Restore Your Scratched Bmw E46 Console To Factory New For Only £5! Pictorial Diy

[delmarco]

So after my last retrofit project of installing the DCT Sport Shifter, I found that the new knob made the rest of my console look extra old and worn. My console's cubby doors had the usual BMW rubber coating peeling and scuff marks from years of use.

So I went online and found that these things are about $50 (used on ebay) to $150 (brand new at BMW dealership) to replace.

I also came across many DIYs that showed folks using black spray paint on the doors and a few showing the scrubbing off of the worn out rubber coating completely to reveal the bare plastic underneath. I also saw other suggestions for plasti-dip and a even DIY for using plasti-dip on the cupholders/armrest.

So long story short. I became interested and got a can of Plasti-Dip at my local hardware shop for £5.00. And preceeded to do this. You can order a can at

http://www.plastidip.co.uk/index2.cfm

This DIY is easy and the results are astonishing and makes you wonder why people buy these trim pieces out of parts car for tons of money to replace their worn ones when just a 5 quid can of Plasti-dip will make the trim new again.

The only tools I used were a razor blade and scotch tape that I found around my apartment. Screw driver and a T10 will aslo be needed to remove the trim pieces. I also used fine 150 grit sand paper on my steptronic plate trim, but found it was not necessary if your trim isn't super pitted and you are using more than 2 coats.

The most important tool will be your patience. Plasti-Dip takes a long time to dry-even when it feels dry to the touch-it will be moist and soft for up to 4-5 hours after the last coat goes on and your final coat will easily scratch and scuff if you rush to put it back in your car.

Also waiting 30 full minutes or more between coats is highly recommended. Don't ask me how I learned all this but I learned it the hard way.

Said and done, if you do mess up and the coating comes out wrong you can easily peel the coat right off and start over again. Plasti-Dip isn't super permanent like paint but more like liquid rubber.

Start by removing your console trim and gear plate. This is basic 101 DIY but the pictures below should prevent you from running into any surprises.

[Stan 24v]

Excellent! I ave a few scratches around there myself and have been wondering how best to sort them, cheers

[ewok]

Holy feck i was going to buy a new console for round the handbrake too

Also this should be stickied class post

[Speed]

Just about to ask about your gear shifter before I read your post in DIY section , it's sooo cool, cant wait your DIY tutorial

[defianty]

Looks great! Will be getting myself a can and doing mine. It's the only part of the cars interior that bothers me, and saves buying another console!

Up the Spurs!!

[autosri]

i wonder if we can even get this stuff in the uk i have a few scuffs around the handbrake area so would be pretty usful

[Gaz]

Auto, there's a link in his OP. £5 is a bargain!

[autosri]

cheers mate i was being a bit dim lol

[ljc8165]

Never mind the plasticoaticoatistuff mate, where did you get your gear lever????............. I likeee!!!!

[Stan 24v]

Never mind the plasticoaticoatistuff mate, where did you get your gear lever????............. I likeee!!!!

http://www.e46zone.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=16150

[Rob-]

Excellent! I need this so badly by my handbrake and where the glasses holder is.

PS cant find the product in the link. Does it have to be specially ordered?

[DJ Syxx]

thats a really good DIY there mate. Have to give this a go sometime, great stuff.

[JayP07]

Top Guide!! There are scratches on my trim that have been there since i bought the car. This is the answer I've been looking for! Nice 1!

[swilton325is]

fair play, this is just what im looking for to do my centre console...

Cheers Scott

[Craig_09]

delmarco - Whats the colour match like as Only 1 of my Trim is marked.

Thanks

[h4rri]

Just ordered an £8 can from the site, it's plus shipping and VAT so comes in at £14 odd!

Should be worth it though, a few bits need a refurb

[zimzimmer46]

Up the Spurs!!

Boy says to Mum 'I've got the biggest co*k at nursery, is it coz I'm special?'She replies 'No, its coz you're 28 and a fu**ing retard, now be a good lad and dont get spaghetti hoops down your spurs top'

[ewok]

just got mine today thank god time to start stripping

[JayP07]

Done mine over the weekend using the same product, here is the result... now it makes the ashtray look bad so i'm going to have to do that too. I know i should have done it all at once but i wanted to test the spray first. I can confirm that its a fantastic product for a cheap fix with very little work involved. Thanks again for the original guide. The finish is deceptive as it feels very rubbery/wet but its quite strong and gives a great matt finish.

[delmarco]

I discovered that the PlastiDip coating actually hardens or toughens overtime from sitting in the car.

Whether the sun bakes it or not it definitely becomes more resistant to scratching and peeling.

I took this picture today. It has been in the car 5 months now and I am extremely happy with it. I saved tons of money by going this route and not replacing the trim as they can be pricey at the stealerships.

Even if 5 months went by and it started to look like crap I would've been satisfied, but 5 months later and it still looks fresh and clean like my car just left the BMW production factory I couldn't be more happier.

No complaints at all. Less than 6 quid spent on something that is quality.

[ccfj1]

They don't any black left at the site above, anyone know where else to get some??

[Stan 24v]

John they have some more due in in the next few weeks mate as I ordered some and got a refund telling me so. Around 18 Sept if I remember correctly.

[Blah]

Can i use this stuff on the plastic bit around the handbrake, where the hazard switch is?

[Stan 24v]

Yep

[swilton325is]

They don't any black left at the site above, anyone know where else to get some??

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?h...IwAg#ps-sellers