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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs Removing Swirls or Light Scratches on Interior Anthracite Wood Trim (MUST READ)
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      06-21-2016, 05:04 PM   #1
Takumi587
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Exclamation Removing Swirls or Light Scratches on Interior Anthracite Wood Trim (MUST READ)

Just to let others know I detail cars as a hobby and have been doing so for the past 10 + years and always enjoy trying out new products and avenues to keep cars in pristine condition.

I recently purchased a 535i with the Anthracite Wood trim and noticed that there were scratch marks already on the trim near the cupholders... I am assuming it was either from me at the very beginning putting my keys there or from the dealer for when they got it ready once I bought it. A few weeks ago I saw the scratches and tried my Aerospace 303 cleaner and then a wood polish from Swissvax. Unfortunately, the scratches did not disappear so I searched all through the forum and found that people were using a product called: NOVUS Plastic Polish NO. 1, 2 or 3. I ordered this and tried it. BAD IDEA. The NOVUS Plastic cleaner was perfectly fine but when I used no. 2 & 3 it made it worse. Marring & swirls became readily noticeable. I completely stopped using the product because I knew at that moment the polishes were too abrasive for this trim. Mind you I was using light passes with a microfiber pad.

Researching again I found that most people were actually using Meguiars Scratch X 2.0 which is found at almost every auto store. Obviously, I did not want the same problem to happen so I tested an area first with a very light pass and the results were amazing. Removed light scratches and swirls while maintaining its original shine. Tried it over the cupholder area where there was an issue and it restored the shine and removed the marring/ swirls that were present. Followed it up with the 303 Aerospace cleaner and finished it off with the swissvax wood polish and voila back to normal.

It was seriously a sigh of relief and I made it a point to post here on the forums what to use and not make the same mistake I did at first.

Not saying NOVUS is a bad product it is just too abrasive for the interior trim of the car. I did try the NOVUS on my old 528i 1997 headlights and it worked great. So, it was obvious that the NOVUS polish is strictly for actual plastics like headlights etc. I read also that NOVUS works on the speedometer housing plastic but I'll have to try that on my car another time.

CLIFF NOTES:

DO NOT use NOVUS No. 2 & 3 on the interior wood trim

I highly recommend using Meguiars Scratch X no. 2 with a microfiber pad and lightly massage it onto the trim. No pressure needed.

ALSO, never use a rotary or Porter cable to polish your interior trim. You are stripping the coat protectant. Thus, only hand polish the interior trim. Rotary and porter cable are ONLY for the car's exterior paint. I saw someone remove their entire trim and use a machine to polish it up... If you are not a professional detailer then do not even try to do that because you will most likely remove too much and lose that original shine and protection the trim has.

I hope that this post will help save another owner from trying multiple products that just do not work. If you have questions then feel free to ask me anytime! Here are a few pics (I apologize for the dust that might be in the last pic... I took the pic a few days later):


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      06-22-2016, 04:25 PM   #2
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Cool beans! I'll have to give Meguiar's 2.0 a try
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      06-28-2016, 01:57 PM   #3
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Great post! I was thinking the other day how to do this the right way ad low and behold another great post. Thanks!
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      07-04-2016, 09:26 AM   #4
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Looks like youve removed the main console piece, any chance on a DIY on how to do that?
Can i do it w/o removing it or is it too messy?

Mine were scratched by the moron who owned the car before me and DIDNT use a microfiber polisher

thanks
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      07-06-2016, 01:51 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by corys530 View Post
Looks like youve removed the main console piece, any chance on a DIY on how to do that?
Can i do it w/o removing it or is it too messy?

Mine were scratched by the moron who owned the car before me and DIDNT use a microfiber polisher

thanks
Hi Cory,

Here is the thread I read through for a DIY. I think it is halfway down.

http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=976612

I only unscrewed the piece under the key lock for the center storage unit and lifted up. I did not want to mess with the wires so I put a microfiber under it and worked on the wood that way. You can unwire everything but it is a PITA to do it. So, I would just lift it and polish the areas where it is needed by hand. Good luck and post some before and after pics! Hope you have as much success as I did.

Lastly, if necessary you can blue tape the leather or trim pieces. You do not want any of the polish to get on those parts.
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      07-06-2016, 06:58 AM   #6
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thanks, thats the route i will go

meguires is to be delivered today by Amazon

Ive been looking to do this since i got the car last year

Great post Takumi
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      07-13-2016, 02:21 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by corys530 View Post
thanks, thats the route i will go

meguires is to be delivered today by Amazon

Ive been looking to do this since i got the car last year

Great post Takumi
Cory how did it go?
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      07-14-2016, 07:55 AM   #8
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I will let u know after the weekend when i get to it, saving it for a treat!
too many other projects right now...dont have the after cleaners, do you think Showtime will suffice..

thanks
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      07-17-2016, 07:47 PM   #9
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This was a very good post indeed, it requires very little pressure or time and the 2.0 does'nt hurt or leave marks if you get a little on the leather, i was as carefull as i could be but not perfect

Anyway it works beautifully

see for yourselves

Thanks Takumi
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      08-16-2016, 09:53 PM   #10
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This is great!! thanks for sharing it is like magic

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      04-20-2018, 05:58 AM   #11
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Thanks guys for the efforts posting on here your results ..will go and buy the product !
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