Anthracite trim or not?

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usherjackson

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I got my 2004 530i from the dealer last week. When I ordered it, I specified that I wanted the Anthracite Maple Wood Trim. When I picked up the car, I noticed that the wood looked nothing like that shown on bmwusa.com. In fact, that almost looks charcoal in color, whereas the one I got is clearly brown. I asked and he insisted that that was the dark wood that I ordered. I think he's lying. Anyone have pics of what Anthracite Trim is supposed to look like? Is it a reddish-brown colour, or is it charcoal? Thanks.[driving]
 
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usherjackson

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I thought maybe the small picture on bmwusa just wasn't showing up right on my screen. I checked my contract, and I did order Anthracite Maple. Thanks very much for the info kscarrol. I hope you're enjoying your 545 as much as I'm enjoying my 530.
 
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kscarrol

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Your welcome, and I am absolutley enjoying the car! Can't remember your earlier posts, but what color is your interior? Hope the screw up on the wood is something you can live with. I have the grey interior with the poplar wood trim and I think it looks great.
 
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usherjackson

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My interior is black. more of a charcoal colour than actual black, but I thought that the maple wood would go really well with it. I can live with the error if I have to, but I need to address it with the dealer to see what they're willing and/or able to do. I'm upset that he lied to me about it.
 
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kscarrol

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Let us know what his response is. Was the screw-up on his end when he placed the order, or on the factory's end. You don't recall looking out on Owner's Circle if they had the AM noted as part of your order detail?
 
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usherjackson

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They told me that it wouldn't show up there because it was not an option that had a charge on it. In their catalogue, it showed as $0.00 so they said it wouldn't by on the list in OC. A big part of this is because I don't know what the hell I'm doing. I don't want to be an ass about it, but I think I'm going to go in seeming pretty upset.
 
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kscarrol

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Yeah, not sure how I would play it. Don't what they can do for you, especially since it was a $0.00 option, not like they can refund your money. Did they give you a hand written order sheet when you placed the order? My salesman did with the color/options I ordered. If it is on there, clearly someone screwed up and I'm not sure wht he's telling you it's the "dark wood" you ordered. If its not noted on there, you may not have much of a leg to stand on.

Maybe you can get them to through in some other stuff, like the Sirius radio if you have the prep. My dealer say it will be around $500 installed.

Either way good luck!
 
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usherjackson

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I'm hoping to get some free stuff or a rebate or refund of some kind. I figure they must be held accountable for something. I do have the hand-written order sheet and it stated on it exactly what I requested. Like I said, I let it pass when I picked up the car because I thought it was my computer screen not showing the picture right. I asked, "Umm. That doesn't look like the Anthracite Maple. Is it?" He replied, "Yeah, THAT IS the very one you requested. The other is lighter." Heck, I'll take a couple hundred dollars for my displeasure. I'll talk to him and see what he says.
 
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Heezyo2o

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I have the dark wood trim and kind of wish I went with the anthracite as well, as I have a feeling it would be little more sportier. From reading on the forums, I've found that it looks quite different in person as compared to pictures. I've also been told anthracite trim contributes to a lower resale value.

Overall, I'm happy with the trim, but wouldn't mind some aluminum inserts instead.
 
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Rudy

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usherjackson said:
My interior is black. more of a charcoal colour than actual black, but I thought that the maple wood would go really well with it. I can live with the error if I have to, but I need to address it with the dealer to see what they're willing and/or able to do. I'm upset that he lied to me about it.
Click to expand...
I'm a bit confused. It sounds like you ordered Anthracite Maple, the dealer processed the order properly, you received Anthracite Maple, and now you don't think it looks like what you expected it to look like.

How is the dealer lying to you and what did they do wrong?
 
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usherjackson

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Recap. I ordered Anthracite Maple. Anthracite Maple is listed on my order form. To me, the Anthracite Maple looked grey on my monitor. When I picked up the car, I noticed the trim was brown. I asked the salesman. He said it was exactly what I ordered and that the other trim was lighter, implying that there are only 2 types available on the 5. I mentioned that I thought it looked wrong compared to what I saw on my computer, but he said it was right and that my computer screen may have been wrong. kscarrol linked me to some pictures of anthracite maple and that is what I wanted and ordered. That's not what I got though. My wood is a reddish-brown. I don't dislike it, but I like the Anthracite Maple more. The error was on there part, and I want something to be done. That pretty much sums it up.
 
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Rudy

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I'm pretty sure that there's only two wood trim types a dealer can order. Anthracite Maple or Poplar. The poplar is more traditional wood looking like what was available on the E39. The Anthracite is darker.

It still sounds like the dealer ordered Anthracite, BMW installed whatever batch of anthracite was available (wood will obviously vary from batch to batch), and now it doesn't look like you thought it would.

You said the order showed Anthracite Maple. That means the dealer didn't make an error. The only problem is you don't like the shade of Anthracite that was installed on the car.

I understand it doesn't look like the pictures you originally saw. That's why they always have disclaimers about things in catalogs/websites about photos not always accurately representing actual shades.

Your beef should be with BMW, not the dealer -- although I doubt you'll get very far with that.

Good luck either way. I'm sure you'll love the car no matter what shade the wood it!!
 
tool fan

tool fan

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Hey Usher, I have the Athracite trim in mine and it is black grey not by any means is it brown or any semblace of brown in any shade. If you desire I can send you some pictures....let me know
Mike
 
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usherjackson

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I saw some pics on another board, but I would appreciate if you would send me some more pics of the Anthracite. My dealer doesn't want to say Poplar, but I'm pretty sure that's what I got. I ask about Anthracite, he says, "yep, it's the dark one". He's never used the words Poplar or Anthracite. Please send the pictures to ausherpharmd@jasonjackson.net. Thanks. The order form I signed says "Anthracite - Option Z1A" on it.
 
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Rudy

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Usher, can you post pics of your trim? From everything I've seen, the anthracite trim has horizontal grain patterns and the poplar has more "natural" wood grains including circular patterns, etc.

It would really help to see what yours looks like.
 
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usherjackson

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Below is my version of "Anthracite", according to the dealer. And again, I don't hate this trim, I just think the Anthracite looks better. I am just angry that the dealer lied to me when I picked it up even after pointing out to him our signed agreement. I am a fairly young guy, and I think I was taken advantage of.
 

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kscarrol

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yep, your dealer is clearly full of sh*t. The fact that they don't have the balls to step up and admit that someone (them or the factory) screwed the pooch on this one is something that would really piss me off. You've been back to the dealer again and they still insist that this is the AM? Unbelievable! But your right, its not the worst error that could have happened.
 
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