Aluminium Acne?

[Renfield]

How might one best address this center console issue?

I've tried chrome polish, magic eraser, vinegar, alcohol. Wait. That last one may have been for me.

Never the less. I'm a bit stumped here.

George

[Rah-Vee]

It sort of looks like the clear coat finish on it has started to deteriorate. You may need to sand down with 1000 grit sandpaper and then polish it.

[B21]

Opportunity for a nice tasteful reclad?..maybe leather or c/f ?

[Marcoose]

Unless you have time to spend on and eager to learn new skills, I'd buy a new trim plate.

I know, not cheap.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/20468128284...3ABFBMmvX80dRj

https://www.ebay.com/itm/12597125168...Bk9SR5z1_NHUYw

[Renfield]

Good thoughts folks. Thank you.

Retirement offers a great deal more spare time than spare change. So new is out.

Like the missing wind baffle, all the replacements seem to come as a set with most being superfluous. Wind baffle center is missing, but everything else is there and in good shape.

Only the center console is afflicted with this coating breakdown. And only about half of that.

George

[Drummer$Dude]

Originally Posted by Renfield

Good thoughts folks. Thank you.

Retirement offers a great deal more spare time than spare change. So new is out.

Like the missing wind baffle, all the replacements seem to come as a set with most being superfluous. Wind baffle center is missing, but everything else is there and in good shape.

Only the center console is afflicted with this coating breakdown. And only about half of that.

George

Have you investigated Hydro dipping? It's not expensive. For my Z4 I will be re-finishing several of the silver finished plastic parts with silver carbon fiber as the silver coating is bubbling and has sharp edges on the paddle shifters.

[KennyP]

is this satin silver trim?
partnumber 51169129241?



If so its the cheapest interior trim option to buy replacements for...
on german webshop Hubauer you can buy new original piece for 102 eur...
compared to other trims this is very cheap...
alu carbon trim is over 300 eur...
fineline antrasite wood trim piece is 417 eur...
for some sort of ash grain wood trim piece they are asking over 800 eur...

So compared to that 102 eur isnt much now is it?

Other cheap option is to wrap all the trim pieces....

link to hubauer:

https://www.hubauer-shop.de/en/trim-...169129241.html

[KennyP]

it also could be a brushed aluminum trim part.
partnumber 51169150236

Looks similar but is way more expensive... 294 eur on hubauer...

but here is one used for 150 usd:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/265778869268

[Renfield]

Originally Posted by KennyP

it also could be a brushed aluminum trim part.
partnumber 51169150236

Looks similar but is way more expensive... 294 eur on hubauer...

but here is one used for 150 usd:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/265778869268

That's the one. Brushed.

I will consider the $150 option. Thank you, Kenny.

George

[DavesZed]

Originally Posted by Renfield

That's the one. Brushed.

I will consider the $150 option. Thank you, Kenny.

George

Sorry to say, but that brushed alloy one is only marginally better then your current one! Is it worth the outlay for something that'll look the same in a couple of years?. I've never seen a decent one in used condition available. If they are in poor condition owners tend to swap them out for new then put the rough one on eBay (like this).

You can get a brushed wrap to cover your original, but it must be smooth though otherwise it'll show through.

[Renfield]

Originally Posted by DavesZed

Sorry to say, but that brushed alloy one is only marginally better then your current one! Is it worth the outlay for something that'll look the same in a couple of years?. I've never seen a decent one in used condition available. If they are in poor condition owners tend to swap them out for new then put the rough one on eBay (like this).

You can get a brushed wrap to cover your original, but it must be smooth though otherwise it'll show through.

If I can find just the center console new I'll get that.

Otherwise, research into a solvent continues.

George

[KennyP]

new brushed aluminum trim in german hubauer-shop:
price 283 eur
https://www.hubauer-shop.de/en/trim-...169150236.html

on ECStuning website (USA) 342 usd:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...l/51169150236/

Turner motorsport has it listed with the same price as ECStuning 342usd:
https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-8...uine-bmw-part/

getbmwparts.com - also us based... bit cheaper.. 313 usd:
https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...el-51169150236


bmwpartsworldwide.com from Chicago... Cheapest i was able to find with a quick search... 293 USD:
https://www.bmwpartsworldwide.com/oe...el-51169150236

google the partnumber and you will get many websites selling it new...

[javis20]

You could always just vinyl wrap the one you have. Maybe even a carbon fiber vinyl wrap.

https://www.amazon.com/VVIVID-Epoxy-...TEALw_wcB&th=1