pattern scratches unbelievably easy. I was just tapping my ring against it to the music and when I stopped I noticed a bunch of dings around the H shift pattern on the "metal" cap on top of the shifter. This metal is ridiculously soft so be careful as a tap with anything metal will cause a ding. Anyone else experience this or am I the only dope to tap the shifter cap with his ring to music.

 

Corgi, I dinged mine up pretty good when I had to quickly grab for the shifter. It was just a one-time occurrence, but I've got a horrible chip in it now. +1 on the softness of the metal.

 

Maybe it's made of lead.

Hmm that would explain my year long diarrhea, stomach cramps, and irritability.

Well! It's either that or the mexican restaurant I've been going to every day for a year that charges $16 for a bad burrito.

 

Chomp Chomp...Burrrrrrp! Yummy.

 

yeah i went to write something down with a pen and paper and theres an outline of what i wrote on the metal. its not reallly noticable but still sucks.

 

Wait, is that metal or plastic? I thought it was plastic on my '04, hmmmm. It did scratch easily!

 

On my 32K mile 03.5 I have no nicks, scrtaches or dings in the shift patten emblem, what are you guys doing to your?

 

You must have been thumping it pretty hard. I have an 05 and wear a ring on that finger that ends up right where the metal insert is. No nicks or scratches, yet... but I have now gotten in the habit of removing the ring sometimes, more for comfort reasons.

 

Riiiiiiight. There's nothing more comfortable than getting some strange on the weekends.

Anyways, I was also going to suggest that those with easily scratched 'plaques' (I guess I'll just assign a name and go with it) might want to consider putting a contraceptive sheath over the shifter. That way your **** will be well protected. It might work as a suggestive aphrodisiac too for any female colleagues that you need to drive around at lunchtime. Especially trebien, who won't be wearing his ring either. And the child booster seat will probably be in the trunk too, 'just in case'.

 

Mine is also dinged up from the previous owner. Anyone know how to remove? And is piece available from the dealer? p/n? Thanks

 

Jeff,

It is very easy to remove. While sitting in the driver's seat, look at the console just forward of the armrest. You'll see a division line in the center console separating the console peices (front-contain shifter, rear-surrounds armrest). To remove the front section, put the keys in the ignition and pull the shifter rod back to "D". Then push down on the lower cap of the shift **** to expose the shift **** attachment clip. Remove the v-shaped clip. Do this carefully because it will want shoot out at 100mph. With the clip removed, slide the shift **** off. Now, simply grab either side of the rear of the front console and lift up. It should lift out and forward. There will be three electrical connectors that have to be disengaged. Now with the console removed, you can access the 2 to 3 screws holding the shifter plate on. I've removed it on many occasion to add felt tape to keep it from tapping over big bumps.