"Chrome" trim pieces discoloration
 

A couple of them have become slightly "polarized", while a couple others seems to have lost their shiny aluminum color altogether, replaced by a powdery, mikly residue. Last time the dealer had to replace them.

Is there a product that can can restore them?

I know for a fact that the ones around the windows are real metal, while the ones between the rear bumper and trunk lid are "plasticized".

Anyone has had experience?

Yes.
 

No one, that I know of, has a definitive solution.

I *think* they're clear-coated, and what is needed is to abrade off the clear coat, then al-polish the trim, then wax/Klasse the heck out of them to prevent them from oxidizing. But haven't put in the elbow grease to test this hypothesis.

how do you abrade? how do you al-polish?

If you want to try black, this works great...
 

.. have had it on for over a year now around S6 window trim and it shows no signs of fading, pealing, discoloring at all, even thru the last chgo winter.
<img src="http://www.midwayautosupply.com/images/trimbrite/t9005_3X.jpg">
Stretches very easy to apply seamlessly for a powder coat appearance. Heck for 5 bucks try it on a coupla places.
Adds 5 hp too;)<ul><li><a href="http://midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?335">One place to get it.</a></li></ul>

I agree with JimR...
 

...i have found no such way to clean this.

I have also learned that there is a very thin, tough coating of plastic, or clearcoat on these strips, according to the dealer. I even made them try to clean them, and i watched them do it, to see the outcome of their efforts.

They tried the equivalent of the eagle one metal cleaner- to no avail. I assumed that this would not work, since you're not really cleaning the metal (because of the plastic).

Audi messed up on this design- i think. When a car is detailed, this really sticks out like a sore thumb.

Shouldn't these be covered under warranty?

Steve

Re: how do you abrade? how do you al-polish?
 

Abrade:

Red polishing compound?

Might even wet-sand with 1000grit emery cloth.

Aluminum Polish:

Lots of products out there. Mothers, Eagle One, etc.

I've heard 4HP
 

obviously you've stretched to 5HP

It is covered under warrantly, so ...
 

Getting replacement trim should definitely be on the final checklist before the car goes off warranty. ... I forgot :-(

how much is replacement trim?

I was told to try Invisible Glass cleaner or White Vinegar...
 

...but I haven't had time to try it yet. Maybe next week when I detail the S8 w/ a new clay bar kit I just received.

Well, his car is red, so that explains the difference!

White vinegar didn't work for me.

I forgot too
 

Damn!

$109 for the drivers door side moulding.

Add me to the list!

Re: how do you abrade? how do you al-polish?
 

You might find that Barkeeper's friend and a scotchbrite pad are the easiest way to achieve a soft lightly brushed aluminum look. The pads are little wonders when it comes to touch up work for satin finishes. You might want to finish both door panel pieces to get a better match.

That's a pretty good idea, on the Scotchbrite pad. Another good idea,
 

would be to use blue painter's tape to mask the body while doing this.

what did you say to get it warranteed?...
 

I just brought this up with them and they're resisting saying that they may not be able to warranty it because it's "weather related in combination of how you take care of the car - normal 'wear'". I told them that's complete BS and others have already gotten it waranteed. Funny, the GM even admitted its a known issue. They also had an '02 on the lot which was about 10 times worse than mine.

So is there any definitive way to get them to do it?

Thanks

Just complain to hell--for an '03 vehicle, there's no way they can get out of it!!

Wasn't my car, but ...
 

About two years ago I witnessed a woman complaining about the appearence of the trim under the trunk, and I was standing behind the service manager when he tried to "clean" it. When he failed, he said something like "we'll replace it under warranty."

I had them replace mine on the rear bumper under warranty...
 

..they kind of tried to give me the "it's wear &amp; tear", but I didn't bite.

Don't plan to back down until I get it warranteed..
 

But just so sick of getting the run around...especially w/ something as obvious as this!