Is it normal for a 50,000 S 2000 to need shifter bushing to be replaced, or is this a symptom of abuse?

 

Usually they last a lot longer than that. But its hard to imagine how abuse would cause early demise. Its just fragile plastic, but how hard would someone have to bang shifts to break it?

I would want to see how it looked when it was removed.

 

No - it doesn't mean it's been abused.
It is a normal wear and tear item depending on age and mileage/use, heat exposure, cold exposure etc.
These plastic bits wear out and over time.
Here is an excellent video from LHT performance where he does the replacement and explains the wear and tear. It's an easy job to do also.

 

What makes you think the shifter bushing is bad? Is there a lot of play in gear with the engine off?

 

They have been replaced in a car I am look at

 

Plastic ages. Not a sign of abuse... just age.

 

Just an upgrade like replacing old tyres with tread left on.just feels so much better..

 

Do any of you have an idea of what it would cost to retrim the driver's left side bolster with new & matching leather?

 

Bushing is probably Acetal, had an Acetal bushing/sleeve in the steering column disintegrate with age( about 23 yrs) on my old 911

More an age thing vs mileage, how old is the car?

 

Did you try the seat pan swap? Put driver's side on passenger side.