Here’s an interesting question for BMW E39 M5 owners to consider: Do brushed aluminum inserts or wooden inserts look better on their cars’ interior? Some owners think that wood trim is pretty to look at. Others think that brushed aluminum inserts are too “harsh” on the eyes. While these statements could be true, I think that the brushed aluminum inserts are the better choice for several reasons.

Here are three of them.

First, aluminum is slightly more durable than wood.
The wood trim on some E39’s is beautiful to look at. However, it’s so easy to scratch the trim that I often wonder why they used wood trim when they built the line? Aluminum is a much better choice to use for trimming a car’s interior because its physical composition allows it to withstand scratching and gouging better than wood. Furthermore, aluminum is also fade and crack resistant – even though the wood is covered with lots of clear coat. As a result, aluminum can withstand the everyday wear and tear we put on our cars much better than wood can.   However, although the aluminum trim in the e39 m5′s isn’t as durable as the e60 m5′s because it’s sort of like a sticker application that goes on top of the metal – so you still have to be careful not to scratch it up.

Second, brushed aluminum is also prettier to look at.
For some reason, the brushed aluminum trim that’s used on an E39 M5is much prettier to look at than wood. Maybe it’s because the brushed aluminum looks great with the leather seats? Possibly because it suits the ‘high tech’ theme of the car?  Perhaps it’s also because wood trim doesn’t match the car’s overall “style”? This car is so graceful and powerful that the wood trim BMW used on some of the cars seems tacky.  I know this is going to rile up some owners!

Finally, aluminum is also easier to maintain.
Wood trim needs lots of attention because it fades and cracks much too easily. As a result, owners have to spend time cleaning it and protecting it from the elements. This makes aluminum a more attractive choice because it’s easier to take care of. It resists fading and cracking better than wood trim. It is also easier to keep clean. As a result, I think that brushed aluminum inserts are the better way to go for your E39 m5.

What do you think?