBry · 05-27-2008, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Windy

i like brandon's work but it is definitely not "high-gloss"

Which is a good thing anyway. After seeing Brandon's work, the high-gloss shadowline trim looks a little "bling" to me. I much prefer the matte look Brandon creates. Will definitely have him treat my E93 when it arrives.

Pics below:
1.] Stock Aluminum Matte ("Chromeline")
2.] European & ROW High-Gloss Shadowline
3.] Brandon's Matt Shadowline

I prefer Brandon's.

05-13-2008, 07:30 AM	#1
spark146 Private 2 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 2008 E93 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	E93 M3 Questions: Shadowline or Chrome? Euro Seats or Not? I'm wondering if we can get some clarity on two inconsistencies that have come up with US E93 M3's. First, there are a number of photos of US M3 convertibles popping up on the site now, all of which show cars with chrome trim. Like others, I believed that shadowline was standard on all US M3's, including convertibles. Calling the 800 number yesterday I was told -- repeatedly -- that US convertibles were going to have shadowline trim as standard equipment. I pressed the point, saying that I've seen photos to the contrary -- the person put me on hold for several minutes to check again -- and came back with the same story: shadowline for US convertibles is standard. So: Has anyone seen a convertible that DOESN'T have chrome? Can anyone explain this contradiction? Second is the question of Euro or US seats. We all know that US spec M3's do not come equipped with Euro M3 seats. On this site, however, I believe I've seen interior photos of only US convertible but it had the European seats. So: Has anyone seen a convertible that DOESN'T have European seats? Again, can anyone explain this? I suppose it's possible that early US E93 M3's are coming with some of the Euro equipment (where chrome is standard, for example). (Note, though, that the cars are all shown with US front side markers.) If this is the case -- as odd as it would be -- when will the change-over be made to US equipment? What's going on??
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05-13-2008, 08:35 AM	#2
Big Windy Major General 152 Rep 5,124 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Why early E93s would come with "euro" equipment is beyond me. You are correct that there have been pictures posted on this forum (yesterday) that show an e93 with chrome trim and euro seats. I, personally, have not seen pics of the US spec e93 with shadowline trim. I wouldn't trust them on the phone for a second. Also, the site is not accurate. Just go to the US configurator for the e92 and check out the interior pics- the seats are euro spec when clearly the US ones are not. hopefully other members know more. i am not buying the e93, but i am curious about these issues.
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05-13-2008, 01:12 PM	#3
rmmcdaniel Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 247 Posts Drives: '09 E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chicago & SF iTrader: (0)	Do those pics really have the full Euro seats or just the Euro center portions? I haven't looked in enough detail to tell, but I thought one photo I saw appeared to have the Euro center portion with the stitching, but the side pieces were US spec. That seems even more odd though, now that I think about it, that the seats would have a mix of US and Euro parts. Then again, I've seen weirder things from BMW. One that comes to mind was an M3 that had a US driver's seat and Euro passenger seat! Not sure on the trim but all the photos I've seen do have the chrome like you said. __________________ 2009 E90 M3 - Silverstone/Fox Red - M-DCT, CW, PP, TP, 19", Moonroof, Sunshades, PDC, Enhanced Prem Sound, HD Radio, Sat, iPod, Smartphone Integration
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05-14-2008, 07:15 AM	#4
spark146 Private 2 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 2008 E93 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	From elsewhere on this site, it is now being reported that BMW has reversed themselves with respect to exterior trim for convertibles: All US E93 M3's will have chrome trim, period, with no option for shadowline trim. (You may know that, until now, they stated that all US cars will have shadowline, period, with no option for chrome.) European cars still have chrome standard with s'line as optional. Thanks BMW... Does anyone have information that is different from this?
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05-16-2008, 05:59 PM	#5
TheBry Major 141 Rep 1,020 Posts Drives: 2016 G12 750i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: San Francisco, California iTrader: (0)	The exterior "chromeline" trim is a done deal. That's all we're getting in the USA -- at least for 2008 models. However, there is still the question of the seats. I guess we'll have to wait until more E93 M3s are delivered to US customers. The pics should start flowing in a matter of days. __________________ Past: 2008 M3 (E93) naturally aspirated V8 realness! Past: 2012 740Li (F02) M-Sport (European Delivery) Present: 2016 750i (G12) M-Sport
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05-17-2008, 07:02 AM	#6
Big Windy Major General 152 Rep 5,124 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	The seats are the euro version. BMW is so fucked up I cannot stand it. There is no consistency. This is the first time I have ever used profanity on this forum it just makes me so mad. The ordering brochure says shadowline trim standard and then it comes with chrome. The coupe and sedan don't have euro seats and then out of nowhere and for no reason the e93 has the stripe. WTF!
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05-17-2008, 10:09 PM	#7
HotLap First Lieutenant 13 Rep 376 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Vert / 535i Twin turbo Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Yup - seen two E93 verts in person now and they do have the chrome trim...too bad as the shadowline would be a MUCH better look!! By the time my order would arrive, I'd be ordering an '09 anyways, going to wait for the 09 sure now! Plus I'll have a year newer car!! And no matter what your dealer will tell you now, a year newer model does have more value regardless of how low the mileage may be on the late model '08! Patience does have it's rewards!!
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05-18-2008, 12:47 AM	#8
brandon @ eas BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 520 Rep 3,612 Posts Drives: F30 335i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (10)	I can do shadowline vinyl trim for e93 m3's in socal. Its an overlay, that goes over the stock trim, like a large sticker. I have done numerous e92, and would like a go at the e93. first e93 m3 I will do for the standard e92 price of $120 installed. each one after will be $150. e93's require almost twice as much vinyl as an e92, thats why the cost is more for e93s. I am in so-cal, PM me to set up! we all know chrome sucks
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05-23-2008, 11:01 PM	#16
brandon @ eas BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 520 Rep 3,612 Posts Drives: F30 335i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (10)	did an e93 today:
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05-25-2008, 06:53 AM	#17
spark146 Private 2 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 2008 E93 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Brandon, your work looks terrific; seriously. Unfortunately, So. California is a bit far for me to drive for it; I live in NY...! Do you happen to know anyone in my area that does this? If so, can you comment on their quality (comparable to yours, for example)? Thanks. __________________ ------------- 2008 E93 M3 \| Space Gray \| Bamboo Beige \| \| M-DCT \| CW \| Tech \| Prem \| PDC \| HD \| Sat \| iPod/USB \|
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05-27-2008, 01:32 AM	#18
brandon @ eas BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 520 Rep 3,612 Posts Drives: F30 335i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (10)	I will be on tour with my band and in NYC july 21 doing a show on Fox, maybe we could meet up then, Im sure I will need the money hahah
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05-27-2008, 06:37 AM	#19
ase2dais //Mdicted 349 Rep 9,988 Posts Drives: a Cop Magnet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 495 Ring iTrader: (18) Garage List 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [10.00] 2015 S-Works Roubaix [0.00] 2013 Trek Madone 5.9 [9.50] 2012 Scott - CR1-Pro [10.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [10.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [7.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [7.00] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [9.50]	looks good Brandon I wish I knew that when I was checking out the e93, those chrome made me decide on a e92 instead. Al __________________ Oo\(lll)'(lll)/oO : 2009-e92 ///M3 SpaceGry DCT CF Rf/Trim ZTP ZPP ZCW Sat/PrmSd : \_lOOl___lOOl_/<< Clickies
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05-27-2008, 08:30 AM	#20
Big Windy Major General 152 Rep 5,124 Posts Drives: None Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	i like brandon's work but it is definitely not "high-gloss"
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