HELP!!! Interior/Exterior Trim

[97ss10]

I think the previous owner went a little crazy with the cheap interior cleaner because there's several places where the gray is worn down to black or it just looks like some of it has peeled off like on the sides of the arm rest and on the dash in front of the key. There's also several buttons that the black is peeling or has peeled off and I'm in the process of ordering new buttons. Is there anything I can do, short or replacing those parts, to repair those places and prevent it from getting worse?

As for the exterior, for the most part it's ok. Someone did a pretty nice buff on the paint so with the exception of a couple of spots, it will be alright after a clay bar. The problem is the aluminum trim around the windows. I think they put some sort of etching glass cleaner on the windows and it ran down onto the trim because in several places it is VERY dull. It looks more white than it does polished and there's absolutely no shine. I tried to hand polish it with no luck and thought about a motorized polishing. Any ideas on products I could try or if I should just replace them or get them chromed or something? Thanks a lot!

[97ss10]

ANYBODY??? Especially the exterior trim...

[Larson7.62]

If the paints worn off I don't think there's anything you can do, but I could be wrong.

As for the metal, I ordered some 1z metal polish yesterday for my car and that might work for yours. From reading the 3lg/DD threads they seem to like the Adam's metal polishes 1&2

[3.0 Rider]

Does it look something like this:


if you look carefully.. the "aluminum" trim looks faded, and under sunlight you'll have colors like if there was soap on the trim. I read somewhere that this are plastic protected and it's the plastic creating this problem. So a metal polish will not work, and tried P21S polishing soap, Wheel Wax metal polish and brasso with no permanent results.

[97ss10]

From what I can tell, it looks similar to the picture. It doesn't really have the oily look like you're talking about but it is very faded and if you rub it with your finger it actually gets less dull temporarily. I'll probably have to just replace them. I thought about chrome plating them but it might be cheaper to buy new ones. Thanks.

[3.0 Rider]

From what I can tell, it looks similar to the picture. It doesn't really have the oily look like you're talking about but it is very faded and if you rub it with your finger it actually gets less dull temporarily. I'll probably have to just replace them. I thought about chrome plating them but it might be cheaper to buy new ones. Thanks.

My best advice.. don't do anything. Removing them envolves more problems in the future. Like water infiltration, rust... I detailed a 2007 A6 and had the same issues. There hasn't been 1 Audi with chrome trim that did not have that problem.


When you rub them with your finger it looks better cause the oil of your fingers helps improving the look.

[97ss10]

That's depressing...

[redkid's b6]

as far as the interior im not saying this will work but its an idea . since the interior is black leather u could try to use a black leather shoe polish to get that color back. but i would test it out 1st on a small area

[97ss10]

The interior is gray but the gray is worn off to the black plastic under it. I think the shoe polish might work if it was black though...good idea.

[guglielmo]

What parts are worn on the interior? Pictures? It might be easier to just by some new parts.

[97ss10]

Here's some pics of the stuff that's worn. The only thing I can think on some of this would be some interior paint?

[Mike @ einszett]

Concerning interior: unfortunately I've seen this often on Audis and VWs. It needs to be refinished. I would inquire with an automotive upholstery refinisher.

To avoid this from happening in the future, you want to use a mild cleaner and maintain well. Don't let it get too grimy and don't use harsh cleaners like Simple Green.

Cockpit Premium is mild enough. Just spray and wipe down with a microfiber cloth. DO NOT wipe vigorously as this can wear down the finish as well.

Concerning exterior trim: The aluminum trim is not aluminum. It's painted plastic just like chrome trim is not really chrome but painted plastic. Do not use any metal polish. Only use carwash shampoo or at the most a mild glass cleaner without ammonia (like einszett Windscreen Clear).

Chroming is very expensive because it's a very dirty process and highly regulated by environmental laws. It's not real aluminum trim because it would be a lot more expensive.

The mirrors on the S cars are also painted aluminum.

Hope this helps!

[97ss10]

That definitely helps...So the exterior trim can just be sanded and repainted then (after a damn good masking job)? Yeah I just want to make it clear that I bought the car like that...I would NEVER use products abrasive enough to wreck an interior like that. I'm making a list of cleaning/detailing products to order so I can detail the crap out of this interior and hopefully it will improve. I just hate it when I have passengers because it makes me look like I don't take care of my vehicles.

[Mike @ einszett]

Yeah I just want to make it clear that I bought the car like that...I would NEVER use products abrasive enough to wreck an interior like that.

No, I know... but I wanted to address it so that when someone else comes along and reads this post they are forewarned or will see the answer to their question - because there are other people with the same issue.

You can paint the trim but you'll never get that aluminum finish that Audi produces. Personally, I wouldn't do it. It will stick out like a sore thumb and frustrate you. What you can do is paint a piece of plastic and put it against the trim to see how it compares. This way you can see how it looks without making the commitment

[3.0 Rider]

Mike.. thank you so much for sharing your valuable time and knowledge. I've learn so many tips from you.

Thanks again

[97ss10]

^^^ Ditto ^^^ It just makes me want to cry every time I look at the trim knowing there's probably nothing I can do about it. Thanks a lot!

[Mike @ einszett]

Glad I could be the bearer of bad news

Here's something though... Just spoke with one of our Audi dealers and he looked up the cost for the trim piece. I'm not sure if we were on the same page as far as the part but if we were talking about the same part, he said it is $143. I don't know what install cost would be.

This may be a lot but you'll be a lot happier in the end.

Also, one of our 1Z dealers, http://www.virtualworldparts.com/OEM/index.aspx might be able to help you get a replacement part at a better price than dealer. Call up your dealer, get the price and then call up Mike or Kristen Potter at Virtual World.

Hope this helps!

[97ss10]

It definitely helps and I thought about attempting that but my only concern is like 3.0 Rider said above, "My best advice.. don't do anything. Removing them envolves more problems in the future. Like water infiltration, rust... I detailed a 2007 A6 and had the same issues. There hasn't been 1 Audi with chrome trim that did not have that problem." I'm not sure what the process is for changing this trim, I assumed just some metal clips on the back, but if water leaking will be a problem I'd rather not do that. Thanks again and keep the advice coming!

[Mike @ einszett]

I agree. If you do have it done, I would have the dealership do it so it's warrantied. You can purchase it outside of the dealership and have them install. Things you can discuss with them.

BTW, another option is vacuum metallizing. It's powdercoating that looks like chrome and can be done in a variety of colors. It's a fairly recent process so don't know the long-term durability on it.

[guglielmo]

For the interior, just go to your dealer and have the parts counter give you a quote. Most of that stuff is an easy swap