Piano Black instrument panel surround: as good as it looks?

Post by **Smith837** » Tue May 29, 2012 12:47 pm

Hey all, I've heard from a couple of you, but just want to see what the consensus is on the Piano Black instrument panel surround. Really love the way it looks in the pictures of the B8.5 -- so much better than the standard matte silver one. That said, wondering what it's like to drive the car with it, especially if there are any issues with glare or reflections? It's been suggested by some that this is an issue. Just want to be certain before finalizing my order for a 2013 U.S. model. FWIW, no cars have shown up yet in the U.S. with the Piano Black -- it'll be new here for 2013. Cheers!

Post by **Nickyboy** » Tue May 29, 2012 1:22 pm

It's bloody annoying as it always looks dusty and you can't just wipe it off with your hands as it gets smeary. If you can be bothered to clean it loads then I would say get it, if not then perhaps get something else.

Post by **Nickyboy** » Tue May 29, 2012 1:33 pm

Pretty sad but I carry a microfiber cloth in my car at all times just to sort the piano black. I hate a dirty looking car.

Post by **Smith837** » Tue May 29, 2012 1:55 pm

Gotcha Nickyboy, thanks. I can imagine that keeping it clean would be a pain in the arse. And no issues with glare or distracting reflections from the gauge/nav surround when you're driving?

BTW, I'm looking into a few interior care products that may also prevent electrostatic charges and keep the piano finish dust free. Will let you know what I learn.

Post by **Nickyboy** » Tue May 29, 2012 2:02 pm

I have privacy glass which probably minimises the reflections but all in all no issues whilst driving. I'd be interested to hear that, cheers. Let us know what you order exactly.

Post by **Smith837** » Tue May 29, 2012 2:23 pm

Will definitely keep you posted. Glad to hear you're having no issues whilst driving. Very reassuring. I'm not familiar with the term "privacy glass"...assuming you mean tinted windows though.

Post by **Nickyboy** » Tue May 29, 2012 3:36 pm

Yes exactly!

Post by **longdog** » Wed May 30, 2012 7:40 am

My wife is getting sick of having to constantly polish the trim with my cloth........................while I'm driving!

Post by **longdog** » Wed May 30, 2012 7:42 am

Smith837 wrote:Will definitely keep you posted. Glad to hear you're having no issues whilst driving. Very reassuring. I'm not familiar with the term "privacy glass"...assuming you mean tinted windows though.

Just get it - you know you want too!!!!

Post by **Nickyboy** » Wed May 30, 2012 8:09 am

longdog wrote:My wife is getting sick of having to constantly polish the trim with my cloth........................while I'm driving!

Hahahahahahah. My mrs is also. She gets in and immediately gets the cloth out!

Post by **Bacardi Jo** » Wed May 30, 2012 3:35 pm

just think the more you polish the piano black trims the more swirl marks you will be getting

Post by **Smith837** » Wed May 30, 2012 3:43 pm

blackphantom wrote:just think the more you polish the piano black trims the more swirl marks you will be getting

Are swirls really a problem, assuming you wipe with a clean microfibre and use top products? Not a fan of seeing swirls (so much so, I get Ice Silver cars).

Post by **longdog** » Wed May 30, 2012 5:47 pm

blackphantom wrote:just think the more you polish the piano black trims the more swirl marks you will be getting

No polish, just a gentle wipe over with a cloth. I take it from your posts you are not a fan of the black trim!

Post by **Bacardi Jo** » Wed May 30, 2012 6:39 pm

longdog wrote:My wife is getting sick of having to constantly polish the trim with my cloth........................while I'm driving!

i said polish because of your post,i don't mind piano black but they're not practical for me I've got OCD [obsessive car detailing} and dark colours are the worst to show swirl marks ,there are piano black plastic inserts on the outside of the doors on the S4 and they are F***ers to maintain swirl free .ill spend two days detailing my car and enjoy every minute of it {even those piano black inserts}.

Post by **Nickyboy** » Wed May 30, 2012 7:06 pm

Want to detail mine? I love doing it but it's a massive job. The products cost a fortune over time as well. I've never snow foamed yet though.

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