RCS 2

The black pearl trim around the side windows on my Avant has several small plating blemishes or stains on both sides. While small, these have really started to bug me. I know the trim can be replaced under warranty, but this is not a simple process that requires drilling out rivets and removing the rear windows. My experience with dealer warranty work on prior Audis has ranged from unacceptable to downright abysmal. I was going to paint the rim gloss black to match the car, but the rubber around the trim is very tight and I do not think even careful masking would yield acceptable edges. I have ordered some gloss black tape and will try taping the trim. Has anyone painted, taped or sanded their trim? Is it metal or just a hard plastic? Any suggestions?

RKA

It's a matte black finish. Seems like you're trying to get away from the color used on the S4...or are you just trying to cut costs by reusing the piece, and somehow refinishing it to eliminate the blemishes?

RCS 2

Trying to not have to remove the trim. Removing the trim is a much bigger project than it would seem. You have to drill out the rivets that hold in the rear most window and remove the entire window. This would be asking for rattles and leaks even when done by someone competent. The black pearl color is fine, and as I stated above, I could get the trim replaced under warranty, but I have sworn to never let an Audi dealer touch either of my remaining Audis after the nightmare that was my allroad. I am looking for options that can be done to the factory trim while it is on the car.