retepnikrap Posted June 21, 2009 Report Share Posted June 21, 2009 Hi For a while the chrome trim around my windows has a milky speckled effect, according to the dealer last time I asked they said it was caused by cleaning detergent (no warranty). I can't say I believed them but got on with my life. Last week I went to a local hand car wash and noticed how thick and creamy the soap was, any way car was cleaned and I went home. Next day I noticed that the nearside chrome trim around the rear quarterlight glass was almost white never mind milky where the soap had settled and not been fully rinsed off. Not wanting to go back and argue with a gang of 8 polish car wash technicians I called the parts dept at the local stealers and was told it was £89 to replace. Any one found a good way to get rid of the milky stains on the chrome? I guess an option is to have it re-chromed as it has to be cheaper than £89. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigyb Posted June 21, 2009 Report Share Posted June 21, 2009 I had that issue with a 2007 A8 that I bought as an ex demonstrator from Audi. They said it was the detergent used when "you" cleaned it sir. I said, well I've had the car 2 weeks and I bought it from you, "I have not cleaned it, so replace the trims or refund my money" They agreed to replace them, it seems to be a common fault on Audi's whatever the model and the crap that the dealers spout about cleaning is just covering their arses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
W12 Posted June 22, 2009 Report Share Posted June 22, 2009 I have the same issue on my 2004 D3 - and audi have claimed the cleaning products are the cause!! ( same issue with centre caps, wheels and chrome door trims) As its a common fault we should all write to audi complaining that the chrome parts on the car are not fit for purpose and therefore they should replace them under corrosion warranty! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris1roll Posted June 22, 2009 Report Share Posted June 22, 2009 Mine are the same - pretty much white. I haven't got round to it yet but I was going to try either some white vinegar or lemon juice, followed by a good polish. The chrome around the grille on my 58 plate Octavia co. car went the same after about 3 months of ownership (although this did amount to 10,000 miles!) - I hadn't cleaned it in that time in the end some vinegar and a decent car polish brought it back. I think its more the salt off the roads, you couldn't read my rear numberplate for it and as I say I hadn't cleaned it so it definitely wasn't detergent! Perhaps someone should ask audi what they recommend you clean the car with? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris1roll Posted June 22, 2009 Report Share Posted June 22, 2009 Quick google: While you can get a commercial chrome cleaner from your auto parts store, there are less expensive alternatives. Try using soda water (club soda) or some mineral water. Another good choice is regular window cleaner, vinegar (cider or white) or some lemon peel. You can also use a paste of bicarbonate of soda or use a solution of one part clear ammonia to sixteen parts water. I'd pass on the ammonia, but if you do don't be tempted to sniff it:grin: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenn Posted June 22, 2009 Report Share Posted June 22, 2009 i've got the same"milkiness" on the window surrounds on my S8, and I'm sure somebody at the annual meet told me that the "milky" chrome was due to some sort of reaction between the aluminum body and steel trim Whatever -I'm pretty positive that it's got bugger all to do with cleaning materials used -sounds to me like another indication of just how useless most Audi dealers are.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merlot Posted June 22, 2009 Report Share Posted June 22, 2009 Common on lots of Audis' so not just the aluminium point. The dechromed black window surrounds on my five series were just as bad. Got the latter off with WD40 and a cloth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj84 Posted June 23, 2009 Report Share Posted June 23, 2009 Had it happen 3 times on the same Audi within 3 months (A6) and the dealership replaced all the trim all 3 times My current A6 is de-chromed so not got the same problem but the black surround still goes grey I just apply turtle wax's back to black equivalent and it's fine now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerbil42 Posted June 24, 2009 Report Share Posted June 24, 2009 My understanding (and I could be wrong) was the "chrome" on A8, A2 and TT are in fact Aluminium. And the problem is that any form of polish takes of the anodising and they then go milky. I have washed mine, but avoided any sort of polish - but since the dealer valetted the car when it was serviced I am seeing milky bits!! Difficult to prove, and expensive to replace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjliveson Posted July 9, 2009 Report Share Posted July 9, 2009 I just purchased an A8 D3 2005 4.0 tdi, and it aso had milky white chrome all over it. I used detailing clay all over the car including the chrome. I then used a good carnuba wax and the car and it's chrome are looking mirror shiny. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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