Yeah, I would recommend grabbing a replacement. If you do repaint, you must sand and use a primer or it won't stick. Repainting the steeringwheel controls might be a hassle. I wouldn't recommend repainting the gear knob though, you'll wear off the paint really quick anyway considering how much you use it. I'ld consider grabbing a new one (the one from the face lifted CL9 has a clear plastic cover over the paint so you don't have to worry about wearing it out). Changing its easy, just unscrew then head off, and the leather cover is just held on by 4 clips. That or you could grab a metal ball type gear knob, like found in Type R's. Law states that you need to have the correct H pattern on it, if you going down the custom aftermarket route.