Thanks to everyone for the speedy responses to my last question. Here's another one: Is the chrome window trim on the 2.8 available as an add-on to the 1.8T? I've examined the two models side-by-side and it seems that the chrome is just attached on top of the common black window trim shared by both cars. Has anyone added this chrome to their 1.8T (or removed it from a 2.8)? Thanks.

stego

I read a post a couple months back that mentioned the chrome vs black trim. The post said that the black trim on the 1.8 is the exact same as the chrome trim on the 2.8, just not chrome. I thought the 1.8T just lacked trim around the windows, I was wrong.

I know it isn't an add-on option from Audi for the 1.8T. But I guess you could purchase the chrome trim as parts and install it on a 1.8T. Or have the black trim "chromed".

The chrome window trim on my 2.8 is the only thing I don't like. I think it makes the car look dated and less sporty. Just my opinion.

I bought the 2.8 after much agonizing over the differences between it and the 1.8T. Among the most important was the chrome trim vs. the black. I hate the chrome window trim (at least on my Brilliant Black). I have been looking into getting this changed for the entire three months I have had the car. Here's the facts as I have them to date:

The window trim is completely different on the two cars. I spoke with another chrome trim hater two months ago that actually screwed up the courage to remove one of his pieces and see what's underneath. The chrome trim is purely cosmetic and easily removed but the actual black rubber that seals the window is made with a trough and clips to hold the chrome trim in place. The chrome trime has ridges on the back that fit down into the black rubber trim. According to him, the black rubber trim on the 2.8 looks terrible without the chrome installed. Obviously, the 1.8T trim doesn't have the correct trough and clips to hold the chrome trim in place.

In a brief look at a 1.8T (not mine so I didn't want to make someone nervous) I didn't see anything that could be removed and thusly chromed.

I have talked with a glass specialist that does all the window work for one of the dealers here and he said he could remove all the chrome in about 10 minutes. Current plan is to let him do that then I will sand, prime & paint the trim in a similar fashion as the DIY Sport Grill FAQ listed in this site. I did that for the grill on mine a month ago and it seems to be holding up just fine.

Sorry I don't have any info getting yours chromed, I'd gladly give you mine if it would work.

Good Luck

Gary

Do youself a favor, get the trim sandblasted and then powder-coated. Paint does not like to stick to stainless steel. The powder-coating is what the factories use on trim parts.

Thanks for the posts, everyone. I actually like the look of chrome window trim with lighter-colored A4s -- I think it makes a nice transition between the body and the window trim. As for darker shades, I'm pretty much ambivalent.

Interesting to note that the S4 doesn't have chrome trim.