Need help fixing cosmetic blemish on center console?

[SimpleMan]

I've got some blemishes (see attached photo) on my center console. I'd like to restore this. Does anyone have any idea how I could go about doing this? Does that piece of plastic just pop out or do I have to take apart the center console and if I do, how would I go about doing this? I'd hate to break something trying to fix this minor issue. I picked the car up a couple weeks ago and this is literally the only thing I can find wrong with the car.

[mbetoni]

Surprised to see no one else responded to this, considering how common this is.

First, congrats on the new car - enjoy it!

What you've got there are scratches from the previous owner using the space for things like change, keys, cell phone, you name it. Certain finishes (like yours) are more prone to scratching when used like this. You've got a few options:

1. Replace the parts, what should be #s 3 & 12 on this page. Doing so will require disassembly/reassembly of the center console, but with patience and a careful hand, it can be done, many of us on the forum have done it.

2. Touch up the paint. If you're not crazy particular about perfection, you should be able to touch it up with a close matte durable paint that will do the job.

3. Cover the offending parts (and potentially other bits) with a carbon-look vinyl wrap. Many have done this because they like the look, even with a perfect console underneath the wrap.

Best of luck.

[SimpleMan]

Originally Posted by mbetoni

Surprised to see no one else responded to this, considering how common this is.

First, congrats on the new car - enjoy it!

What you've got there are scratches from the previous owner using the space for things like change, keys, cell phone, you name it. Certain finishes (like yours) are more prone to scratching when used like this. You've got a few options:

1. Replace the parts, what should be #s 3 & 12 on this page. Doing so will require disassembly/reassembly of the center console, but with patience and a careful hand, it can be done, many of us on the forum have done it.

2. Touch up the paint. If you're not crazy particular about perfection, you should be able to touch it up with a close matte durable paint that will do the job.

3. Cover the offending parts (and potentially other bits) with a carbon-look vinyl wrap. Many have done this because they like the look, even with a perfect console underneath the wrap.

Best of luck.

Those are some good suggestions! Thank you!

[GuidoK]

I don't think it's #3 that you have to replace but #21

[SimpleMan]

Are there any DIY guides to taking apart the center console? I wouldn't even know where to begin. Could someone that has taking the center console apart tell me where to begin? Do I need any kind of special tools?

[SimpleMan]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

I don't think it's #3 that you have to replace but #21

It's definitely 12 & 3. 3 has just a tiny mark on it.

[GuidoK]

Are you sure?
#12 slips in the same part where the plastic trim (with the alert button) for the shift lever cover is sitting in, and that's afaik part 21. But when you take everyting apart you'll know for sure.
Everything about taking apart a bmw (incl torque settings) can be found here:
http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/

[SimpleMan]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

Are you sure?
#12 slips in the same part where the plastic trim (with the alert button) for the shift lever cover is sitting in, and that's afaik part 21. But when you take everyting apart you'll know for sure.
Everything about taking apart a bmw (incl torque settings) can be found here:
http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/

Great site! Thanks! I can't seem to find anything regarding the center console.

[SimpleMan]

Originally Posted by GuidoK

Are you sure?
#12 slips in the same part where the plastic trim (with the alert button) for the shift lever cover is sitting in, and that's afaik part 21. But when you take everyting apart you'll know for sure.
Everything about taking apart a bmw (incl torque settings) can be found here:
http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/

After looking at that diagram more carefully, I think you're correct. 21 and 12 would be the parts I need. Thanks!

[silverfishZ4M]

Brasso works pretty good at taking scratches out of plastic. I've used it on the screen of my MP3 player and on the plastic frame of a pair of glasses. If you're going to replace the part anyway it wouldn't hurt to try it. I can't tell how deep the scratches are from your pic but if it's a minor surface scratch it might work.