Brushed Aluminium Finish

[Lurcher]

Finally took delivery of my 2008 320D yesterday - had a half decent drive home to get a feel for the car. Very impressed with spec, etc. The car had one owner previously and in general it looks well cared for with the exception of some scratching on the aluminium trim above the glove box. Is it possible to restore this to original finish with a fine wire brush?

Dave

[ThatWayneBloke]

I'd err towards using scotchbrite pads or something similar. We used to use it to give a brushed effect to aluminium strips where I used to work

[GBM6]

Hi Dave, as Wayne suggests use scotchbrite. A word of caution, you will not replicate the current finish because in effect you will be removing the finish during the restoration of the minor scratches. Personally I would try and live with them or embark on a mild rub down of all the aluminium to try and have a similar finish in all areas. :)

[Guest Mr.Beemer]

welcome to the forum - :)

you can try wet flap paper with some warm water lightly rubbing through or you can change the trim piece that runs along the dash.

[Lurcher]

Thanks for replies... Just a bit scared about possibly making it worse! Might practice technique on a bit of scrap before launching into attack on my beloved E90!

[Guest jeffthro]

David, I'm getting this little warning buzzer going off in my head with a little sign saying "if it ain't broke, don't mend it"? I would definitely have a little go with a bit of scrap like you say first.

[BigAl]

Welcome David, Enjoy the forum, could be worth googling to see if there some trim applications (I watch Wheeler Dealers, they do a lot of things you would not think of).