Interior Plastic Scratch/Scuff/Scrape... Whatever -- Help!!

[CBLW]

Hi guys!

I'm driving a brand new 135i Cp with black leather interior and hence, black plastic interior as well. Upon delivery a week ago or so, I noticed a scratch (surface scratch, like a scuff really, not deep) on the plastic side piece that runs below the leather seat on the driver's side. I'm almost positive that this happened when someone at the dealership was getting in or out of the car, but whatever, not the end of the world, I'd just like to fix it. Can anyone recommend a good auto plastic scratch remover? I'd like to avoid having to pay to have this professionally repaired if possible (that would seem sort of ridiculous), and I don't want to just cover it up with protectant and ignore it.

Any product recommendations, other ideas, etc., would be greatly appreciated. I know this will drive me crazy if I don’t deal with it! Thanks.

P.S. Remember, this is not a shoe scuff or color transfer, just a plastic scratch. Thanks! I'm hoping maybe PlastX would do the trick? (even if it's not specifically designed for solid color plastics)

[Murr1525]

Re: Interior Plastic Scratch/Scuff/Scrape... Whatever -- Help!!

Unfortunatley, not much will fix that problem. If you were to sand it or use an abrasive product, then you would just end up with smooth plastic, and the surrounding area textured, which still would not look right.

[Ryan L.]

Re: Interior Plastic Scratch/Scuff/Scrape... Whatever -- Help!!

Take it back to BMW...I'm sure they would replace it or at least give you credit towards having it replaced.

Ryan

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Interior Plastic Scratch/Scuff/Scrape... Whatever -- Help!!

And this is why we wrote this article and made it a Sticky in Hot Topics


What it means to remove a scratch out of anything...


Pretty much explains it all...

[CBLW]

Re: Interior Plastic Scratch/Scuff/Scrape... Whatever -- Help!!

This is just flat, matte plastic though... nothing complicated. Wouldn't the PlastX possibly make it look SLIGHTLY better? It's a very, very insignificant mark. I mean, is it actually advisable NOT to try something like that? Thanks all...

[Nappers]

Re: Interior Plastic Scratch/Scuff/Scrape... Whatever -- Help!!

Depends on how deep the scratch is, the only fear of mine that ScratchX may make the surrounding areas smooth and the rest matte in comparison, depending on the plastic. All of my plastics are the peppled textured type and I would not try it with my cars.

ScratchX is handy to have around the house and you may want to give it a shot.

Is it possible to take a picture and post it?

Aaron

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Interior Plastic Scratch/Scuff/Scrape... Whatever -- Help!!

This is just flat, matte plastic though... nothing complicated. Wouldn't the PlastX possibly make it look SLIGHTLY better? It's a very, very insignificant mark. I mean, is it actually advisable NOT to try something like that? Thanks all...

We always say...

"You don't know what you can do until you try"

So try something, heck you could even try some dish soap and a scrub brush... something might work but a product like PlastX is primarily for hard shiny plastic surfaces, not flat or matte surfaces.

If you buy some and it doesn't work you can keep it around for your headlights or some other clear plastic in the future as it's a great product.

[CBLW]

Re: Interior Plastic Scratch/Scuff/Scrape... Whatever -- Help!!

Mike,

Are you suggesting that perhaps I just take a soft cloth and some warm soap/water and go at the scratch for a little while? I actually tried that once on some light plastic scratches that I had on an Acura TSX and magically, the scratches seemed to disappear. My primary concern is obviously damaging the car in any way, but is that your idea, basically? If so, I'm not sure how it works, but I like it! haha

[ajb39oh]

Re: Interior Plastic Scratch/Scuff/Scrape... Whatever -- Help!!

Ryan's right- take it back to BMW. I hsve an 07 Explorer and had Ford replace a plastic piece on the inside of mine.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Interior Plastic Scratch/Scuff/Scrape... Whatever -- Help!!

My first idea was the same as Ryan's. Take it back. Let them replace it. Since you mentioned it is not textured. Maybe one of those magic auto erasers would do the trick.

[Mike Phillips]

Re: Interior Plastic Scratch/Scuff/Scrape... Whatever -- Help!!

Mike,

Are you suggesting that perhaps I just take a soft cloth and some warm soap/water and go at the scratch for a little while?

I was just suggesting you try "something"

There really isn't any product made for removing defects out of plastics like this with the end result having the plastic look original or good and that's what the article I linked to in my first reply explains.

In about a year from now unless your exceptionally careful you'll likely have more scuffs in this plastic component anyways... and on the other side too unless ALL your passengers are exceptionally careful.

Take it back to the dealer and let them replace it.

Take a picture of it after it's replaced and then one year from now take another pictures and lets see how it hold up over time...

Best of luck....