[top6491]

Anyone successful in removing or lessening scratches in the top coat on the new center console? I have a few that drive me nuts, especially the car is only 2 weeks old. Thanks...

[darrko]

I got the car yesterday and I already see some scratches even on areas I probably haven't even touched yet! There's got to be a better way.

[top6491]

I agree. If I had noticed right away I would have made them repalce the console. I'd let them know about your situation. For trhe rest of us, we need a repair solution.

[mroll320]

maybe get them wrapped in something interesting if your fancying a change? would protect for resale...

[top6491]

maybe...

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by top6491

Anyone successful in removing or lessening scratches in the top coat on the new center console? I have a few that drive me nuts, especially the car is only 2 weeks old. Thanks...

It's very difficult to remove scratches. This is why I am glad that in the M5 they use matte black leather on the center console instead of wood trim.

Anyway, the key here is to do the following:
1) Polish with Cobra Microfiber Gloves and Swissvax cleaner fluid strong (or any other scratch remover like Meguiar's Plastx). This will polish out the scratches but dull the gloss a bit.
2) Polish again with the Microfiber gloves and Swissvax Cleaner Fluid mild (adds gloss back again, and also fills the lighter scratches if there are some left).
3) Finish with Swissvax wood wax which provides some protection and even more gloss for a like new finish.

Then to keep it mint, don't let anyone else clean the trim, just do it yourself. I use a fluffy microfiber cloth and Optimum Instant Detailer Spray which is designed to prevent the dust scratching the wood while you clean it.

[Topdwnz]

Originally Posted by top6491

Anyone successful in removing or lessening scratches in the top coat on the new center console? I have a few that drive me nuts, especially the car is only 2 weeks old. Thanks...

There are probably several ways to remove scratches. At the end of the day, it's not much different than removing scratches or swirls from your paint/clear coat. I happen to use Adams car care products, but any similar products would work fine.

1. Use Adams Fine Machine Polish (or any fine polish) on an applicator or microfiber towel and go over the scratch. Keep in mind the dash is protected with a clear coat just like your exterior paint. I emphasize starting with a FINE machine polish as its less aggressively. You could use a medium grade polish if the scratches are really bad.
2. After working the polish in, wipe if off to check how much of the scratch has been removed. You may have to repeat the process again.
3. Once the scratch has been minimized, use something like P21S Paint Cleanse or Adams Revive Polish over the same area to clean off the polish fully. This will also leave the surface very clean. in fact, one of these products might even remove the scratches without using a fine machine polish. Give that a try first.
4. Use you favorite paste wax or sealant and go over the same area to seal it back up.

Remember, LESS IS MORE. I had the same issue on my brand new 5 series. To be honest, I got about 95% of my scratches out. I was ok with that. Be careful, because if you go for perfection, you may go too far. And that could be a costly mistake Especially for someone who hasn't done this before. FWIW.

BTW, The reason these cars are being delivered scratched is because when the dealer cleans the car before delivery, they are using dirty rags which pick up fine dirt particles. The jockey who is wiping your interior is actually scratching the dash instead of cleaning it properly, not intentionally of course. These guys are just not car detailers. Good luck!

Here is a great place to learn more tips and techniques:
http://www.adamsforums.com/forums/

[top6491]

Thanks for the tips, I'll give them a try this weekend if I get a chance.