Scratched silver trim at Paris motor show

[Hanzenegger]

When at the Paris motor show, I saw that all minis with silver (or that fake alloy)interior trim had scratched interior door handles. Some of them were quite bad and the paint had gone off a patch of approx. 10 by 3 cm. I mean the matt painted bits like the uprights next to the radio and the armrest with doorhandle.

I have read threads before about the matt silver paint peeling off (after contact with sunblock) and I know that more than a week of motorshow is enough to destroy a car's interior, however I also noticed none of the anthracite cars (which have black matt trim) were affected.

I asked the mini people about this, and they say the scratches started after someone had some fun scratching cars with his keys. The of course a small scratch would make other people scratch further to test the paint quality. Possible, but still does not explain why the anthracite was not affected (maybe the key guy disliked the silver...)

Anyway, I am now seriously thinking of getting anthracite on my cooper s, although I do think silver looks nicer. (I think the fake ally looks all too fake). I also did see the wood and (personal opionion...) I thought it looked quite ok. The mini people told me it is just an option, so it can be combined with either silver or anthracite (or even alloy), and only the bits on the dashboard are wood, not the door trim.

[Basil]

The silver painted bits are a bit fragile, and would be why what used to be silver where the Mirror controls are, is now black. (scuse the english.......it's early)

I'd like to see an aftermarket company come up with some alloy alternatives, rather than insisting on the usual "chrome" dress rings for everything.

A nice alloy gearstick boot ring (like the TT) would be nice, and suit the MINI design theme.

Although I don't drive my S that often, I'm always careful geting in and out, as it all feels a little "fragile" if you know what I mean.

[monsta]

I'm painting my matt silver trim with clear laquer to solve this problem - it looks much better too.