The invention is directed to a decorative vehicle element including a, preferably radio-transmissive, substrate having a first surface on a first side and a second surface on a second side; and a first surface, preferably radio-transmissive, decorative coating on the substrate, the decorative coating including a decorative layer consisting of a metal or consisting of an alloy including a metal; as well as a radar system including a radio wave transmitter, a radio wave receiver and a decorative element, especially radome.