Now leather peel, I feel like I have a lemon! (long)
 

I'm newer to this board. I have a '99 with 21,000 miles. I bought in used 1.5 years ago with 12,000 miles. It was under warranty at the time, but not now. Under warranty, it needed brakes replaced, exhaust system replaced, and other items from first owner...I just had to pay $500 for a new armrest (snapped) incl. install, I had transmission issues that cost me $350 last week, my cd changer has been replaced twice, The electric head rests didn't work on either side, but Audi fixed n/c out of warranty (over $1000.)I can't remember what else, but there's been more.. Oh yeah, my heated steering wheel isn't working now. Today, I got in the car and noticed that the leather (creme) is peeling! I had a similar experience on my Acura, and I would call a mobile guy who would basically spray paint it. It looked great for a few weeks, then peeled again. Any suggestions? I'm assuming I should immediately apply conditioner to the seats? Lexall(sp) or something anyone recommends? Help!

Thanks

I'm not sure what you mean by peeling- can you take a photo and post it?
 

My '97 has 89K on the clock, and all the leather (Black) is in like-new to near-new condition. You should clean and condition the leather interior of these cars every 6 moths at least (every 3 months preferred). I use the Lexol products, others on this board have other preferences.

Re: I'm not sure what you mean by peeling- can you take a photo and post it?
 

No, unfortunately, I'm digitally/computer attaching illiterate. But, It's your typical peeling maybe from me never conditioning? I will start today! I don't know what to do about what's already peeled...Thanks

Griots Garage sells a leather "rejuvenator"
 

I just got some for my Range Rover, I have not yet tried it though.<ul><li><a href="http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&amp;SKU=11141">http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&amp;SKU=11141</a</li></ul>

I've seen the "leather peel" on numerous (non-Audi) cars in the past. I was told it is from
 

the leather drying out. I was also told that it occurs on curved areas, and areas with "high traffic" clothing rub.
Maybe the leather surface is more stressed in those areas, and needs more attention with the leather conditioners.
You should be able to go to a custom auto upholstery shop, and have the particular leather sections replaced, or even have a whole seat redone in leather. I don't have an A8 at present, but I plan to get one, and I'll likely have most of the seating areas reupholstered in alcantara, which I'm told is more expensive than leather. The prices I've gotten for the alcantara reupholstering are from $1000 to $1500. I'll bet you could get one seat redone in leather for a few hundred.
Good luck.

Re: Alcatara
 

Alcantara looks great when it's new, but my experience with it in the seats of an Audi 5000 is that it wears out long before the leather does. I would stick with leather if wear is a factor.

Favorite leather balm
 

After several brit cars (connelly leather) the best stuff I've tried is called Hide Food. You can get it through Rolls-Royce or Jaguar dealers, and sometimes on ebay. Kinda pricey, but great on seats. Did a great job inside my A8, although it wasn't suffering from any "peeling".

Re: Griots Garage sells a leather "rejuvenator"
 

I've used this product with great results. Worth a try. In fact I use a number of Griot's products with success.

Re: Now leather peel, I feel like I have a lemon! (long)
 

www.warrantygodl.com

YOu car is still eligible for bumper to bumper warranty from warranty gold. GET IT!!! ALl of the problems you described are covered.
I just got one from them for 3500$ for up to 150k miles with 0 ded.

Good luck

DM