Hey All!
It's been a few years since I've had an R53...but I am happy to say that I found a gorgeous 05 S w/40k miles that is being delivered next month! It came with the exterior chrome package (front grille, mirror caps, rear boot release trim). I am weighing my options as to how to best replace the chrome with OEM black. The front grille is easy enough. For the boot release, I think i need to have it painted. Not sure theres a better option. Now come the mirrors. Do I find used OEM black ones on ebay? About $140/pair. Do I have the chrome ones on the car stripped and painted? Do I go carbon fiber and get new caps? I'm not a carbon-obsessed guy, but a few pieces here and there might be nice. Does anyone have any photos of a Black R53 with carbon mirror caps? Any other idea?

Cheers!

 

Aero sport grills and plasti dip or vinyl wrap the rest of chrome. Congrats on the new purchase!

 

My car also had the chrome package, it was awful. I found a body color hatch handle and just swapped them out. The mirror caps are almost universal for all the first gens, as long as you match non-folding/folding, whichever you have. I just got some cheap painted mirror caps locally and repainted them black. You can probably junkyard pull all those trim pieces if you want to paint them yourself or have them done professionally.

 

Another vote for vinyl wrapping everything. Spend $20 and some time on YouTube learning how to do it.

 

I am also not the biggest fan of the chrome, I ended hydro dipping my chrome bits.
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4385798