Piano black console (or shift plate). Is this the right part?

Posull78 · 08-10-2021, 11:52 AM

Hi all, recently got a ‘21 m40i and the all piano black console already has a few scratches. Instead of obsessing about it I’d like to think I can just replace it when it’s all scratched up and I can’t handle it anymore…

Is this the right part? I have all piano black (even around the shifter).
https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...w2LWdhcw%3D%3D

Here are all the options

https://www.getbmwparts.com/search?s...tr=Shift+plate

eX3Werks · 08-10-2021, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Posull78

Hi all, recently got a ‘21 m40i and the all piano black console already has a few scratches. Instead of obsessing about it I’d like to think I can just replace it when it’s all scratched up and I can’t handle it anymore…

Is this the right part? I have all piano black (even around the shifter).
https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...w2LWdhcw%3D%3D

Here are all the options

https://www.getbmwparts.com/search?s...tr=Shift+plate

Was it delivered scratched or did you scratch it?

If former, then dealer should replace it for you. If latter I don't think replacing it with another piano black makes sense. Those things scratch easily, you'll either have to learn to deal with it, wrap it in other texture or be super careful with it.

Posull78 · 08-10-2021, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eX3Werks

Was it delivered scratched or did you scratch it?

If former, then dealer should replace it for you. If latter I don't think replacing it with another piano black makes sense. Those things scratch easily, you'll either have to learn to deal with it, wrap it in other texture or be super careful with it.

I think I’m responsible for the scratches. Honestly really doesn’t take much to scratch it.

eX3Werks · 08-10-2021, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Posull78

Quote:

Originally Posted by eX3Werks

Was it delivered scratched or did you scratch it?

If former, then dealer should replace it for you. If latter I don't think replacing it with another piano black makes sense. Those things scratch easily, you'll either have to learn to deal with it, wrap it in other texture or be super careful with it.

I think I’m responsible for the scratches. Honestly really doesn’t take much to scratch it.

True that. I'm looking to wrap mine as soon as I have some time. Might be a better alternative to replacing.

Posull78 · 08-10-2021, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eX3Werks

True that. I'm looking to wrap mine as soon as I have some time. Might be a better alternative to replacing.

Any idea how hard it is to remove / replace? Haven’t found any videos online

eX3Werks · 08-10-2021, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Posull78

Any idea how hard it is to remove / replace? Haven’t found any videos online

Something like this. I believe you just need a pry tool. I'm sure if you do a more extensive search there will be step by step instructions. A lot of ppl replace this part with aftermarket parts from eBay and Alibaba. I haven't done it yet myself so I cannot say from experience.

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1747658

mailman_fin · 08-11-2021, 09:52 AM

I have wondering to order same part also... My used M40 did have irritating scratches also

Perhaps wrapping it with clear wrap could help and would not look too bad?

oasis3582 · 09-23-2021, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Posull78

Hi all, recently got a ‘21 m40i and the all piano black console already has a few scratches. Instead of obsessing about it I’d like to think I can just replace it when it’s all scratched up and I can’t handle it anymore…

Is this the right part? I have all piano black (even around the shifter).
https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...w2LWdhcw%3D%3D

Here are all the options

https://www.getbmwparts.com/search?s...tr=Shift+plate

Did you end up buying a replacement part? I am curious of these will fit the 2021s.

DCC · 09-23-2021, 09:48 AM

Would you be replacing it with whatever finish that is matching to the trim above and on the doors?
Looks like BMW making this center console piece just gloss black for all the cars a poor move IMO…

wootloops · 09-23-2021, 11:03 AM

You can also try getting that 3 part Novus plastic polish kit. Might be able to polish the scratches out unless they are very deep.

oasis3582 · 10-06-2021, 11:15 AM

FYI for anyone thinking of ordering a new shift plate to get rid of the piano black trim...

I ordered shift plate P/N 51-16-8-071-035, which has a description of "aluminum rhombus". I assumed the entire plate was this material...not so! It is only the small piece that surrounds the cutout for the iDrive knob. So, it is essentially still 80-90% piano black. I am going to return the part and am going to try to have the console wrapped.

08-10-2021, 11:52 AM	#1
Posull78 Private First Class 34 Rep 154 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Piano black console (or shift plate). Is this the right part? Hi all, recently got a ‘21 m40i and the all piano black console already has a few scratches. Instead of obsessing about it I’d like to think I can just replace it when it’s all scratched up and I can’t handle it anymore… Is this the right part? I have all piano black (even around the shifter). https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...w2LWdhcw%3D%3D Here are all the options https://www.getbmwparts.com/search?s...tr=Shift+plate
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08-11-2021, 09:52 AM	#7
mailman_fin Lieutenant 362 Rep 410 Posts Drives: G01 M40i - F48 x20i - E39 M5 Join Date: May 2021 Location: Vantaa, Finland iTrader: (0)	I have wondering to order same part also... My used M40 did have irritating scratches also Perhaps wrapping it with clear wrap could help and would not look too bad? __________________ G01 ///M40i (2019) F48 xDrive20i ///M-Sport (2018) E39 ///M5 (2000)
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09-23-2021, 09:48 AM	#9
DCC Major 312 Rep 1,041 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Would you be replacing it with whatever finish that is matching to the trim above and on the doors? Looks like BMW making this center console piece just gloss black for all the cars a poor move IMO… __________________ 2024 M2, 2024 CGT4RS, 2020 M2 CS, 2021 Macan GTS, 2017 Cayenne S, 2002 M Coupe
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09-23-2021, 11:03 AM	#10
wootloops First Lieutenant 354 Rep 361 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 M3 Lime Rock Park Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Jupiter, Florida iTrader: (0)	You can also try getting that 3 part Novus plastic polish kit. Might be able to polish the scratches out unless they are very deep.
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10-06-2021, 11:15 AM	#11
oasis3582 Lieutenant 146 Rep 582 Posts Drives: 2021 BMW X3 M40i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (0)	FYI for anyone thinking of ordering a new shift plate to get rid of the piano black trim... I ordered shift plate P/N 51-16-8-071-035, which has a description of "aluminum rhombus". I assumed the entire plate was this material...not so! It is only the small piece that surrounds the cutout for the iDrive knob. So, it is essentially still 80-90% piano black. I am going to return the part and am going to try to have the console wrapped. __________________ Current: 2021 BMW X3 M40i Previous: VW GTI, Tesla Model 3 LR, Mazda MX-5 RF, Ford Mustang GT (x2), Mazda 3, BMW Z4 sDrive35i, Acura TSX, BMW 135i, Acura TSX, Honda Accord Coupe V6, Acura RDX, Pontiac GTO 6.0, Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
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