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      04-14-2015, 10:59 AM   #1
StatenEye
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iDrive screen scratch marks

Hi all,

Tonight I will be buffing out the scratches on my iDrive screen. The scratches, 99% or the time, are due to improper cleaning of the anti-glare coated screens, damaging the anti-glare coating.

I will use plastic compound to remove the anti-glare coating which SHOULD reveal a scratch free but unprotected screen. I will then apply a screen protector.

This is my first time attempting such a fix, so this will be a good reference for the rest of you guys. I'll post before and after pics, materials used and process start to finish. Wish me luck this should be done by 10pm tonight. If i fail i will do as other did in the past and purchase a new iDrive screen as my scratches are just unbearable.

Here is the polishing kit.. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Successful user below
http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=17687505

Last edited by StatenEye; 04-14-2015 at 11:35 AM..
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      04-14-2015, 02:10 PM   #2
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I just used some PlastX and microfiber cloth and it completely removed all the scratches off my screen. It took some serious rubbing to get it completely clear afterwards under sunlight, but aside from the discoloring in the corners right now, it's perfect.

The reason for the problem in the corners is that I didn't remove the bezel around the screen, nor the screen itself. So the cloth couldn't get into those tight areas well enough to buff the PlastX off fully. I'll be taking care of that soon, though.
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      04-14-2015, 11:26 PM   #3
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So the job is done, it was quite easy.

Materials;
Polishing kit http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Torx screwdriver bit set
Phillips screwdriver

1. Pull the air vents beneath the screen out, very easily.
2. Removed the two retention screws holding the screen in place which were located behind the vents I pulled off, you cant miss them - no pics necessary
3. The screen then pulls out easily.
4. Remove the two connectors on the rear of the screen
5. Bring the screen inside

Removing the scratches
1. Clean the screen with the provided cleaner
2. Apply the fine scratch polish with the provided microfiber towel
3. Work the polish with a little force but not much as you don't want to damage the screen.
4. You should see immediate results but getting the edges perfect will take a half hour or so.
(Notice the anti-glare around the edges in pic 2, this is after 5 minutes of polishing. I completely removed the anti glare everywhere in the following 25 mins of polishing)
5. After you are happy with the results - re-install the screen.
Attached Images
   

Last edited by StatenEye; 04-14-2015 at 11:48 PM..
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      04-14-2015, 11:30 PM   #4
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+1

Had this same problem on my MB courtesy of cleaning the screen with Windex. Used the Novus kit and it worked perfectly.
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      04-15-2015, 10:23 AM   #5
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Just did this over the weekend. It's easy and works great. I removed the plastic, it's worth removing and easy to do. I used all three steps, and now the screen looks like new.
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      04-15-2015, 01:37 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by goodmaj View Post
+1

Had this same problem on my MB courtesy of cleaning the screen with Windex. Used the Novus kit and it worked perfectly.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DustinMikk View Post
Just did this over the weekend. It's easy and works great. I removed the plastic, it's worth removing and easy to do. I used all three steps, and now the screen looks like new.
Yea guys, I was seriously upset over the condition of the screen but this has really been a life saver.

Now I'm installing the Navtool with wireless mirroring of my Note 4 and controlling it with the Apple Magic touchpad. will start a new thread once my orders are placed for everything.
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      04-15-2015, 02:24 PM   #7
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Thanks for making this thread, my screen is scratched up pretty bad. It looks like the previous owner used a rock to clean the screen
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      04-15-2015, 02:45 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Cattivo123 View Post
Thanks for making this thread, my screen is scratched up pretty bad. It looks like the previous owner used a rock to clean the screen
No problem, i know scratched iDrive screens are an epidemic. Really you only need the fine scratch polish put the full kit is only a few buck more.
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      04-15-2015, 03:08 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StatenEye 535i View Post
No problem, i know scratched iDrive screens are an epidemic. Really you only need the fine scratch polish put the full kit is only a few buck more.
I just returned my 328 loaner today with 950 miles on it and the screen was already scratched up, I'm not a fan of how the new screen is not recessed like ours but I do like the new iDrive touch knob to search for things. I'm going to order the kit and get it looking new again, because like you it's driving me crazy. Thanks for the links
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      04-15-2015, 04:55 PM   #10
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Here's another step-by-step listing on how to DIY - http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...15&postcount=9
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      05-01-2015, 06:23 PM   #11
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I bought my 2010 X5 a couple of months ago, and the screen was terrible. It looked like someone used sandpaper to wipe the dust off of it. I was pretty bummed out about this...searched for information everywhere and finally found this thread so I decided to give it a shot...

Here's some pictures of navi screen before and after (sorry, I took one when I was already more than halfway done, wish I can show how bad it was).

This stuff works, the screen looks brand new and I'm amazed! I highly recommend!

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      07-27-2015, 10:18 AM   #12
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I just want to add another huge "Thank You" for this thread. It saved my situation big time. I recently purchased a CPO 2012. Originally the screen looked okay in the showroom, test drive, etc., but after bringing the vehicle home and driving around with the sun roof open, it was apparent that the screen was badly scratched. I took it back and the dealer tried to clean it up, but only made a slight improvement. Based on the advice here, I followed the instructions and now have a perfectly clear screen. In fact, it looks like a clear piece of glass. No scratches what so ever. I'm thrilled. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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      07-27-2015, 05:21 PM   #13
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Clear protective film can be purchased to cover the screen after polishing is complete. Best Buy and similar stores have the larger screen protectors for an iPad that work well for the iDrive screen. It just requires a bit of trimming.
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      07-28-2015, 01:42 AM   #14
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omg, I thought I was the only one with a scratched idrive screen. I will be using novus soon to get this out.
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      07-28-2015, 10:04 PM   #15
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Is there any change in the quality of the picture or do you see more glare on the screen?
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      08-16-2015, 12:59 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DustinMikk View Post
Just did this over the weekend. It's easy and works great. I removed the plastic, it's worth removing and easy to do. I used all three steps, and now the screen looks like new.
How did you remove the plastic? I've been trying to remove the plastic "bezel" using Torx bits of varying sizes, but none seem to fit. Would appreciate your suggestions
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      08-17-2015, 08:42 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwx5er View Post
How did you remove the plastic? I've been trying to remove the plastic "bezel" using Torx bits of varying sizes, but none seem to fit. Would appreciate your suggestions
Anyone?
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      08-24-2015, 03:22 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StatenEye 535i View Post
Yea guys, I was seriously upset over the condition of the screen but this has really been a life saver.

Now I'm installing the Navtool with wireless mirroring of my Note 4 and controlling it with the Apple Magic touchpad. will start a new thread once my orders are placed for everything.
Thread link for this? I couldn't believe my '10 didn't have Bluetooth so I did this little $3 eBay fix.
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      09-07-2015, 07:24 AM   #19
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good find and write up!

has anyone used the #1 clean and shine as well after?
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      09-09-2015, 03:27 AM   #20
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I buffed my scratches out using plastic polish, but the scratches were in the coating, so ultimately I had to remove all the coating. I don't put anything up there, but I plan on doing a screen protector anyways. Some eBay seller produces screen protectors for $16 or we can buy Galaxy Tab 10.1 ones and cut them down for $1...I'll just be cutting one down.
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      09-09-2015, 10:06 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by m5james View Post
I buffed my scratches out using plastic polish, but the scratches were in the coating, so ultimately I had to remove all the coating. I don't put anything up there, but I plan on doing a screen protector anyways. Some eBay seller produces screen protectors for $16 or we can buy Galaxy Tab 10.1 ones and cut them down for $1...I'll just be cutting one down.
It is always the coating, without removing this you'll never get it scratchfree..
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      09-09-2015, 07:51 PM   #22
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I don't even notice a difference in the glare, so a standard screen protector will be fine. I did an anti-glare on a tablet I had and it gave it a weird semi-textured feel, so I'm hoping a standard screen protector won't add a shine instead.
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