View Full Version : CF Trim Install Write-up w/ Pics (long)


One Hot Avant
04-10-2008, 11:42 PM
Sorry it took me a while guys . . . finally got ahold of a camera to give this write up a shot. It's a little backwards because the install is already done, but this should give you a pretty good idea what you're dealing with.

Tools needed:
*Torx screwdriver size T20
* Regular size flathead screwdriver
* Short/stubby/narrow flathead screwdriver
* Audi plastic trim removal tool (if you can track one down)
* Flashlight
* About 3-4 hrs
* A couple beers (if that's how you work better), I passed on the beers this time though :)
* Don't be afraid to ask for help (Audi dealer)

Here we go with the schematics that I got from my awesome parts lady, Denniel @ Sunset Imports!

<img src="http://brianodellmusic.com/A6_ETKA_1_arrows.gif">
<img src="http://brianodellmusic.com/A6_ETKA_2_arrows.gif">

1. Remove side bracing panels on either side of center console. One screw first up under the dash then tabs all the way down the console.
2. Remove screw located near outside bottom edge of climate controls on both sides of console.
3. Remove ashtray and then remove the 2 screws underneath.
4. Remove rubber padding plates for storage/cupholder area, then remove screws.
5. Take out cupholder w/12v jack and place in safe spot.
6. Remove screws on both sides of console near the back edge (closest to cupholder location) **These ones are tricky, you'll have to pull back the side bracing trim panels so far that you'll think you're about to break them. Placing the front seats as far back as they'll go helps.
7. Another tricky piece . . . this one basically secures the front edge of the center console underneath the climate controls. Use your trim removal tool or screwdriver to get to the tab openings and pry/pull it loose. **Pay special attention to how this piece comes out as it is the hardest to get back in (I've had to take the car to the dealer the next day both times I have done this mod to get the piece back in)
8. Now you can lift the whole console to get underneath it to disconnect all of the electronic bits. **Turn the car on and put it in Neutral and then power down (this will allow you to move the gear selector around to help get the console out) Once you've got it out of there you can remove the screws from the back of the console.

<img src="http://brianodellmusic.com/A6_Center_Console_Back_arro.gif">
<img src="http://brianodellmusic.com/A6_Center_Console_arrows.gif">

9./10. Next remove the cupholder assembly from the center console to isolate the top trim piece and its backing plate.
<img src="http://brianodellmusic.com/A6_Cupholder_Trim_arrows.gif">

11. Next, remove the ashtray assembly from the center console to isolate the top trim piece and its backing plate.
<img src="http://brianodellmusic.com/A6_Ashtray_Trim_arrows.gif">

Bam, you're done . . . now just put it all back together!
I know, it's not quite that simple, but if you allow yourself enough time and really look carefully at each piece before you force something, you'll be fine.

Here's the finished product (and some extra shots of small mods)

<img src="http://brianodellmusic.com/A6_CF_Center_Console_1_small.jpg">
<img src="http://brianodellmusic.com/A6_CF_Dash_Trim_small.jpg">

My "annoying passenger air bag off light" mod :)
<img src="http://brianodellmusic.com/A6_Sline_Badge_Mod_small.jpg">

Front filler plate mod
<img src="http://brianodellmusic.com/A6_Front_Filler_Plate_Mod_small.jpg">

<img src="http://brianodellmusic.com/A6_Profile_small.jpg">

As a side note . . . I'm absolutely loving the ibis white! I've had mostly red and a couple silver vehicles but figured it was time for a change and I'm so glad I did.

Let me know what you guys think of the write-up. I realize it's got some gaps (it's late and I'm losing focus), so if you have questions let me know and I'll do my best to answer!

One Hot Avant
04-10-2008, 11:45 PM

pierreb
04-11-2008, 06:07 AM
no front plate requirement in your state?

jazznuts699
04-11-2008, 06:21 AM

One Hot Avant
04-11-2008, 09:59 AM
for a ticket or two :)

thrilla from manila
04-11-2008, 12:03 PM

Johnstay
04-11-2008, 05:36 PM
First of all, your ride looks nice. The CF is wickedly cool.

...but I noticed your front filler plate (I'm jealous, by the way). If you live in OR, it won't take long until you're busted. Front plate is required. How do I know this? I know two people who were ticketed big bucks for it; and I have many cop friends (and relatives). Good luck with it.

I don't know about WA.

Johnstay
04-12-2008, 09:01 PM

brammetje
04-13-2008, 03:03 AM
<center><img src="http://www.makelaardij-cadzand.nl/audi/carbon_4.jpg"></center><p>NICE CAR!!!

I really like the color and rims.

Found an Ebay auction for those carbon parts, made a bid for 150 Euro, they were sold for 250 euro, still a very good deal I guess.......
I looked at the prices for upgrading on E**a only later, to find out what an as* I am......

Will you do the exterior too? Diffusor and front S6 lights and air inlets are on Ebay sometimes, and a lot cheaper than your dealer.
The side trim is made for me by a german guy.

One Hot Avant
04-13-2008, 11:44 AM
that it was a "fix it" ticket. Just swap out the plate and show the judge. Thoughts?

One Hot Avant
04-14-2008, 11:29 AM
Thanks for the props on the ride, I'm really lovin' it.
Yeah, I know about the whole front plate thing, but I just can't stand having one on there. I'm pretty sure it's a "fix it" ticket so we'll see how my luck is.

thrilla from manila
04-14-2008, 02:47 PM
it's a "fix it" ticket here in CA but it's basically another reason for them to stop you. Been only pulled over once(knock on wood) for having no front plate and that was due to leaving the bar. Pretty sure he wanted to get me for something bigger than no front plate but it was the reason he stopped me. After telling him the excuse that the dealer has the bracket on backorder he asks if I had anything to drink. To which I said yes I had 2 drinks 3 hours before driving(I was actually pacing myself as I wanted to get home early to drive up skiing the next morning). A quick check w/ eye following finger test and he let me go without even giving me a "fix it" ticket.

Johnstay
04-14-2008, 04:40 PM
It also used to be a Class D ticket at only $90.

No front plate is basically a red flare saying "Pull me over!"


Mo money, mo money, mo money!

...I do like the looks of your car so don't get me wrong. I just want you to be informed of what you could be in for. Personally, I don't think the photo radar does anything for traffic accident prevention (the altruistic goal). It is only a revenue generator. If I was in charge the practice would be banned.

John

One Hot Avant
04-15-2008, 09:59 AM
I'll probably keep the filler plate on there until my plates come in. Then I'll mount the plate to the front plate piece and have it ready to go on. We'll see how long I can go and if I get lucky. I think all it will take to change my mind is one of those big tickets.

Thanks for the input, it's much appreciated!

vhtran
05-10-2009, 02:27 PM
OMFG I've been looking for this. You're my savior, thank you, thank you, thank you.

BigDYL
06-11-2010, 11:09 AM
Can we sticky this?

SeattleA6
01-30-2011, 05:29 PM
I wanted to say that this thread helped me a lot. I had to swap out my MMI and the information provided here saved me hours of work.

One step not previously included was removing the center arm rest. If anyone is wondering how, first you have to remove the rear air vent on the back of the center console, it just pulls out, no screws. Once you have the side trim off of the console you can stick your finger in and actually push the vent out. The vent has a wire that you will need to unplug, it's short so be careful.

Once the vent is out you will see a single bolt that needs to be removed and the armrest will pull straight up. There were a couple wires going to the armrest that I had to disconnect as well, but nothing difficult.

Again, thanks to the original poster, it was a life saver. And if anyone is thinking about doing this but are nervous about it, don't worry. It is indeed a pain in the butt, but just take your time and you can do it. No rocket science here.

reachingzen8
02-04-2012, 01:37 PM
Can anyone see the pictures on this thread?

Great information.