Biodegrading trim.

[Bosun]

On my ID3, there is a matt black trim strip above the doors below the roofline front to back about 25mm deep. This trim has become dull, mottled in shades of grey. I took the car back to the dealer and with the after sales manager we looked at other cars with the same trim style and they were all mottled - apart from those in the showroom. A turquoise ID3 had a severe mottling, and the whole trim looks very stuffy indeed. The after sales manager said that he would contact VW about it. I saw him a few days later and as I guessed, the response was 'It's caused by what you've used to wash the car...' which got short thrift as I commented that it must be what the dealer is using as well, as all his vehicles had mottled trim. Apparently VW had totally dismissed the issue and weren't prepared to do anything about it. When I asked him about the turquoise ID3, he said 'Perhaps the owner won't notice....' Can I ask - has anyone else got the same issue? I'm hesitant to use some form of 'back to black' on the trim, but it really looks very poor on a car less than 18 months old.

[vanb]

Yes. Mine seems similar to yours.

[gailjon]

We've noticed this on our now 3 year old ID3. It seems that the black trim becomes dull after a while. I have thought about some sort of wax to see if it will become black but laziness (sorry, bad weather), has prevented me from attempting anything yet.

[Bosun]

Has anyone used some form of 'Back to Black' on this discoloured trim with any success?

[vanb]

Has anyone used some form of 'Back to Black' on this discoloured trim with any success?

No. Sorry.

[the.kes]

Silicon spray might bring it back and keep it supple.

[Bosun]

Tried everything I can think of that wouldn't do any 'damage', all the AutoGlym products etc, nothing has got close. I suppose it's down to checking out 'back to black' products now. (Please don't anyone suggest WD40.....!)

[steviebabes]

I have used OWATROL Polytrol Colour-Renovator with some success. It's a detailing product so not a permanent solution but should last a month or two. Here is a pic after 1 week of it half done. Needs a couple of coats but goes on easily with a soft cloth. About £20 from Amazon.

[wr21lge]

Same thing is happening to our 3 year old vehicle still under warranty.

I have asked the dealership we bought it from about if it is covered under warranty - they have taken some photos and passed them to VW Warranty unit.

It looks like UV degregation of the surface coating of the strip.

More news when we get it.

[steviebabes]

Mine is still looking good 6 weeks on (see pic above). Good luck with a VW warranty claim!

[wr21lge]

Hi,

As suspected, VW are blaiming washing agents and not UV damage.

I asked the dealer to ask VW what material the trim is made form so that a good match for a chemical paint can be found.

It may be you have already found this.

Cheers

[Bosun]

Just an update, I did some research and brought GTECNNIQ C4 Permanent Rim Restorer. It's works absolutely perfectly and it looks like new - with only one coat. I'm very impressed, does exactly what it says it does.

[vanb]

Just an update, I did some research and brought GTECNNIQ C4 Permanent Rim Restorer. It's works absolutely perfectly and it looks like new - with only one coat. I'm very impressed, does exactly what it says it does.

Thanks for that.