I have an 07G S automatic, and I recently noticed small uneven grooves in the metal adornment on my drive selector / gear shifter. I think it must've happened when I shifted gears (D, DS, R, etc.) while holding my phone or keys in the same hand.... or I guess its possible a vicious valet took a screwdriver to it and sunk some grooves in there.

I was a little disappointed to see this in a relatively brand new car. And, now that I noticed it, its kinda beginning to bother me only because its the only flaw in an otherwise pristine car.

Has this happened to anybody else? Just wanted to see, and also, to let you guys know that this could happen and to be mindful if you don't want the same thing happening to you.

 

Picture?

 

I think the same thing about the metal strip on the shifter, I think I was holding my keys or something and left a mark on it. Really sucks.

 

I noticed that in the first week. I think it is really soft.

 

I got a scratch on mine- not sure from what. And, yes, it bothers the hell out of me too.

 

Actually I look at it every morning and get mad for about .09 seconds.

Then I cram it in drive and fly out onto the parkway.

 

Eyep, mine is scuffed as well.

I think this is due to the fact that there is no clear coat on the metal. It's just an exposed brushed aluminum finish.

There are two possibilities to fix this... First, mask off the leather areas with masking tape and using a small utility knife *GENTLY* trim the tape around the metal insert. If you press too hard, you will cut into the leather (or worse) and remove excess tape. At this point you can either use a metal polish and get a chrome like finish or scuff the metal part with fine sandpaper (harder to achieve consistency) or a Heavy duty scouring pad (easier than sandpaper). Apply even pressure (as much as possible) across the metal part, careful not to apply too much pressure to the masked off leather area and start pulling back. Do it in a straight line and in one direction only. Once or twice should be enough to get rid of offending scuff.

This is how most people achieve that "brushed aluminum look" on custom grill inserts, etc. It may not look as fine as the original finish, but if the offending scuff motivates you enough to so something about it, this would be your best bet.

A quick coat of clear with help protect the brushed finish and you can retain it's good looks longer than without.

*Disclaimer: now I've personally done this on valve covers, grill inserts, mesh type filter covers, heck, I even used this technique on my watch bracelet with great results. I'd recommend you practicing on something before trying it on your beloved car. The key is to pull straight and in one direction to get the conistancy, if you do not pull it straight, it will look terrible.

 

Not sure it's even metal. I recall the shift **** in the demo I drove looked like it had been through a grinder. So far, no marks on mine.

 

No marks here either...
Maybe it's your rings?

 

Bliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!

Good one...

 

3rd week with the car...one scratch on the shifter already

No rings on my right hand (shifter hand) but I wouldnt call that playa's rings..those look more like a Roman soldier's shield.

Besides he rolls with his Caddy with those big'uns. Maybe he nicks the wood steering wheel in his Escalade?

 

Less Escalade, and more Coupe de Ville, or El Dorado...complete with a orange drink dispensor. Gotta love Undercover Brother!