I'm looking for others' experience with the BMW OEM floormats, as well as suggestions for replacement mats. I love my car, but the floormats have been a real disappointment.

I picked up my 545i in Munich in July. What great automobile. After three weeks of driving around Europe, though, the OEM floormats had worn through to show the white backing where my right heel rests in front of the accelerator. The mats were so thin and cheap that I assumed they were throw-aways for European Delivery, just to keep the carpet clean. I expected to find better mats when the car arrived back in the States. I was surprised to find out that these were the real deal. Moreover, the floormats the parts department sold were just as thin. I couldn't even buy something better from the dealer.

All of this is strange, because my 2000 3-series came with beautiful carpet mats bearing a monogrammed BMW logo. After six years they still have not worn out.

First, has anyone had a similar experience? If new OEM mats would wear out just as quickly, I'm hesitant to demand a replacement. (Who needs the hassle if it just gets me back to where I started?)

Second, does anyone have a suggestion for replacement mats, particularly ones that use the BMW velcro anchors? I already have the rubber mats. I don't want to drive with them all year round, though, and the archive didn't seem to offer much else.

Thanks for the help.