2012 Regal Turbo - Chrome bezel around gear shifter can be blinding

[amihoch]

Just got my 2012 Regal Turbo Premium III, which has an outer polished chrome bezel and a shiny, mirror like chrome bezel surrounding the gear shift. When sunlight comes through the windshield and hits the bezel, it reflects into my eyes, blinding me unless I cover the bezel (sunglasses do not help). I have been in touch with customer relations to see what can be done, and it is being investigated. Anyone else experiencing this problem?

 

[mmadden2]

I don't know how to do it so don't ask me, but someone wrapped a bunch of the dash pieces in a sort of carbon fiber looking vinyl, see pics at post #3... http://www.buickforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23165

 

[RegalTurbo]

I don't really have a problem with the sunlight glaring into my eyes from the chrome piece. My problem is when driving at night, when the car is in Drive the little "D" lights up really, really bright! Dimming the interior lights doesn't solve the problem as that little "D" does not get dimmed but all other lights do. I always thought that was a little weird and kinda wish it was tied into the rest of the lighting and would get dimmed as well, but it won't.

 

[mmadden2]

Could you put a small strip of tint over that D area?

 

[cozbyrt]

My chrome bezel does the same to me. mmadden2 told you what I was remembering. I've been puting my sunglasses cleaning cloth over it lately but it is only a temporary solution and sometimes moves with shifting gears. I wish Buick offered a matte black bezel as a replacement.

 

[88 E5PR1T]

Yet another reason you should have all gotten six-speeds!! 😎

 

[BayouBuick]

Yet another reason you should have all gotten six-speeds!! 😎

The six speed has the same chrome bezel surrounding the shifter.

 

[amihoch]

I believe this problem is a safety issue that warrants Buick's attention. Using a cloth is a temporary fix, but doesn't look to good and tends to slide around. Using a dark colored adhesive film might be better, but it will probably look off as it won't match the interior decor (and if it doesn't go on just right, will look really bad). Customer relations has contacted me several times to let me know they are trying to find a solution, but their policy is to deny a problem exists until they decide to issue a recall. Still they made sure to tell me that while they do not officially recognize it as a problem, they are trying to figure out how it can be corrected.

 

[mmadden2]

It could be painted a matte finish if you could get it out and were willing to do such a thing. Wonder how much masking of the interior it would take to try the [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Dip-Intl-11203-Plasti-Dip/dp/B000LNOOEO"]plasti-dip[/ame] stuff on it with the part left in place? That'd be kinda scary 🙂

 

[laloggia]

Tint the windows?

Never mind...saw its coming in through windshield.

The carbon fiber wrap looks real nice and should solve this problem.

 

[Greg B.]

I believe this problem is a safety issue that warrants Buick's attention. Using a cloth is a temporary fix, but doesn't look to good and tends to slide around. Using a dark colored adhesive film might be better, but it will probably look off as it won't match the interior decor (and if it doesn't go on just right, will look really bad). Customer relations has contacted me several times to let me know they are trying to find a solution, but their policy is to deny a problem exists until they decide to issue a recall. Still they made sure to tell me that while they do not officially recognize it as a problem, they are trying to figure out how it can be corrected.

Forgive me for being blunt, but this is ridiculous.

I have had my car for months and it is not a "safety issue". I don't notice any particular problem with it at any time of day. Lots of other cars have identical chrome trim in that spot. Recall? Don't be absurd.

If it really drives you nuts, get a can of Krylon dull aluminum paint and give it a shot of that. It will match the door pulls afterwards.

 

[Garrus]

Bump Greg B. response.

 

[amihoch]

The recall issue was brought up by a Buick customer relations person in explaining their procedure with respect to resolving problems. They do recognize a problem (any problem) as being a problem unless they declare a recall (even if it is a legitimate problem). I did not ask for a recall. I just asked if they have another bezel that can be switched for the chrome bezel in my car.

If you're fine with your shiny chrome bezel, that's great. I do have a problem with the bright sunlight being reflected into my eyes while I am driving. While the mirror finish chrome bezel looks good, a non-reflective bezel would have been a better choice. I'm sure anyone else having the same problem as me will be happy if Buick offers a solution in the way of a replacement bezel that does not reflect sunlight.

 

[Buick Customer Service]

Are you working with your dealer towards resolution. I will be sure to make a note of your concern and pass it along to the proper department. Thank you for the feedback. Please keep me posted and contact me if you need additional assistance. Thank you.

Tricia, Buick Customer Service.

 

[88 E5PR1T]

The six speed has the same chrome bezel surrounding the shifter.

No, the trim ring isnt the issue -- it's the entire chrome surround:

Auto:

Six-speed:

 

[amihoch]

Yesterday, Buick customer relations told me they had no fix for my issue, and unless it was to be officially classified as a problem, nothing more would be done. I was told to work with my dealer to find a solution, and if one was found, customer relations would do what it could to help get it resolved. He didn't elaborate on what he meant by "help get it resolved".

As suggested in an earlier post, one of the service people at my dealer said thinks a carbon fiber "cover" can be made to go over the chrome bezel. She said she would find out who makes them and let me know. Ideally, I think a brushed chrome look to match the outer trim piece would look best, if that is possible.

 

[amihoch]

So my Buick dealer told me the carbon fiber solution only comes in a two tone black/grey combination that won't match my interior. I guess for now I'll just keep a rag in my car to cover the chrome when the glare hits my eyes. Not a great solution, but the only one I have until something better comes along.

It's a shame Buick won't just recognize the problem (for those of us that are bothered by the glare) and change the mirror image chrome to a brushed chrome look like the outer trim around the chrome bezel - it would match the other trim in the car and greatly reduce the possibility of glare being reflected into the driver's (or passenger's) eyes. The brushed chrome trim seems to dissipate the glare so it becomes a non-factor (at lease from what I have been able to see).

Does anyone know of any other solution where the chrome bezel can be made to match one of interior colors?

 

[88 E5PR1T]

Does anyone know of any other solution where the chrome bezel can be made to match one of interior colors?

http://buickforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25254

 

[Greg B.]

I beleive someone posted that there are 3M films that are available in various patterns and colors that can be installed by places that do window tinting and other aftermarket accessory installations.

 

[goobee]

I've had my car since July 2011 and have never noticed the chrome bezel.

How do you guys drive which causes the sun light to reflect into your eyes?