Dash kit

[major error]

Ok... I've been thinking about this particular purchase since I picked up my 3 in Sep06, and I can already picture some of the responses I'll invariably get, but I still have to ask...

Dash trim kit? Rice or nice?

I found a place that sells a pretty extensive trim kit (center console, glove box, steering wheel, vents, window/door/lock controls, speakers...) in a variety of real and synthetic materials.

Unfortunately, you can't just buy specific bits--there's a basic kit that covers the center console, a full kit that covers a lot more bits, and optional parts for the speakers, moonroof shade and nav area.

If I do go whole-hog with this, it will most likely include both boots and console cover from Redline Goods...

[wolverine_man]

Personally, I don't think a quality dash trim kit in either a genuine black/gray carbon fiber or brushed aluminum is ricey at all. I mean, Porsche offers them from the factory. What IS ricey to me, are the colored plastic dash kits (yellow, red, etc.). Also, wood in any sports car just looks out of place in my opinion. Leave that for the S500 and and Jags.

I have the same pkg as you, GT, and I wouldn't mind some extra gunmetal gray pieces which match the rest of the trim (door grab handle covers, golve box lock, e-brake, etc.)

[AllLostThings]

I think it looks nic depending on the kit. I was never a fan or carbon fiber kits. They tend to look very thick and puffy. I like brushed aluminum or titanium though.

[ChazSpeed]

Here is a pic of a CF trim kit the dealer installed on my MS3. I am not a big fan of the "3" on the top piece but other than that I like it a lot better than the flat black. Not sure what company they got it from though:

Edit: I am pretty sure it is actual CF with a heavy layer of resin on it, when you move light across it you can see the individual threads. Hard to show in a pic though.

[supergoose]

Nice C/F trim kit CHaZ!!! Where did u get it from?

[StealthWyvern]

Nice C/F trim kit CHaZ!!! Where did u get it from?

Here is a pic of a CF trim kit the dealer installed on my MS3. I am not a big fan of the "3" on the top piece but other than that I like it a lot better than the flat black. Not sure what company they got it from though:

Edit: I am pretty sure it is actual CF with a heavy layer of resin on it, when you move light across it you can see the individual threads. Hard to show in a pic though.

[ChazSpeed]

The dealer is Freeman Mazda down in Dallas, TX. You can check in with their internet sales manager, or general sales manager and they may give you the infos :D

edit: They were charging a whole heck of a lot for it on the car's sticker but they dropped the price in order to move the car as it had been around a while.

[Sierra117]

The dealer is Freeman Mazda down in Dallas, TX. You can check in with their internet sales manager, or general sales manager and they may give you the infos :D

edit: They were charging a whole heck of a lot for it on the car's sticker but they dropped the price in order to move the car as it had been around a while.

I remember that car...it was the one that sold me on getting the Speed3. I really wanted that trim kit, too. Too bad the salesperson was a ass...

Hows that trim kit holding up so far? Is it pretty easy to keep clean?

[ChazSpeed]

It's pretty nice. I checked with the dealer to see if they would cover any problems with it, but I haven't had any issues (only 2kmiles on the car though).

[cosic]

I would have thought CF would have looked sick, being a big fan of CF trim kits.. I think it's a little much. Piano black is now what I wanna see.

[IDRVSLO]

I think a Black/Red real carbon fiber would look nice!

[iBoost]

and whats the price on this?

[major error]

The complete kit (manual, no nav) with all the optional parts is $328. Full kit is $204. Basic kit is only $136. +15% for real brushed Aluminum or +30% for real CF.

http://www.wooddashexperts.com
They have volume discounts available--if there's enough interest, I could be talked into arranging some sort of group buy...
I think I'm going to get their $5 sample before I do anything else, though...

[Haltech]

Ive been scouring Ebay.. You can basically find the same kits for half however, finding anything for Nav is impossible. After seeing a few pics with the nav trim, i wouldnt want it anyhow.

[major error]

I'm trying to avoid the kits that have a 3 cutout on them--I can do without the unnecessary embellishment, and I'm not likely to forget what kind of car I'm driving :rolleyes:

[Haltech]

Yea, i saw the 3 stuff too but what i noticed on ebay is nothing has the 3 stamp on it.

[iBoost]

well i need something w/o the "3" on top.. i have a center gauge pod there so the "3" piece wont fit there... anyone else got the kit installed on their
MS3 yet? pics? thanks.

[cosic]

yupp

[GoFast]

i am really liking the idea of the real brushed alum. i think it would really fit the interior nicely.

[mazda32008]

i have tan interior and i want a dash kit i was thinking aluminum or something sporty but i can't picture anything else but wood grain like the little wood they put on top of the radio going above the glove box.

[PJSkittles]

http://www.lgtautomotive.com/Sherwood_Dash_Kits-Mazda_Dash_Kits-Mazda_3_Dash_Kits/c727_221_222/p1281/Mazda3_2004_2005_2006_Wood_Aluminum_Dash_Kit/product_info.html

the 3 logo is optional.... i think, there is a picture of the dash w/o the 3 on it. I saw somewhere on a parts list that the 3 was another piece

[mvp23]

Can anyone provide any feedback on their installed interior brushed aluminum dash trim kits for M3's (i.e. in terms of quality, durability, appearance, etc.)? What suppliers are recommended based on your past experience?

I have been searching around the net and have found a number of different websites (including eBay) that offer them at $130-$240 but I can't find any reviews/feedback to help me decide which ones are good or which ones to avoid!

[Talbot]

I am all for carbon fiber pieces on the exterior trim pieces and hood and what not. But for some reason cf just doesnt sit well with me on interior pieces.

[AndrewSquared]

I'm with Talbot, the interior CF dosen't do it for me, looks too busy. Have you seen the piano black that the 08.5 comes with? I didn't know it was new when I got mine, and after having seeing the "brushed aluminum" I definetley prefer the black.

[skylar2ups]

I want the black for my car... I hate the "wood" and I don't really care for the brushed aluminum look but I would take it over the wood.