Identify Interior Color..

[woolveren]

Hi friends,

Can anybody tell me the name of the interior color in the below pic. I want to buy an armrest cover and need to know the color..:)

http://www.vorwerkauto.com/images/detailed/2/Seats_Tan_Leather_01_A4_1.8T-AWM_MT-ENP_107K_N.Blue_1c.jpg

[woolveren]

Is this Opal Gray?

[CCA4]

Same color as my interior, I believe its called "Clay."

[A4 Effort]

Call a dealer and have the parts shop run your VIN, they can tell you for sure.

[woolveren]

Okay, I called the dealer yesterday and talked almost half an hour with two people there. I gave the VIN number and some other codes from the trunk, but none of them really helped them in finding the interior color. They said that their database is showing only the paint code for the exterior color and its not saying anything about the interior. Also,they said that this 98 year model A4 comes with some 6-7 interior colors as listed below and they are not sure which one is mine;
1. Grey
2. Black
3. Opal grey
4. Ecru
5. Clay
6. Some blue
7. Clay

I think mine is possible an Ecru. Below is a picture of my car's interior. If anybody knows the name of this interior color, please reply..:)

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/6948/img7426w.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/507/img7426w.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

[coolgraymemo]

Not ecru for sure.

[TConklin821]

I thought at first Ecru, that's what I have. But now I'm thinking not so much.

[A4 Effort]

Odd that they couldn't tell you what color you have, they could with mine. I'm leaning towards clay for yours. I have opal gray in mine, and its more of a gray/brown, which yours obviously isn't

[walky_talky20]

The "clay" color was not available until the 99 model year.

For 1998.5 cars (like the OP's), the leatherette interior was only available in 4 colors:
Onyx
Ecru (Beige)
Mussel (Opal Grey)
Terra Brown (aka: Peanut Butter)

Onyx and Terra Brown are out right off the bat.
The Ecru color is always combined with a different color dash, carpet, plastics - there is no matching Ecru dash or steering wheel.
Because the OP's interior is color matched leatherette and dash, that only leaves the Mussel (Opal Grey) interior.

HOWEVER, because I'm not overly familar with that color, I would like the OP to confirm a few things:
1. The last 8 digits of the VIN
2. Provide a part number from one of the colored plastic interior bits. Looks like there is one of the 71mm armrest caps just laying there:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b154/walky_talky20/Interior-Parts.png

[woolveren]

The "clay" color was not available until the 99 model year.

For 1998.5 cars (like the OP's), the leatherette interior was only available in 4 colors:
Onyx
Ecru (Beige)
Mussel (Opal Grey)
Terra Brown (aka: Peanut Butter)

Onyx and Terra Brown are out right off the bat.
The Ecru color is always combined with black dash, carpet, plastics - there is no matching Ecru dash or steering wheel.
Because the OP's interior is color matched leatherette and dash, that only leaves the Mussel (Opal Grey) interior.

HOWEVER, because I'm not overly familar with that color, I would like the OP to confirm a few things:
1. The last 8 digits of the VIN
2. Provide a part number from one of the colored plastic interior bits. Looks like there is one of the 71mm armrest caps just laying there:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b154/walky_talky20/Interior-Parts.png


I think Opal Grey is a right guess. Because when I called ECS Tuning to order the lid, they said mine is possibly Mussel/Opal Gray. And below is a link of the mussel arm rest lid:

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/ES431423/ES431423/

PS: This one is a pretty old pic and I don't have that armrest cap anymore..:)

[bmann]

Agreed. I have the Ecru interior and it looks very close but always comes out looking very bright in photos. Much brighter than the ones posted in this thread. My interior code is NOC/ED

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/bmann/A4/8854135617252864360IM105565x421_A56.jpg

[walky_talky20]

^Yeah the ECRU is very light tan, almost white but not quite.

Where's the interior code printed? If the OP can get me that code, it's simple to tell exactly what we have here.

@OP: That lid is the cloth, though. The lid you should have is a real "Buffalino Leather", in the appropriate color. For mussel (opal grey), it should be this one:
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/8d0864245mgsv/ES431436/

[TConklin821]

Ecru for me is more cream. Damnit I love my Ecru.

http://i1136.photobucket.com/albums/n485/ConklinTerry101/P1030872.jpg

[bmann]

^Yeah the ECRU is very light tan, almost white but not quite.

Where's the interior code printed? If the OP can get me that code, it's simple to tell exactly what we have here.

@OP: That lid is the cloth, though. The lid you should have is a real "Buffalino Leather", in the appropriate color. For mussel (opal grey), it should be this one:
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/8d0864245mgsv/ES431436/

It's a sticker in the spare tire compartment.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/bmann/A4/IMG_20111211_162451.jpg

[walky_talky20]

Ecru for me is more cream. Damnit I love my Ecru.



Indeed. "Creamy" is a good descriptor. I think the older Audi's stated it as "Ecru (cream)" instead of "Ecru (beige)" like they do now.

[woolveren]

^Yeah the ECRU is very light tan, almost white but not quite.

Where's the interior code printed? If the OP can get me that code, it's simple to tell exactly what we have here.

@OP: That lid is the cloth, though. The lid you should have is a real "Buffalino Leather", in the appropriate color. For mussel (opal grey), it should be this one:
http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/8d0864245mgsv/ES431436/


Okay, I found this number on the chasis where you pointed the arrow mark in the above pic ( The open space in the rear ash tray area)

4882.1201.0000
GD-ALS19Cv3

The paint code in the trunk is:

Paint No./ Interior: LZ3L/ LZ3L NOC/EQ


Will these numbers help? Or do you want me to upload a picture pic of the codes as "bmann" did?

[walky_talky20]

No need for photos. The "EQ" interior color code is Mussel (Opal Grey).

Pretty sure this means that I win, right? Based on my mastery of deductive reasoning as evidenced in post #9, yes? lol

[bmann]

^Nice work. Do you work for an Audi dealer or are you just that smart? :D

[walky_talky20]

lol. I was kidding.

And no, I'm not an Audi parts guy. I just play one on TV.

[woolveren]

No need for photos. The "EQ" interior color code is Mussel (Opal Grey).

Pretty sure this means that I win, right? Based on my mastery of deductive reasoning as evidenced in post #9, yes? lol

Yeah, your guessing was right.

I checked with ECS Tuning again in the noon and they said that this model comes with a Mussel color. Still I wasn't that sure and came here to see what you guys replied.

And WOW, I saw the same color mentioned in your reply. So it's confirmed now that the color is mussel(Opal gray). You have good knowledge in identifying parts for B5..:)

Thanks everybody for finding this color..:)

[walky_talky20]

Still can't believe the dealer was so inept at this. It's kind of their job.

Glad you got it sorted. Are you going with the cloth or the leather? Either way, new is way expensive. I'd try to find a used one from a junkyard. Couldn't find that color on ebay, but searching car-part.com for "console" came up with lots of results for "gray" and "tan" console lids in good condition for $20-$40. You may have to be patient in finding a junkyard that would care enough to check the color code for you, or even look at it. But that's what I would do.

[woolveren]

Still can't believe the dealer was so inept at this. It's kind of their job.

Glad you got it sorted. Are you going with the cloth or the leather? Either way, new is way expensive. I'd try to find a used one from a junkyard. Couldn't find that color on ebay, but searching car-part.com for "console" came up with lots of results for "gray" and "tan" console lids in good condition for $20-$40. You may have to be patient in finding a junkyard that would care enough to check the color code for you, or even look at it. But that's what I would do.

Yeah, the new one is pretty expensive.. $189 + Shipping from ECS Tuning. They can only get this from a dealer, no aftermarket is available for this color. I will try to look in some used part store/ junkyard first.

Checked with Shokan audi today, but they don't have this color.

[walky_talky20]

Not much better, but it's $163 shipped from GAP. That will be best price you'll find for a new one, unless you actually work in an Audi parts dept. Then it might be $150.

Good luck with the junkyards. I'd probably take a Tuesday around noon-1pm and start calling junkyards 1 after another until you find what you're looking for. Tuesday because whoever answers the phone may not want to deal with this minute crap on a Monday morning, but you want to be able to call them back the next day or couple days later to see what they found - and you certainly don't want to stretch that over a weekend. It will be forgotten. So Tuesday works good. And you don't want to call too much earlier than noon or too late in the afternoon either. Too early and the junkyards in Cali haven't got their coffee going yet. Too late in the afternoon and the east coast guys are rushed by the clock and your stupid interior problem is not a priority.

Other tips:
- Catching them early in the morning or just after lunch is best.
- Get names of who you talked to about it and/or who is supposedly checking into this for you
- Get approximate time it will take for them to find out so you know when to call back (they will not call you, even if they say they will)
- Keep track of every lead, all the details. If you want this to happen you must be organized.
- Don't take any crap. If they won't verify a color code or at least send you a photo next to a blank sheet of paper, you're not interested. Just move on.
- Be nice to talk to, and clear. But don't waste their time on the phone. These people are busy and you want to be able to talk to them again later on.
- Try not to be "that guy". It's hard, but do your best.
- They will probably make you buy the entire console. That's fine, just go with it.
- For most junkyards, this is not a common, high volume, or high margin part. And they are often broken anyway, so they don't even bother. Just realize they are doing you a huge favor if they even attempt to track one down for you, especially in a rare color that is difficult to verify (ie: not black).

[sgt_g]

That looks to be the same color as the one i have. I will have to look at the code when i get home wednesday. I'm also getting ready to yank my enterior for a black one. I love the color too but mine has some peices that need repalced and yea dealer prices are too high. and sense my S-4 seats are black/cream alacantra makes more sense to swap interiors. IDK though there is something about the interior that is just so relaxing. I actualy managed to find another armrest cover at a junkyard after a local carwash broke mine and refused to pay to get it fixed.

The dealer doesn't supprise me. It took several parts guys at my local dealer before they could find the little sport logo in the middle of the steering wheel. Once i realized it was $75 i decided to not repalce my worn out one. I also had the service manager give me a hard time about owning my audi. He was lecturing my about how i should own a more echonomical car with having a family and being a soldier, etc, etc. Then he opened the hood of my car looked under it and his jaw dropped and he stopped after that.

[woolveren]

Not much better, but it's $163 shipped from GAP. That will be best price you'll find for a new one, unless you actually work in an Audi parts dept. Then it might be $150.

Good luck with the junkyards. I'd probably take a Tuesday around noon-1pm and start calling junkyards 1 after another until you find what you're looking for. Tuesday because whoever answers the phone may not want to deal with this minute crap on a Monday morning, but you want to be able to call them back the next day or couple days later to see what they found - and you certainly don't want to stretch that over a weekend. It will be forgotten. So Tuesday works good. And you don't want to call too much earlier than noon or too late in the afternoon either. Too early and the junkyards in Cali haven't got their coffee going yet. Too late in the afternoon and the east coast guys are rushed by the clock and your stupid interior problem is not a priority.

Other tips:
- Catching them early in the morning or just after lunch is best.
- Get names of who you talked to about it and/or who is supposedly checking into this for you
- Get approximate time it will take for them to find out so you know when to call back (they will not call you, even if they say they will)
- Keep track of every lead, all the details. If you want this to happen you must be organized.
- Don't take any crap. If they won't verify a color code or at least send you a photo next to a blank sheet of paper, you're not interested. Just move on.
- Be nice to talk to, and clear. But don't waste their time on the phone. These people are busy and you want to be able to talk to them again later on.
- Try not to be "that guy". It's hard, but do your best.
- They will probably make you buy the entire console. That's fine, just go with it.
- For most junkyards, this is not a common, high volume, or high margin part. And they are often broken anyway, so they don't even bother. Just realize they are doing you a huge favor if they even attempt to track one down for you, especially in a rare color that is difficult to verify (ie: not black).

Yeah, I saw that price at GAP. But I am not that confident with the color they are carrying. Because last time when I was trying to get some OEM springs for my VIN number, they were actually trying to sell springs with different color code compared to what I have in my car. Anyway, I didn't buy spring from them..

As you said, I called couple of used parts/ junkyards and none of them even heard about this color before..LOL. I guess this is a very rare color from audi and of course,its costly for that reason..I guess..

"Too early and the junkyards in Cali haven't got their coffee going yet. Too late in the afternoon and the east coast guys are rushed by the clock and your stupid interior problem is not a priority. "

LOL, I know this is what exactly happens once I start looking for any parts..:)

[2cB51.8t]

No need for photos. The "EQ" interior color code is Mussel (Opal Grey).

Pretty sure this means that I win, right? Based on my mastery of deductive reasoning as evidenced in post #9, yes? lol

Hey Walky Talky is there any way you can tell me my interior color? my code is NOC / EE

[woolveren]

my code is NOC / EE

Its Clay

[walky_talky20]

Woolvy, respectfully - I don't think that is correct. For 99.5-2001 model years there are several combinations available. The N0C (November Zero Charlie) indicates that the OP has leatherette seating surfaces.

There are several color codes available within that trim:

BR = Onyx seats with Satin Black dash/steering wheel
EC = Mussel (Opal Grey) seats with Basalt dash/steering wheel
ED = Ecru (Beige) seats with Satin Black dash/ steering wheel
BL = Ecru (Beige) seats with Maritime Blue dash/steering wheel
EE = Ecru (Beige) seats with Cabernet dash/steering wheel

The Clay color code "EA" (Clay seats with Cabernet dash/wheel) was only available in leather or cloth, but not leatherette (N0C). At least in the facelift cars.

*Above is best effort interpretation of ETKA catalog and is by no means reliable information for the purpose of parts ordering. Please consult your dealer to verify before making purchases. Your mileage may vary. Some restrictions may apply. See site for details.

[woolveren]

Woolvy, respectfully - I don't think that is correct.
The Clay color code "EA" (Clay seats with Cabernet dash/wheel) was only available in leather or cloth, but not leatherette (N0C). At least in the facelift cars.


Thanks for the correction. [up]

[walky_talky20]

No worries, good sir. [;)]

[2cB51.8t]

Woolvy, respectfully - I don't think that is correct. For 99.5-2001 model years there are several combinations available. The N0C (November Zero Charlie) indicates that the OP has leatherette seating surfaces.

There are several color codes available within that trim:

BR = Onyx seats with Satin Black dash/steering wheel
EC = Mussel (Opal Grey) seats with Basalt dash/steering wheel
ED = Ecru (Beige) seats with Satin Black dash/ steering wheel
BL = Ecru (Beige) seats with Maritime Blue dash/steering wheel
EE = Ecru (Beige) seats with Cabernet dash/steering wheel

The Clay color code "EA" (Clay seats with Cabernet dash/wheel) was only available in leather or cloth, but not leatherette (N0C). At least in the facelift cars.

*Above is best effort interpretation of ETKA catalog and is by no means reliable information for the purpose of parts ordering. Please consult your dealer to verify before making purchases. Your mileage may vary. Some restrictions may apply. See site for details.

Thank you! Very useful info[up]