finally ...........

[antennahead]

Well I finally got my car yesterday, 2007 Z4MR, silver grey with brushed aluminum trim. I am mostly happy, but there are a few issues. The aluminum trim around the center console is scratched and has small dents/pits in it. How the hell does a someone bang up something as tough as this? Did they wear jewelry/bling on their wrist and as they shifted constantly bang the damn thing? I am sure I am going to eventually have to replace it as it bugs me (dealer that sold the car to my dealer said the car was "mint", this ain't "mint" in my opinion). Additionally, the ashtray cover is scratched and it's very visible. That will be replaced right away. Other than that though, it is in great shape. There are only a few minor spots on the nose, and I am driving to Charlotte this Saturday to have a clear bra put on by an expert that previously did my 370. Now that I am officially an owner hopefully I can participate and contribute a little to the site I have already learned a lot from you guys just lurking and reading over the last 6 weeks. Thanks!

John

[Finnegan]

Congratulations! Got mine a liitle over two weeks ago--awesome isn't it?

Mine has brushed aluminum as well and a small number of pits and scratches too. Like you said, how the hell does someone do that? Not really bad--but still.

[antennahead]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

Congratulations! Got mine a liitle over two weeks ago--awesome isn't it?

Mine has brushed aluminum as well and a small number of pits and scratches too. Like you said, how the hell does someone do that? Not really bad--but still.

Yea, I would bet you're like me and very meticulous about your car. I can't imagine scratching and nicking up something like that to the point there are multiple spots all over the trim piece. It's a great car though, and this is fixable if it bothers me too much

[Sheck44]

Guys, I went through this exact situation as well. My car is perfect with the exception of the pitted aluminum.
Its the last thing I'm considering changing with carbon wrap or having it painted. Have'nt decided yet.

Cheers
Steve

[crfine88]

Congrats, looking forward to some pics

Me too on the aluminum, seems to be a common issue.

[bhoch]

Seems that the aluminum is not as strong as it should be. I have same issues. I am thinking about carbon wrap or also painting.

I can't decide if I like the carbon wrap enough to add so I will probably figure out how to paint it (piano black) and get that done, although the leather dashes that have been posted on a few threads really got me interested in doing that instead, then getting black pieces for the wheel (as well as an "M" wheel.

[Huz-Z]

Originally Posted by bhoch

Seems that the aluminum is not as strong as it should be. I have same issues. I am thinking about carbon wrap or also painting.

I can't decide if I like the carbon wrap enough to add so I will probably figure out how to paint it (piano black) and get that done, although the leather dashes that have been posted on a few threads really got me interested in doing that instead, then getting black pieces for the wheel (as well as an "M" wheel.

Me too on the aluminum trim around the shifter!

My fondest wish would be to find the original owner and give the dope a smack in the back of the head (inspired by Mark Harmon on NCIS). Some people are just careless, I guess.

[antennahead]

Originally Posted by Huz-Z

Me too on the aluminum trim around the shifter!

My fondest wish would be to find the original owner and give the dope a smack in the back of the head (inspired by Mark Harmon on NCIS). Some people are just careless, I guess.

LOL, wow, interesting how widespread this is. I totally agree, would love to smack my previous owner as well, especially when I found out in order to replace it you have to remove the "pain in the a** to remove" back cubby so you can get the center console up

[esqu1re]

Congrats on the purchase. I'm surprised so many of you have damage to the Aluminum trim.

[3002 tii]

same prob on alum trim, i may just get it wrapped in cf eventually...

[dekaliber]

Heh, I'll add myself to the list of Scratched/Pitted Aluminum trim victims. Culprit is most likely jewelry or watch on the right hand.

In my case, it's only on the passenger side on the dash, so I'm guessing it's a careless friend/girlfriend/wife/kid. I was really bent on fixing it at first, but as time passes I've noticed it less and less. I'm probably one of the few people who actually like the look of the aluminum trim in a black interior, so I doubt I'll ever replace it with anything else.

[tekmoe]

Mine also has small pits in the aluminum. Not bad, barely noticeable. Bothered me at first but now I don't even notice it. Just DRIVE!

[Neegra]

Originally Posted by antennahead

Well I finally got my car yesterday, 2007 Z4MR, silver grey with brushed aluminum trim. I am mostly happy, but there are a few issues. The aluminum trim around the center console is scratched and has small dents/pits in it. How the hell does a someone bang up something as tough as this? Did they wear jewelry/bling on their wrist and as they shifted constantly bang the damn thing? I am sure I am going to eventually have to replace it as it bugs me (dealer that sold the car to my dealer said the car was "mint", this ain't "mint" in my opinion). Additionally, the ashtray cover is scratched and it's very visible. That will be replaced right away. Other than that though, it is in great shape. There are only a few minor spots on the nose, and I am driving to Charlotte this Saturday to have a clear bra put on by an expert that previously did my 370. Now that I am officially an owner hopefully I can participate and contribute a little to the site I have already learned a lot from you guys just lurking and reading over the last 6 weeks. Thanks!

John

Congrats on the ownership I dislike when people fail to mention defects as well. Maybe they're not as detail oriented as some of us are, but I believe it was probably seen and conveniently omitted. At least it isn't 'too big' of an issue...cosmetic, and not body related. I think almost everyone probably has an imperfection or two that they are annoyed by...unless they are the original owners.

I also have aluminum, but I haven't noticed crazy pitting as mentioned by most. Maybe I need to look in super detail (or maybe I shouldn't so I don't look for it all the time haha). There is, however, one tiny imperfection toward the passenger's side that catches my eye at times--when the sun catches it right. I have been meaning to try to clean/polish it some with some gentle elbow grease to see if it disappears. I do enjoy the aluminum look though!

Where in SC are you located?

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by tekmoe

Mine also has small pits in the aluminum. Not bad, barely noticeable. Bothered me at first but now I don't even notice it. Just DRIVE!

I noticed it during a cleaning--don't really notice it otherwise since I am--like you said--driving!

[thekurgan]

Agree with replacing the aluminum or wrapping it up, it's one of the cheapest things BMW has added to their interiors, it's thin and dropping a set of keys will easily un-beautify the crap. The carbon interior is far more durable as an option to the wood.

[Hawkeye]

The aluminum is not strong at all. I wear no jewelry on my shift hand/arm and my aluminum even has some small scratches, I am the original owner. Doesn't seem as bad as what you are saying but the aluminum definitely is very maleable (sp?)

[imz4n]

Originally Posted by antennahead

John

You will enjoy your Z, however, you can enjoy it a bit more with a group, check out a local group near you here. http://www.palmettoz.com/

[Finnegan]

Anyone have experience with, or know of a shop, that does custom carbon fiber wrapping? Are there pieces already available for the Z4 that don't cost more than a BBK?

The Googles show that AC Schnitzer has one for <cough cough> 3,600 bucks...I found a couple others (that look sketchy) for 1,300, there's some Ebay stuff (mighty sketchy--no real pics) for under 300.

This isn't something that's high on my priority list--but if I could get a good CF wrap on the existing parts if might be worth looking at down the road for the right price.

[Hawkeye]

I know starscream does custom wrapping jobs, ask him!

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by Hawkeye

I know starscream does custom wrapping jobs, ask him!

Thanks--will do.

[G1HQ]

I was thinking about having the console wrapped w/ a 3m clear , the same idea as the clear bra for the front bumper. i feel this would be the easiest fix without having to remove and re-wrap them.

[SCHMOUPE]

Originally Posted by G1HQ

I was thinking about having the console wrapped w/ a 3m clear , the same idea as the clear bra for the front bumper. i feel this would be the easiest fix without having to remove and re-wrap them.