Guide/DIY: Glossy Black Centre Console Removal

[Q4-40]

Posting this as it may help some people.

My Dad got a used Q4 but the glossy black trim was a bit scratched and I couldn't polish it out (scratches too deep) and whilst the piano black looks nice, it is a dust magnet so we decided to wrap it.

To get the centre console out, the whole switch panel needs to be removed. Do not try to remove the glossy black trim from the switch panel, it's one whole unit.

1. Using some plastic trim removal tools, pry up from the front of the console and work your way around. Slide it towards the back of the car once all the clips are popped.

2. Once its off, put a large cloth under where the metallic grey trim is to avoid scratching it then disconnect all the connectors underneath the console. DONT TURN THE IGNITION ON WHILST YOU HAVE CONNECTORS REMOVED - it will leave fault codes.
3. The black trim is held on with clips and 6 screws. Remove the 6x T15 screws and unclip the glossy trim.
4. Unclip the hazard switch panel from the trim. There are 4 clips holding it into a receptacle.
5. Wrap the trim.
6. Installation is the reverse of above.

The door trims come off easily, from the door jamb side of each trim, pry it up using the trim removal tools. It's quite strong plastic but be careful it doesn't flex too much around the door handle area where its thinner. There is a tab which slots in towards the middle of the door card, once you've popped all the clips, slide the trim towards the door jamb and it should come off. I'm not sure if the rear trims come off - they look like they do, something I need to look into.

[tiger tony]

Posting this as it may help some people.

My Dad got a used Q4 but the glossy black trim was a bit scratched and I couldn't polish it out (scratches too deep) and whilst the piano black looks nice, it is a dust magnet so we decided to wrap it.

Now that is a worthwhile and perfectly executed modification.

Can I ask which vinyl wrap did you use ? Make, thickness, type etc ?

[Q4-40]

Can I ask which vinyl wrap did you use ? Make, thickness, type etc ?

I just searched for '3D carbon wrap' on eBay - we didn't want the glossy one and when I looked into it, the 3D one is easier to work with as its thinner but still tough for day to day use. We ordered 1m x 1.5m but it was too much, we were anticipating mistakes when wrapping but it was very easy to work with. The only mistake we made was at the hazard switch because the bottom edge is chamfered down and we cut it short.

I recommend using a heat gun over a hairdryer but don't get it too hot as it will tear if you stretch it too much.

It was this one: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/155565904126 ... BM6sanwJNk

[tiger tony]

Can I ask which vinyl wrap did you use ? Make, thickness, type etc ?

I just searched for '3D carbon wrap' on eBay - we didn't want the glossy one and when I looked into it, the 3D one is easier to work with as its thinner but still tough for day to day use. We ordered 1m x 1.5m but it was too much, we were anticipating mistakes when wrapping but it was very easy to work with. The only mistake we made was at the hazard switch because the bottom edge is chamfered down and we cut it short.

I recommend using a heat gun over a hairdryer but don't get it too hot as it will tear if you stretch it too much.

It was this one: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/155565904126 ... BM6sanwJNk

OK, cheers.

This looks like another little job on my "to do" list !

[Simy007]

Looks good - or you can cheat with these I did this in my A6 from Ali express (graphite hard cover) and it looked amazing and £30 against £300+ for a new aluminium cover. Just stuck on. Simple’s

Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! ￡5.29 | Car Interior Modification Center Console Gear Shift Sticker Films Accessories For Audi Q5/Q4 e-tron
https://a.aliexpress.com/_EJzOq4F

Or this which is a hard cover

Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out! ￡38.74 | For Audi Q4 Q5 E-tron 2022-24 Soft Carbon Fiber Central Control Gear Water Cup Panel Decorative Frame
https://a.aliexpress.com/_Ex8VfGn

Incidentally Ali Express is great for Q4 and other Audi cheapo accessories and embellishments. TPU key cover for £2 for eg

[Q4-40]

We got the shelf thing for below the gear lever and the armrest tidy from Aliexpress. Some good stuff on there but some of it looks awful.

I did look at that film, but the reviews say it its cut short (you can see it around the edges and switches) and it will probably be more faff trying to fit it in situ.

The solid carbon panel is nice but they dont make the ones for the door trims so I thought it would look odd on its own, but that's just me.

[tiger tony]

We got the shelf thing for below the gear lever and the armrest tidy from Aliexpress. Some good stuff on there but some of it looks awful.

I did look at that film, but the reviews say it its cut short (you can see it around the edges and switches) and it will probably be more faff trying to fit it in situ.

The solid carbon panel is nice but they dont make the ones for the door trims so I thought it would look odd on its own, but that's just me.

Your method is the correct way to do it: "remove, wrap and refit". Its the way the professionals do it. Anything else is just a bodge and you'll live to regret it !

Yeah some of the AliExpress stuff is just tat. You gotta be careful and choose wisely to get a bargain.

Another option is to buy a spare/second hand trim panel from the vehicle breakers or Ebay. You can wrap it or spray it whatever colour and finish you wish, then swap it over when ready ?

[Q4-40]

I'm not sure if the rear trims come off - they look like they do, something I need to look into.

The rear door trims come off in the same way as the front door trims but the clips are tougher to remove. There is a small cut out on the door jamb side where you need to lever from. Will post pics once they're wrapped.

[Q4-40]

Got the rear door trims done.

It was a bit tricky cutting around the speaker grille. The key was to score it and carefully tear it rather than cutting all the way through the vinyl and risk damaging the plastic underneath.

[tiger tony]

Excellent job. That fit around the speaker does look tricky, but I must admit, you've accomplished it well. It looks like factory finish now.

I particularly like the way you kept the carbon 'grain' going the same direction as on the front door. Attention to detail is top notch.

Now why couldn't Audi offer this as an option? Ah, yes, cost !!!!