Hello and Alu trim question

[Loko]

Hi folks,

Long time reader of the forum. I finally bought my saloon RS4 in Avus Silver last December. It's done just 40k miles and 2 previous owners and full Audi history with 6 stamps.

I've sorted a couple of bits in the car to date, replacing the arm rest cover (latch had broken but leather had a couple of marks so replaced the lot) and also the alu trim on the steering wheel since the badge had faded. Also removed the driver's door card to investigate rattle only to find 2 pound coins wedged between the trim and the switch module for the alarm, which was causing said really annoying rattle!

Due to new home and wedding planning haven't had much chance to work on car but this weekend I finally detailed her and she's looking good. Bit more work required in a few spots but 90% corrected. Only issue left to fix is driver's heated seat not working, VCDS reporting an open circuit/faulty element. Will have to investigate to see if it's the internal loom that's snagged or if the element itself is fried. Also need to refurb all 4 alloys. Amazingly they have zero kerbing but bubbling in a few spots since they're 8 years old now. I'll take the opportunity to replace all TPMS sensors when I do so. Having front discs and pads done at Audi on Thursday, all with a brake fluid change for £1,127 which considering the cost of the parts, I thought was pretty good.

One question I have for now is regarding the alu trim on the windows. I've read plenty of posts on this here, and as you might expect my car has the same milky look issue on the trim. The top of the windows is ok, the base of the window is pretty bad though. I was quietly hoping it would polish up when I got around to detailing but alas no luck, clearly the coating has been attacked.

Now, I popped in to Audi and they are advising the following parts for the base of the window on all 4 doors, which includes the seal:

8E0 853 763 H Window slot seal with trim strip Left PR-4ZL £64.91+VAT
8E0 853 764 H Window slot seal with trim strip Right PR-4ZL £64.91+VAT
8E0 853 283 H Window slot seal with trim strip Left PR-4ZL £53.48+VAT
8E0 853 284 H Window slot seal with trim strip Right PR-4ZL £53.48+VAT

THe chappy in parts confirmed what others have mentioned here, that it isn't retained in any way (screws, rivets), just clips in place and ETKA says pry off with trim tool and lube clips and reinsert new. So since it's booked in for that other work I asked for the labour to replace the trim since it seemed pretty straightforward compared to the rear quarter glass panel and the lady at service went off and came back saying it was 3 hours labour or £432. So I asked was she sure since these guys 'just' click on and she looked at me with rabbit in headlights look and said that's what the computer says.

So, question for you clever folks. Has anyone here done this themselves? Not concerned about damaging the trims that come off and I think using plastic trim tools and masking/care you could get them off without damaging the paint. Have folks found any issues when removing or assembling?

Thanks for the help.

[MikeFish]

Don't you need to remove the door trims to do this? I thought you did (but I might confusing with changing the alu for black). If so, removing and replacing all 4 door trims might be why the time has started to add up (even though once you've done it once before they can be removed quite quickly).

[Tacko]

+1 with drivers heated seat not working!

[Loko]

Don't you need to remove the door trims to do this? I thought you did (but I might confusing with changing the alu for black). If so, removing and replacing all 4 door trims might be why the time has started to add up (even though once you've done it once before they can be removed quite quickly).

According to ETKA you don't. I read a post on here were a lad said he had gotten them off as described. Was wondering if it was an ok DIY jobby or prone to disaster and hence best have Audi or bodyshop do it.

[Bladerider]

Get some G3 before buying new parts.

An hour or so per roof rail worked wonders on my car, it results in a very fractionally different finish but I bet you wouldn't notice, and Im probably too picky as I used to own a bodyshop !!

J.

[angryant]

Don't you need to remove the door trims to do this? I thought you did (but I might confusing with changing the alu for black). If so, removing and replacing all 4 door trims might be why the time has started to add up (even though once you've done it once before they can be removed quite quickly).

According to ETKA you don't. I read a post on here were a lad said he had gotten them off as described. Was wondering if it was an ok DIY jobby or prone to disaster and hence best have Audi or bodyshop do it.

I have changed these out and there were plastic retaining pins through the slots on mine, see pic item 3, comes in two parts with the centre pin expanding the actual insert, there are at least four on each slot seal.
And yes its door trim off and for the rear drop the window as well unless of course someone has taken them off before and replaced them minus the pins.

[hvm5]

Do newer RS cars have the same problems with these trims going milky? and assuming the window trims are completely aluminium, where as the grille, mirrors and boot strip are plastic that's been painted?