The next step was to try to find a source for the parts.  With the help of Bimmer.org members I was able to get the part numbers needed to insure that I would be ordering the correct trim.  Armed with this information I began getting prices... needless to say I was dumbfounded when I learned that they would cost well over $1,600.  There was no way I could justify this expense to myself.  Then I got the idea to see if they were any cheaper in Europe.  To my amazement the very same parts were only about $800 in Germany.  I could not understand the huge price difference, but I certainly was not going to complain.  Now the biggest problem - how do I get them!  

After some thought I remembered a German gentleman that I met once through a friend.  I decided to see if he could help me out and he did.  After many emails and faxes my parts arrived about the same time my new M3 did.  My dealer estimated about $350-$400 to do the installation, enough to motivate me to do it myself.  

Installing the parts was not difficult, but it did require care and attention to prevent damaging anything.  I began with the rear and worked my way to the dash.  At this point I made an awful discovery.  I had received dash parts for right hand drive!!   The box had the correct numbers, but the BMW supplier had just packed it wrong.  Back to Germany went the dash trim and a month later I finally was able to finish the conversion. 

Parts List:

 Part Number             German Name       Description
                                   Maple
51 16 8 239 119            Holzblende      (shift panel trim)
51 41 7 000 251            Armstuetze      (arm rest - front)
51 41 7 000 252            Armstuetze
51 43 8 270 119            Armstuetze      (arm rest - rear)
51 43 8 270 120            Armstuetze
51 45 8 237 204            Holzleiste        (dash trim parts)
25 11 2 229 428            Abdeckung       (shift knob w/ boot)
34 41 7 902 808            Spange            (hand brake handle)
34 41 7 902 387                                  (hand brake assembly)

                               Natural Birch
51 16 7 052 055            Holzblende      (shift panel trim)
51 41 7 050 643            Armstuetze      (arm rest - front)
51 41 7 050 644            Armstuetze
51 43 7 053 043            Armstuetze      (arm rest - rear)
51 43 7 053 044            Armstuetze
51 41 7 049 216            Holzleiste        (dash trim parts)
..?????.....                   Abdeckung       (shift knob w/ boot)
N/A                            Spange            (hand brake handle)
34 41 7 902 387                                  (hand brake assembly)
E46 Cabrio     Same dash and forward armrest as coupe
51 16 7 052 056                                  (shift panel trim)
51 43 7 055 529/530                            (rear arm rests)

All above part numbers are for BLACK trim - the area below the arm rests.
These numbers work with Black, Cinnamon & Imola interiors.

The hand brake assembly is required to use the wood hand brake handle.  I obtained this part from local dealer.

Cost:  I priced these parts through two US and one Canadian dealer, they ranged from $1,650 to $1,900.  Way too much for me.  I decided to check the German pricing.  To my delight the parts were 1,773DM (about $800 US).  Air shipping was about $30.  I was able to sell my Titan Shadow trim for $400 bringing the final cost down to a very reasonable amount.

Where to buy:  I can't help with this.  My parts were purchased for me in Germany by an person who did me a huge favor.  I cannot ask him to repeat it.
You can scan the dealers on the BMW Germany web site  and see if you can locate one willing to export the parts to the US.  If you do this, or if you have a friend purchase for you in Europe be sure that you are not charged the VAT tax.
The link above is in German.  After the page loads click start to see the dealer locator map.

Trim is also available from Steve Diamond at EuroBuyers.
Contact: Phone (303) 588-9600, Fax (303) 516-1224 or e-mail :Steve@eurobuyers.com

Installation:  I cannot decide for you if you can do it yourself.  To get an idea of what is involved visit this page  E46 Coupe Trim Removal.  If you have a dealer do the labor be sure to get an accurate estimate, preferably in writing.  I have heard reports of as much as $450 labor.