Dash "legs" finish problem

[RAM]

In one spot, the silver finish on the dash center console "legs" has worn off, exposing the pasty white plastic that lies underneath.

The car (MCS, DS/B, lots of goodies) is only a month old. This happened on the passenger's side, where my son, who is not quite so meticulous about the car as I am, usually sits.

Four questions:

-- is this a common problem?

-- is there an easy way to restore the silver coating?

-- is there a way to protect the silver coating so this doesn't happen so easily?

-- is this something Mini dealers will repair?

Thanks.

[macncheese]

Hmmm. Maybe you could try waxing it?

[BruceK]

This missing paint problem has been reported before, but mostly on the driver's side. One of the causes is reported to be sunscreen lotion on the driver's leg somehow melting the silver paint.

Please do a Search for "sunscreen" or "sun and tan" and you should find the thread.

[RAM]

Bruce - I saw a thread about rubbing against the leg causing wear. The thread included humor about the different meaning of "shorts" on the east and west coasts of the Atlantic, and also included a reference to overpriced plastic "leg guards" available on ebay. But the thread didn't address the repair issues.

Thanks for your post.

Bob

[RAM]

What's scotch-cal? No doubt a 3M product, but where is it sold and what's it used for (other than protecting the Mini's dash legs?)

[chiph]

You could also use the "invisible bra" material (also by 3M) used in the StonGard and InvincaShield products.

Chip H.

[mr.bill]

It's not only the "console legs" you'll have to worry about. A MINI owner in California posted a pic a couple weeks ago showing the paint coming off the grab handle for the door. She thinks she scratched it with her fingernail. It is undoubtedly less costly to spray paint the plastic pieces than it is to have the color molded in when it is formed. The clear 3M protective tape might work, or you might try some clear package tape. It's too bad they chose to use painted and chromed plastic. It is not going to hold up very long and makes the car look cheaply made.

[benggolf]

I notice a smudge on the left "leg" approximately 4.5 inches from the top when I took delivery. Thinking I could clean or polish it off, I just let the matter go.

It skipped my mind completely and it was about 2 weeks after that I tried unsuccessfully to remove the smudge. I showed the problem to the dealer and he was kind enough to replace it under warranty.

Now I am a happy camper waiting for the ECU upgrade hoping to get the "yo-yo" problem fixed.

[MiNiGuY]

The silver paint (officially called white silver) on the dashboard legs (officially called down tubes) is shamefully weak.
There really is no excuse for it.
Many mini's were getting scratches on the down tubes before they even left the factory and had to be replaced.
So many in fact that BMW have now implemented (last 3 months) a protective blanket to cover them whilst they are in the factory. Thats proof enough that BMW are aware of the pathetic scratch resistance of the white silver paintwork.
It even takes a certain skill to put the damn things on without scratching the paint!!
In BMW's defence, these parts are made by suppliers, not BMW, but regardless, the issue is not new, and yet it has still not been addressed.
In fact, I have noticed over the past few months that the scratch resistance on white silver down tubes has got worse rather than better.
Without doubt it's in the top 10 of my personal grudges with the car.

If ever there was an argument for anthracite interior, it is that the anthracite paint is much much more resistant to damage.

[Ady]

how resistant to scratches is the alloy patina? is it any better than bright silver or is it less likely to look "scabby" because of its "dirty" appearance?

Ady (R50)

[MiNiGuY]

Quote:

Originally posted by R50
how resistant to scratches is the alloy patina? is it any better than bright silver or is it less likely to look "scabby" because of its "dirty" appearance?

Ady (R50)

The alloy patina is ok.
It's only the white silver down tubes that are ridiculously prone to scratching, and they come with an alloy patina interior.
The rest of the white silver plastic work (such as door armrests)isn't too bad. Not brilliantly resistant but not too bad.

[lightbody]

Quote:

Originally posted by MiNiGuY

Without doubt it's in the top 10 of my personal grudges with the car.

Would be REALLY interested to hear your full 10, MiNiGuY!

[jbkone]

I was vacuuming my car at a convenience store (in the USA, there are sometimes big vacuum canisters that you can pay $0.50 to vacuum your car at gas stations - if you don't know) early on in our relationship when I noticed that the bacuum hose scratched up the "legs"! DAMN!! A vacuum hose? I was a little upset. Over it now, but think that the legs really need some sort of clearcoat on them or something. Any ideas other than that 3M plastic wrap?

[aMINIbull]

At least in some instances the dealer will replace scratched interiors. My driverside door handle developed a small scratch at the grab which quickly developed into about a 4 cm rub off. The paint comes off about as easily as a scratch off lottery ticket.

Dealer service seemed rather stunned by this problem and promptly ordered a new door panel (Apparently they won't replace just the handle assembly).

I wonder how often they'll be willing to replace the handle if this happens again and again. Just for the record, I don't think suntan lotion came in contact with the grab.

I wonder if someone will come up with a wrap somewhat like on the horizontal portion of the handle to go around the grab?.

Either way this is quite a disappointing problem.

[MiNiGuY]

Sorry to hear that aMINIbull!!
I think you will either have to hope someone invents a grab cover, invent one yourself or just learn to go careful with the door.
I would say that I can't recall ever seeing a door case ruined due to bad paint on the grab handle. Down tubes yes, but door cases, no way. The surround yes, but not the actual grab bar.
Maybe yours was indeed an exception, and maybe the replacement will be more up to standard.
Let's hope so.
All the best.