Yo digi, I dont know why you are so against painting the moldings.I can remember about a year ago when I posted on the board that i was painting my moldings and you said "Dont do it". Well all I can tell you is that I have driven in snow, rain, ice, dry conditions, and yes Sanded roads, and my moldings are in terrific shape. Both Alpina and Tommy have seen my X on numerous occasions and always tell me "Wow your moldings look great. So I am all for the painting of the moldings. You just ,I guess, have to find the right body shop that knows what they are doing. All i can tell you X5RAY is that it takes alot of sanding and stripping of the molded plastic for the paint to stick. Any questions email me....Digi, thats too bad about your X chipping and flaking.