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

Post by **Smith837** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 3:02 am

Hi all, in awe of the beautiful cars I've seen in this forum! Just amazing. I'm from the other side of the pond, with a 2013 S4 on order (my second S4 in a row)...but also considering a move to the S5. For 2013, the U.S. market finally has the option of the piano black instrument panel surround (vs. the standard matte silver or "faux metal"). I haven't seen the piano black surround in person, and I am a little unsettled about having ordered it sight unseen. While it sure looks fantastic in the press pics, I'm a bit concerned about upkeep (i.e., preventing scratches and swirls). Some have mentioned that the piano black finish scratches very easily, despite gentle cleaning and handling; others, no issues. Not sure what to believe, but since you RS5 guys have no choice (right?), I'm wondering what your experiences with it have been? Love living with it or not? Mostly want to know if it's realistically possible to keep it looking new, as opposed to chilling out and not sweating "inevitable" scuffs. Realize I'm likely making more out of this than most, but I'm fastidious and like to keep my cars looking showroom new (or better). Appreciate any advice you can provide. Thanks!

Post by **gdavison** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 6:56 am

I have the optional Piano Black inlays in my RS6 C6 ... after 3 years still looks great .. quick wipe with a duster cleans it up and it polishes great, no scratches / swirls

Go for it

Post by **Smith837** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 11:37 am

gdavison wrote:I have the optional Piano Black inlays in my RS6 C6 ... after 3 years still looks great .. quick wipe with a duster cleans it up and it polishes great, no scratches / swirls

Go for it

Thanks for the input and vote of confidence! If I could keep it looking like yours, I'd certainly feel a lot better about the decision. I'm curious, how often do you wipe it? And by "duster", do you mean microfibre cloth or something else? Would also be helpful to know what product/manufacturer you use.

PS: To prevent scratches, I've heard it's important to wipe plastic with a damp cloth (using water or an interior cleaning spray). Is that what you do?

Post by **andy** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 5:06 pm

I don't know the history of my car and it's four years old with the piano black inserts. I can say though that they still look great with no scratches or swirling so unless the previous two owners were particularly careful I would say it stands up to general cleaning well. I keep a micro fibre cloth in the car for the occasional dusk removal whilst stuck in traffic but I wouldn't say that I'm particularly OCD about cleaning either.

Post by **RSDave** » Tue Jun 12, 2012 11:38 pm

I've had an S5 cabriolet (with the matte silver or "faux metal") dash surround, and really did not like it much, I now have my Black RS5 (its brilliant

with the piano black dash surround and love it, it looks great and no swirls

Post by **Smith837** » Thu Jun 14, 2012 2:41 pm

Thanks guys! Still feel I need to see it in person to truly know if it's for me, but I'm glad to hear you're all enjoying it and having positive experiences.

Post by **drybeer** » Fri Jun 15, 2012 10:54 pm

I have a brand new A4 B8 Avant 2.0TDi quattro Black Edition company car at the mo.

The Black Ed also has the Piano black instrument surround.

I can say it makes a tremendous difference - really lifts the cabin ambience.

Post by **Smith837** » Sat Jun 16, 2012 10:37 am

drybeer wrote:I have a brand new A4 B8 Avant 2.0TDi quattro Black Edition company car at the mo.

The Black Ed also has the Piano black instrument surround.

I can say it makes a tremendous difference - really lifts the cabin ambience.

Starting to get excited. Perhaps I made the right decision after all.

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