Is there a better way to clean the badges and keep them from pitting than simply washing them? Mine seem to be starting to pit...

There is a plastic "chrome" used by model-builders. I don't have any handy (any more) but you might check Testor's Paint at your local hobby shop.

I was wondering whether it would be worth your while to see what the dealer$hip charges for a new badge, or perhaps http://www.CircleBMW.com/ or http://www.PacificBMW.com/ have what you need. They seem to sell new everything for folks bring cars back to life...

I will keep the paint in mind, they aren't quite to that point yet. Also a new badge can't be that much could it? Wait a second this is a BMW... :D