Scuffed iDrive Screen

[MaximusB]

Hey guys,

I bought my car used, and the previous owner probably used the ledge in front of the screen as storage because the bottom 1/4" or so on my idrive screen got some scuffs on it. It appears only the anti-glare coating is scratched and it's only noticeable when the sun/glare hits the screen at a certain angle. Doesn't really bother me too much, but does anyone know if there is a way to fix that other than replacing the screen itself?

[SVH]

Originally Posted by MaximusB

Hey guys,

I bought my car used, and the previous owner probably used the ledge in front of the screen as storage because the bottom 1/4" or so on my idrive screen got some scuffs on it. It appears only the anti-glare coating is scratched and it's only noticeable when the sun/glare hits the screen at a certain angle. Doesn't really bother me too much, but does anyone know if there is a way to fix that other than replacing the screen itself?

I think this is what you need:
http://www.bestplasticcleaner.com/

[Beemdog]

Polishing the screen will only remove more of the AR coating, which is quite fragile. Companies like NuShield sell replacement self-adhesive film coatings custom cut for the screen. The film provides a matte anti-reflective surface but I have not seen one that matches the purplish reflection of the stock coating.

You can remove the screen easily with two screws and a cable disconnect. You can then polish off the remaining factory AR coating with a mild polish (like Novus). It comes off very easily; then you have an even surface for the replacement film.

[EJT86]

Originally Posted by MaximusB

Hey guys,

I bought my car used, and the previous owner probably used the ledge in front of the screen as storage because the bottom 1/4" or so on my idrive screen got some scuffs on it. It appears only the anti-glare coating is scratched and it's only noticeable when the sun/glare hits the screen at a certain angle. Doesn't really bother me too much, but does anyone know if there is a way to fix that other than replacing the screen itself?

What kinds of screen is it? Because I bought one to replace the scratched one I have but it turned out to be the wrong one so its just been sitting around. If yours is a plastic backed screen then I'm sure we can work something out since its of no use to me

[smyles]

Couple of comments re NuShield:
- it's slightly smaller than the screen size. Which may be useful as it's really hard to polish out the coating along the edges due to metal frame. But if you're a perfectionist and manage clean the screen completely, the visible edges of the protector will annoy you.
- it's super reflective. Makes the screen appears brighter, with more saturated colors, though.

Given the price ($20 or do), next time I'd just use one of ipad-like screen protectors that are dime a dozen, and just cut it to perfect size.

[MaximusB]

Thanks for all inputs.

Do you guys think I can use plastic polish to remove the anti-glare coating? I looked up the novus stuff and it seems like that is just plastic polish.

I like the idea of iPad-like screen protector. I've had success with the invisible shield film.

[BzsBimmer]

Originally Posted by smyles

Couple of comments re NuShield:
- it's slightly smaller than the screen size. Which may be useful as it's really hard to polish out the coating along the edges due to metal frame. But if you're a perfectionist and manage clean the screen completely, the visible edges of the protector will annoy you.
- it's super reflective. Makes the screen appears brighter, with more saturated colors, though.

Given the price ($20 or do), next time I'd just use one of ipad-like screen protectors that are dime a dozen, and just cut it to perfect size.

And the NuShield is SUPER thin which makes it a PITA to put on without bubbles. Although I did a decent job with mine, it's not perfect and once in a while, I can see the edge of the sheet since it is a tad smaller.

The NuShield should have come with peel off tabs and a thicker release carrier to make it sturdier for application purposes.

[Beemdog]

Originally Posted by MaximusB

Thanks for all inputs.

Do you guys think I can use plastic polish to remove the anti-glare coating? I looked up the novus stuff and it seems like that is just plastic polish.

I like the idea of iPad-like screen protector. I've had success with the invisible shield film.

Yes, the anti-glare coating comes off relatively easily. You could practically buff it off with water on a towel with no compound! Not recommended, but you get my point. Meguiar's Plast-X will take it right off. IF you go with Novus I would not use the most abrasive one.