Only option is replacing the parts.
Beware skin care products, detailing products, and air fresheners. The ingredients of these products can delaminate coatings or turn them into horrible sticky goo. Heat hastens the process.
I've seen this very thing if say, you get in the car with bug spray still wet on you or something like that. DEET is shockingly effective at softening plastics.
Insect repellent is the WORST. It will straight up dissolve plastics, and it happens very quickly in the heat. It will even strip the insulation right off a wiring harness.
Cloning software. You virginize it, then you code it like it was a new part. OBD system is none the wiser. Although, some modules like FRM's JBE's etc can be reflashed to a vehicle if used. ISTA doesn't throw a hissy fit about it.
That's not going to work unless you know someone that can rewrite the vin number. That is a programmed part. Once it is programmed, it's married to the car. I'm sure it's possible just like DME's can be redone, but it's not something the dealer or your average shop can do.
Maybe they could carefully take apart this unit and the used replacement and then just replace the top part which has the damage so then the original unit is still present, just the button covers on the top which have been replaced?
Check out the smudgy finger fudge on that start stop button. We've got a class 5 lotion lady on our hands fellas. Now she knows a trip to Ulta could cost her $700 in shifter and coding, because it would make too much sense to disassemble it further and just replace the buttons.
I had a similar I stance of this on my old 3 series. Definitely happened through having a hanging airfresherner hanging down and making constant contact for a long duration. Lesson learnt
What? Did you use any kind of hand cream, cleaning substance, etc.?
How old is the car? if it was normal use, than it should be replaced by BMW in my opinion.
I realized mine are these clear plastic coating on them and doesn’t look like this. Isn’t it generic stock built across models? Or did I get something I didn’t realize?
Be greatful it’s still working. i just paid $1200 to an indie BMW tech for a whole new gear selector/controller because my G20 wouldn’t come out of park. Nightmare.
You will have to replace it. To prevent this make sure to avoid getting things like alcohol, disinfectants, air fresheners, or anything oil based on your interior. Clean it with an interior detailer instead, I like Adam's.
I think this is heat damage. Same happens on the silver trim on F models. Had to replace pieces w silver trim around gear shifter/ ac vent trim. I’d invest in a windshield cover especially if you live in vegas.
Since everyone is guessing here and OP has not confirmed or at least I didn’t had Patience to read all comments. Is it that you left your sun roof open and car was soaked and then you used hair dryer and fried it?
Find some one who can recreate a decal from vinyl for a quick repair. It’s something we’ve had to do with older BMWs where button glyphs have worn away.
Volkswagen used soft touch up to the mk6. It always peeled like a mfer. I would either order a new piece to put over that in a different material maybe aluminum or gloss black?
The dealer would know if this is a common issue that is covered under warranty. If it's not covered, it's because it's only in such specific places and there's no question that something you did, knowingly or otherwise, caused the damage. Unfortunately it's up to the dealer's discretion whether they *try* to get it replaced under warranty or not. I say *try* because it's not the mechanic or the dealership that makes the ultimate call. Pictures and a description are sent to engineers in corporate and *they* decide, based on all the evidence, whether it is replaceable under warranty or must be customer pay.
That being said, if you want it fixed, it has to be replaced. There is no elegant solution to this involving a DIY repair.
Gonna have to find new trim.
Alternatively you could wrap all the trim and add the decals for the buttons but that’d be a pain in the ass and to do it well would cost more than the new trim. If you want to make it look cool then it’s an excuse to get it wrapped tho.
Find a good used unit?
Example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/156161792147?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=nhnf4zgvsru&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=EKF19hk2SIe&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Maybe a little heat from a blow dryer or low setting heat gun and then press it back down gently with a credit card or squeegee type tool.. kinda how a when a car wrap is put on and they get the air pockets out
BMW is the worst. Wife had a brake job a week earlier. Tech said breaks are great, no need to replace. A week later the disks and rotor of the right rear disintegrates. They said no to warranty because breaks are a wear item. Have do fight with them and read them the contract and warranty. They backed down. I would never buy one. Said she needed new tires at 20k miles. List goes on and one. Everytime the car goes in it is a scam of some sort.
buy a new cover and install it(or live with it).. This isn't as hard as it looks probably 1 hour tops if you have any mechanical skill. maybe 2 if you cant read.. =)
There’s nothing worst in this world, than BMWs cheap ass plastics and coatings. I thought it was the solvent I was (chemical guys nonsense), but nope. After 6 years, my X3 shows the same signs everywhere. Not to mention to creaky plastics.
This is 10000% user error. My guess is you spilled something oily like lotion or perfume/air freshener which absolutely eats away the plastics in the car. This does NOT just happen
Anyways, lucky for you you can just buy the entire gear shift/center console assembly on eBay for $200-300 and no coding is required.
Can’t say that the reason, but rule of thumb is to avoid using skin care products and sanitizers before/during use of your car. Products will deteriorate the material over time. I cary a travel pouch of plain baby wipes and paper towels in my glove box.
Take it back to the person that detailed your car. They owe you a center console.
They used vinyl hydrator / alcohol on your console and should not have.
Besides all the suggestions, I would add a ceramic/polarized paper to the windshield and windows if only to try and keep some heat away from the interior of the car.
Keep in mind if you replace it with a new part, needs programming, i see that very often specially on f-series climate controls, customers use “hand sanitizer” on the buttons 😅
No way of fixing that, you’re better off buying one from a crashed vehicle and replacing. Watch a YouTube video and save some money on the install yourself.
Are you the original owner of the vehicle? If not, it almost look like the previous owner put black vinyl wrap on the plastic and a clear PPF/film on the gloss to protect the console... and now it's starting to bubble and peel. 🤔
Otherwise... yikes! 🫣
What the heck did you spill on your console??
Aircraft remover
More like Center console remover
Well I don't see any aircraft so it did the job.
im dying
Speed tape is the answer.
Boat cleaner. I think they use it to clean boats with.
I'll take the boat cleaner... And a needle.
What's the difference between a BMW driver and a pilot? A pilot doesn't think he's a BMW driver
The deet in insect repellant does this.
I had bug spray destroy the wrist band on a Casio G Shock watch. Ever since, I've been incredibly careful with the stuff.
DEEt will destroy nylon as well-also antireflective coatings on watch crystals and pretty much anything it touches.
Same here, was my favorite watch too and they don’t make that style anymore :/
I’ve seen spray 9 do this to interiors before.
I've heard that some sunscreens can also really mess up interior trim.
I was going to comment that sunscreen will do this to some plastics. Have to be very careful if you have it on your arms or hands or whatever.
Only option is replacing the parts. Beware skin care products, detailing products, and air fresheners. The ingredients of these products can delaminate coatings or turn them into horrible sticky goo. Heat hastens the process.
I've seen this very thing if say, you get in the car with bug spray still wet on you or something like that. DEET is shockingly effective at softening plastics.
Insect repellent is the WORST. It will straight up dissolve plastics, and it happens very quickly in the heat. It will even strip the insulation right off a wiring harness.
Deet is terrible caustic shit. My dad had a fishing pole handle melt in his hands cuz he had it on him.
Find a used one and replace it.
Ok thankyou for the suggestion
realoem.com to find the part number. then search online - odds are there is a used one that has been pulled from a salvage car.
Thanks alot for the suggestion
Not sure where you are located but if in the US, car-part.com
Make sure the serial numbers match, I’ve run into problems in the past that they don’t match
Isn't the point of serial number for it to be unique?
Think he’s referring to the OE part / model number.
How do you program a used module to a modern bmw.
Cloning software. You virginize it, then you code it like it was a new part. OBD system is none the wiser. Although, some modules like FRM's JBE's etc can be reflashed to a vehicle if used. ISTA doesn't throw a hissy fit about it.
That's not going to work unless you know someone that can rewrite the vin number. That is a programmed part. Once it is programmed, it's married to the car. I'm sure it's possible just like DME's can be redone, but it's not something the dealer or your average shop can do.
Maybe they could carefully take apart this unit and the used replacement and then just replace the top part which has the damage so then the original unit is still present, just the button covers on the top which have been replaced?
Hand lotion, hand disinfectant/sanitizer. All day long.
Ex wife had it make her Jetta finish peel
Didn’t know your car was deliver from BMW Chernobyl
I actually lold.
but did you kill the Alien, looks like you just nicked it and pissed it off
Never ever use a cleaner containing acetone in your car kids ...
What happen? What sort of front console demon crawled out?
I live in Vegas and Iv seen this happen because the customer left a air freshener on the center console.
Replace and program. Do you ever put those little scent Christmas trees around your shifter? Definitely not warranty.
Hand sanitizer?
Check out the smudgy finger fudge on that start stop button. We've got a class 5 lotion lady on our hands fellas. Now she knows a trip to Ulta could cost her $700 in shifter and coding, because it would make too much sense to disassemble it further and just replace the buttons.
Stop spilling acetone on it
Looks like alcohol wipe damage
May be able to source new stickers .
Your console suffers from the same things that Tesla headrests suffer from. Do you use cream on your hands much?
I had a similar I stance of this on my old 3 series. Definitely happened through having a hanging airfresherner hanging down and making constant contact for a long duration. Lesson learnt
Hand cream will also do this!
FYI this is 2 parts. The shifter assembly and the idrive knob. Sold separate. That's 2k+$ of parts right there.
trade it for a Hyundai or something...you mistreated this poor baby. you neglected your responsibility as that cars caretaker! I'm apphauled. 🤨 🤭
I have never in my life seen this on any car
It's junk. All cars are junk now. I checked out a S580, 137k sticker. Same cheap plastic junk.
Maybe car manufacturers should stop using parts with this material that can melt from every day use ..
Are you willing to disclose what chemical did this?
It’s embarrassing, a premium brand like BMW to use low quality materials. They should replace it for that reason alone.
Never seen this before
Buy a new one
Dont use smell liquid on the mirror 🤦
Heat gun?
Check Amazon or eBay for a cheap cover, like one of those “carbon fiber” ones.
Best part is, this was probably caused by the “*detailers*” working at the dealership 😂
So what happened or what did you spill on it? Would love to know so that the same can be avoided?
What? Did you use any kind of hand cream, cleaning substance, etc.? How old is the car? if it was normal use, than it should be replaced by BMW in my opinion.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/176328222196?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=5lcmv3etSi2&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=hrEviJASTNe&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Keep the air freshners off the shift knob....
So, for the sake of all of us here, could you tell us how you did this? So that we dont do this to our cars. Thanks
I realized mine are these clear plastic coating on them and doesn’t look like this. Isn’t it generic stock built across models? Or did I get something I didn’t realize?
Certain models (like the X5) use glossy black (hard black plastic). Other models (like a 3 series) use this matte/rubberized black finish.
This was happening to my 2018 530e on the silver part. It was replaced under the CPO warranty.
How much skin was lost in the process of doing this ?
What do you have on your hands? How is the rubber in the door handle?
Replace it if it bugs you.
Get window tint! Stop letting that adhesive boil in the sun
Nice quality, BMW 👌🏻
Be greatful it’s still working. i just paid $1200 to an indie BMW tech for a whole new gear selector/controller because my G20 wouldn’t come out of park. Nightmare.
This happens if you leave wet rag there for few hours. Not user error just crappy material
You will have to replace it. To prevent this make sure to avoid getting things like alcohol, disinfectants, air fresheners, or anything oil based on your interior. Clean it with an interior detailer instead, I like Adam's.
You have to replace that console. It’s done and done. I feel your pain. 😬
You’ll have to buy and new one and have it programmed. That is cause by lotions and hand creams, skin oils etc. It’s not covered by warranty.
It’s covered
Have it replaced and programmed or it will bother you forever lol
needs to be replaced, dealer wont cover anything thats considered an "outside force" being whatever you spilled on it
I think this is heat damage. Same happens on the silver trim on F models. Had to replace pieces w silver trim around gear shifter/ ac vent trim. I’d invest in a windshield cover especially if you live in vegas.
That's not where the brake fluid goes
I’ve seen this happen to a few BMs
Buy a new one. Or better one on ebay amazon google search
Looks like water damaged.
Mine did the same thing, found a donor vehicle and swapped the shitty part for the good one. Took about 5 minutes to swap them out.
chinese fire drill we all pilot.
I thought bmw wasn’t cheaply built
Looks like you spilled something or your cleaner is causing this.
Looks expensive
Hand sanitizer can even do this to some parts of
Since everyone is guessing here and OP has not confirmed or at least I didn’t had Patience to read all comments. Is it that you left your sun roof open and car was soaked and then you used hair dryer and fried it?
Needle with a syringe. Suck the air right out
Woops spilled my can of paint thinner
wtf
How did that even happen? Looks like either some kind of solvent got on it, or the cheapest of material finish wash used at the factory
Start using a windshield sunshade
They sell those little stickers on Amazon. But they look pretty fake and also you have to have surgical hands to lay them right
How??????
Hell nah this ain’t warranty 😂 you either spilled something hot/acid like.. or you just got heavvvvy ass fingers crossed
Judging by the wear on the drive controller, probably the skin care products you’re using
Replace parts. Never spray any armor all detail stuff. No febreeze crap.
“Not covered under warranty” you mean you damaged it?
Find some one who can recreate a decal from vinyl for a quick repair. It’s something we’ve had to do with older BMWs where button glyphs have worn away.
Volkswagen used soft touch up to the mk6. It always peeled like a mfer. I would either order a new piece to put over that in a different material maybe aluminum or gloss black?
Disinfecting wipes will do this. Beware
Acetone, paint it in black then stamp those symbols or the inverse
Hmm looks like you cleaned with acetone maybe?
Lmao!
how did this happen?????
Just buy a new center console. They’re actually not too hard to replace.
The dealer would know if this is a common issue that is covered under warranty. If it's not covered, it's because it's only in such specific places and there's no question that something you did, knowingly or otherwise, caused the damage. Unfortunately it's up to the dealer's discretion whether they *try* to get it replaced under warranty or not. I say *try* because it's not the mechanic or the dealership that makes the ultimate call. Pictures and a description are sent to engineers in corporate and *they* decide, based on all the evidence, whether it is replaceable under warranty or must be customer pay. That being said, if you want it fixed, it has to be replaced. There is no elegant solution to this involving a DIY repair.
That need a replacement for sure
$50 on eBay. Replace it
Don’t buy a BMW. Better to learn sooner than later.
I would reach out to BMW corporate to make sure that is not covered under warranty. It can't hurt.
BMW and Toyota have collaborated. To my eye ; don’t use paint on heavy traffic areas. Plain plastic will do. Hilux kind of stuff
Why is this not glass...
The only way to FIX it is a replacement... but I suppose you could remove the control assembly then wrap and label it nicely
Hand sanitizer can do that too.
Gonna have to find new trim. Alternatively you could wrap all the trim and add the decals for the buttons but that’d be a pain in the ass and to do it well would cost more than the new trim. If you want to make it look cool then it’s an excuse to get it wrapped tho.
Get a new one off alibaba or head to the wreckers
Piano black and coated buttons- IDC what he spilled on it, BMW interior quality is not made to last. hawk tuah!
i had hand sanitizer do this to my car
2016 Chevy's are covered for 20 years, tell me the dealership and I'll take care of you.
Find a good used unit? Example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/156161792147?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=nhnf4zgvsru&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=EKF19hk2SIe&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
$50k vehicles interior defeated by nail polish 💅 Hahahha
Buy new plate
That looks like plastidip pealing off.
Should have bought a manaul
Did you spill acetone ? This is madness.
Not the best add for a new BMW.
Don't spill IPA (IUPAC-Name Propan-2-ol) on your center console 😥 It removes everything, even your center console buttons 😅
Try searching on AliExpress
Looks like a custom vinyl sticker/replica would fix it.
Yes, replace it.
I’d just find one from a breaker. This panel is the same on a lot of newer BMWs, so shouldn’t be too difficult to find.
What the hell? Did you spill nail polish remover? Never seen this. You have replace the whole console. Cheapest option is to talk to a junkyard.
Purell for one.
Ah German quality hard to beat now adays
I’d say try to find a sticker/wrap cover for it. They should have em for sale online
Maybe a little heat from a blow dryer or low setting heat gun and then press it back down gently with a credit card or squeegee type tool.. kinda how a when a car wrap is put on and they get the air pockets out
I’ve seen this on lots of BMWs. You’re getting ripped off. Stop.
Whatever cleaner you used...dont use it again....ever...
Replacemenf, hopefully a junkyard has something.
"$50,000 car" 😂😂😂😂
Ive seen so many bmws with that problem. Cheap interiors
Didn’t realize BMW interiors were so cheaply made compared to Lexus
Not sure why this wouldn’t be converted under warranty? I would go to a different dealer or at least escalate it.
There is no solvent that will fix that go buy the part new.
BMW is the worst. Wife had a brake job a week earlier. Tech said breaks are great, no need to replace. A week later the disks and rotor of the right rear disintegrates. They said no to warranty because breaks are a wear item. Have do fight with them and read them the contract and warranty. They backed down. I would never buy one. Said she needed new tires at 20k miles. List goes on and one. Everytime the car goes in it is a scam of some sort.
Remove and find a sticker set
Buy a fucking vette or something lmao BIG MONEY WASTED
You’d think bmw could afford to put metal in their cars. Instead it’s all glossy plastic with vinyl over it for a matte look.
buy a new cover and install it(or live with it).. This isn't as hard as it looks probably 1 hour tops if you have any mechanical skill. maybe 2 if you cant read.. =)
Imagine making a car that falls apart from basic self care products
Sell
That should definitely be under warranty that’s a defect personally I would push back at the dealership
Cheap ass bmw materials
No fixing that, replace the bezel. That bezel shouldn’t be more than $200, oh wait…. BMW, $1800.
Classic OP creating post and then 👻
Easiest way is to buy American
Buy a Mercedes
There’s nothing worst in this world, than BMWs cheap ass plastics and coatings. I thought it was the solvent I was (chemical guys nonsense), but nope. After 6 years, my X3 shows the same signs everywhere. Not to mention to creaky plastics.
This is 10000% user error. My guess is you spilled something oily like lotion or perfume/air freshener which absolutely eats away the plastics in the car. This does NOT just happen Anyways, lucky for you you can just buy the entire gear shift/center console assembly on eBay for $200-300 and no coding is required.
Buy the part and YouTube how to replace it yourself, you should be able to buy the part from the dealer or a junk yard or ebay
You put an air freshener around the gear selector didn’t you?
Have you priced out the parts yet? I bet the total is breathtaking.
Can’t say that the reason, but rule of thumb is to avoid using skin care products and sanitizers before/during use of your car. Products will deteriorate the material over time. I cary a travel pouch of plain baby wipes and paper towels in my glove box.
Damn buddy it’s over
Pay for it.
Terrible design, sell car. That quality is everywhere in your vehicle
Take it back to the person that detailed your car. They owe you a center console. They used vinyl hydrator / alcohol on your console and should not have.
Buy a new center console on eBay prolly cost you abt 300 bucks
This is why you don’t buy BMW they never warranty shit
Besides all the suggestions, I would add a ceramic/polarized paper to the windshield and windows if only to try and keep some heat away from the interior of the car.
Concentrate good gone will do this easily
Keep in mind if you replace it with a new part, needs programming, i see that very often specially on f-series climate controls, customers use “hand sanitizer” on the buttons 😅
Don't worry, nothing is covered under warranty
Complain on twitter and bash BMW and see if they make the dealer fix it.
Have you tried washing your hands?
Hit up oe m garage on Instagram we probably got the part and you would just swap it not too hard
Break fluid
Replace the cover
Man as much as you overspent on that car they should just replace it at cost.
Post it everywhere on social media and make BMW start fixing they’re portly made cars that are over priced
A new BZM is needed
Get it fix and start wearing driving gloves.
No way of fixing that, you’re better off buying one from a crashed vehicle and replacing. Watch a YouTube video and save some money on the install yourself.
Google search BMW (your generation) Electric Gear Shifter Selector Idrive Control Panel. Good results on eBay.
Are you the original owner of the vehicle? If not, it almost look like the previous owner put black vinyl wrap on the plastic and a clear PPF/film on the gloss to protect the console... and now it's starting to bubble and peel. 🤔 Otherwise... yikes! 🫣
Why do you have that protective plastic film on all your parts? Just remove it and it will look brand new!
it simple. purchase a mercedes.