Those of you that have 5/7-Series E34/E32 and newer with the wood inlays, how do you clean them? I just did a fantastic job cleaning the interior of my 535i, except I haven't vacuumed or cleaned the wood. Previously, I've just used orange degreaser to remove smudges and polished it with a cloth. I thought this time I might buy some wood polish, but since the stuff is lacquered over, I'm not sure wood polish would have any effect. I read somewhere that the finish is similar to that on the exterior of the car, and you can just apply a coat of wax.

Also, do any of you know where I can get a replacement wood panel for the center console surrounding the shifter? The inlays on the dash and doors are shiny and lustrous, but the center console wood is flat and a bit scratched up. Junkyards? I'm not sure what kind of wood it is, but it's not burl walnut--more of an orangy color with a linear grain (I have the indigo blue interior).

I'm assuming this panel comes out relatively easily.

:feedback:

(I had to use this sometime!).

I called a dealer. Point of interest he raised is that often the wood you get to replace the damaged piece is not an exact match. Its' WOOD! Duh different grain and coloration. For them this becomes a warranty hassle where they often replace all the wood to ensure a match.

After that I figured the slight crack in the lacquer wasn't worth obsessing about.

If it is really scuffed you may wish to remove the piece and lightly sand the blemishes with super fine emory paper. Then refinish with a fresh coat of lacquer.

Windex. Spray it on and whipe it off. It also works on floor mats!