Anyone have an idea where I might get a shift **** sticker to replace the ratty, yellow one I currently have? Sweat seems to have soaked into the seam and gotten under the sticker, else just sanding/polishing would prob have worked. I am aware I can purchase a new shift ****, but i'd rather not spend 100$+ on something that needs a 5$ sticker...

 

My '04 R53 also came with the clear, vinyl (rubber) center, shift **** gear selector indicia/sticker which - like you described, yellowed after 8years.
Even though I'd suspected that it wouldn't work anyway; I tried polishing it with rubbing compound, isopropyl, hydrogen peroxide...Nothing was going to work at bringing it back to an acceptable level.
5years ago, I was fortunate to have found a leather one with the silver tone center indicia (typical of facelifts which matches the silver interior accents); off eBay for $25 + shipping.
Although it was "pre-owned" - it was in absolute perfect condition and is a seamless compliment to the interior scheme.
Over the years; I've spent a lot of time at salvage yards and have seen some (silver center) that were also in excellent condition.
Prices for "pre-owned" have gotten ridiculous lately. Try a salvage yard if you have any within your locale. Might cost you about $15

 

I took a junk **** with a good medallion and took it apart when I restored my ****. The 02 and 03 cars came with a solid metal **** and the thread sewn on the outside of the ****. The newer ones without the thread on the outside are mostly epoxy underneath. That was the one I found. I pulled it apart and carefully dissected the the insignia out and replaced mine with that one. I had the aluminum shift ball re-chromed and all. I't in my restomod thread somewhere... page 5ish, maybe?

 

@jcolletteiii - nice little write up you posted on the shift ball dissection