Ok so this is a dumb question, I know. I haven't had hands on experience with the chrome interior rings but am considering buying a car with them installed...

Are the rings metal or are they the cheesy plastic with chrome paint? Just need to know if I'll be able to powdercoat them or not.

 

pretty sure its chrome coated abs.

 

I wonder if there is anyone who makes them out of metal...

 

Chrome-coated plastic. Moss MINI at one time sold stainless steel interior trim, but it does not look like it's listed on their website anymore. More and more 1st-gen items get phased out as they get older.

 

I used Dupli-color shadow cast to paint mine, it's designed to adhere to the slick surface better.

 

The OE Chromeline interior parts are moulded from the same tooling as the painted parts but in special platable grade of ABS. They are then chrome plated to BMW Exterior Chrome specification and pass all OE testing.
I recommend them over all aftermarket versions.

 

Mini Sport Ltd in England has what they call the 3D Chrome Ring Set. I'm not sure they are the same thing that I purchased from them in 2004. I purchased the polished alloy bezels with dimples like the Audi TT bezels. It might be worth your time to check their site or email them.

Kevin