I recently bought a 2004 S with 55k miles, in superb condition and am just loving it!! I used to own a mint 2000SE Miata and although I truly loved the way it looked (burgundy metallic paint, beige leather interior) it just doesn't compare to driving the Cooper S, at least the way I enjoy driving (although the Miata 6 speed is much nicer to shift).

Anyway, the audio control buttons on the steering wheel have much of the black missing from them after 6 years of use and it was bugging me to have this small flaw in an otherwise pristine Cordoba leather interior. I looked into buying a new switch unit but it's about $80, more than I wanted to spend just for newer-looking buttons.

I was in Office Depot getting some supplies and bought an Ultra Fine Sharpie pen, the permanent ink type with a very, very small tip. A little two-handed detailing of the buttons and they look new again!! All for a 2$ pen. Thought I'd pass this tip along since it's very easy to do and when I glance at my steering wheel I no longer see those half-black, half-silver buttons staring back at me.

Eric

 

Thanks for the feedback; nice idea! Do you have a photo or two of the workmanship?

 

Sorry, I didn't take any before photos. I'll see about some after shots though. Looks 100% better just having the all-black sections restored.

Eric

 

I have used the black markers to touch up my Black roof from rock chips !