How To Get Rid of Scratches on Aluminum Trim

[mikeyqbone601]

Hello,

I have a 2007 328i Convertible and have Brushed Aluminum Trim. Although I do try now to be as careful as possible when taking off my seat belt and closing my door to prevent the seat buckle from hitting the aluminum strip on the door panel, I used to never notice this happening. Now I have a lot of tiny scratches from the seat buckle and was wondering if there was a way to remove the scratches. What will steel wool do? Someone had mentioned that to me. Does anyone know? I don't want to do anything to further damage my car. I know it's not really noticeable, but it still bothers me. Thanks for the help!

[thekurgan]

Hello,

I have a 2007 328i Convertible and have Brushed Aluminum Trim. Although I do try now to be as careful as possible when taking off my seat belt and closing my door to prevent the seat buckle from hitting the aluminum strip on the door panel, I used to never notice this happening. Now I have a lot of tiny scratches from the seat buckle and was wondering if there was a way to remove the scratches. What will steel wool do? Someone had mentioned that to me. Does anyone know? I don't want to do anything to further damage my car. I know it's not really noticeable, but it still bothers me. Thanks for the help!

I would think something with a coarse type of material would help with that, or maybe even stainless steel polish?

[Boost3r]

Just take it to the dealer and they'll replace it under warranty...

[ziggypup]

Just take it to the dealer and they'll replace it under warranty...

What makes you think that BMW would cover a piece of scratched trim under warranty? I would think that they would look at you and say that is normal wear and tear.

[thekurgan]

What makes you think that BMW would cover a piece of scratched trim under warranty? I would think that they would look at you and say that is normal wear and tear.

+1, they will look at him and laugh! :lol

[mryakan]

What makes you think that BMW would cover a piece of scratched trim under warranty? I would think that they would look at you and say that is normal wear and tear.
because theyve done it for some people I believe.

[Danny 335i]

The first day i had my 335i coupe i put a tiny round dent in my aluminum trim piece that is right in front of your face.The one that goes across to the drivers side. I was thinking about bringing it back and saying i noticed it when i got home and wanted it replaced under warranty. But thats a scumbag thing to do.I,m going to go to the dealer monday and see how much the trim is. I got use to it,but i,m kind of anal about things like that,so i,ll just eat the cost and replace it myself.

[mryakan]

The first day i had my 335i coupe i put a tiny round dent in my aluminum trim piece that is right in front of your face.The one that goes across to the drivers side. I was thinking about bringing it back and saying i noticed it when i got home and wanted it replaced under warranty. But thats a scumbag thing to do.I,m going to go to the dealer monday and see how much the trim is. I got use to it,but i,m kind of anal about things like that,so i,ll just eat the cost and replace it myself.
Wouldn't hurt to ask if they'd replace it under warranty. You'd be surprised sometimes how receptive some dealers are to customers who ask nicely.

[bOOsted335]

My friend has an Audi and they replaced a bunch of wear and tear parts for him

[bOOsted335]

They do it for all Audi's under warranty if they are suffering from excessive wear and tear at an early stage; you know when the buttons or switches start peeling. At first I could not believe it until I called Classic Audi in Orlando, FL and talked to the Service Department. This is not much of help but is just to show that it might be possible.

[Grumpa72]

I have read that the general rule of thumb is that if you drag your fingernail over it and it catches at all, then it cannot be buffed out. That would make replacement your option.

Gary

[aftp302]

Speaking of, does anyone have the part numbers for the various pieces of aluminum trim?

No seatbelt dings here, but I recently got a pretty nasty gouge in the trim around my shifter (when and from what I have no idea) and the most annoying thing about it is that under the "satin" top layer it is shiny aluminum so I see it immediately when I get in the car. I would like to replace but have no idea of the part number or cost.

[mryakan]

Speaking of, does anyone have the part numbers for the various pieces of aluminum trim?

No seatbelt dings here, but I recently got a pretty nasty gouge in the trim around my shifter (when and from what I have no idea) and the most annoying thing about it is that under the "satin" top layer it is shiny aluminum so I see it immediately when I get in the car. I would like to replace but have no idea of the part number or cost.
Checkout realoem:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=VB73&mospid=49550&hg=51&fg=45

[Jhunter]

I believe the aluminum trim has some king of lacquer coating to protect it. I am not sure I would take steel wool to it as you may not like the results. I have a few marks from the seat belt but it is minor and I don't worry about it.

[aftp302]

Checkout realoem:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=VB73&mospid=49550&hg=51&fg=45


Thanks, looks like the part I would need is $195. I guess I'll live with it since its a lease. Don't think this is something they'll ding me for on lease return, but we'll see.

[mikeyqbone601]

Thank you all for your responses!

[SocratesBMW]

If your dealer isn't willing to replace some cheap worn aluminum trim parts for you I'd find a new dealer. Shift knobs and other items in plain view they usually don't fuss over. Its not necessarily a warranty cover as much as it is just being nice and understanding you may buy another vehicle from them.

[Itsa328]

Flitz on the corner of a rag should do it if it's light. If you can feel it with a fingernail you're best off getting a new part....