Start button wear - is it wise to put some clear on a replacement?

[LawDawg]

I'm going to replace my worn out start button. I was wondering if there is any wisdom to putting a couple coats of matte clear lacquer/acrylic/etc. on the button surface before I install it to make the replacement more durable? Or is this a completely stupid idea?

Those with more knowledge of paints that I, please discuss.

[GTItoS4]

Your coating won't be better than Audi's.

[Dr GP]

Clear bra it! Or clear plastidip

[infinkc]

i had problems with my silver one, got a red one, it seems to be holding up fine.

[the4siswickid]

Clear bra it! Or clear plastidip

Great idea, although I wonder if there's a pre-cut clear adhesive sticker that can be used like a screen protector for a phone... any ideas?

[Leor604]

Not really understanding how people are wearing out the start button.

[jlaudio]

Not really understanding how people are wearing out the start button.

fat fingers or they have sandpaper hands

[SpfldS4]

I thought I saw a post earlier this week of someone putting a phone protective film on their new red button.

[HKIC]

walmart sells the clear protective films for the phones. You can buy the products that you have to cut to size yourself and just cut the circle. I personally wouldn't use any type of clear paint on it.

[dzasta]

there was a dude who recently posted that he had the guys at malls who apply screen protectors to apply one to the start button.

mine is also worn out and will be replacing mine with a red one. the newer red ones are designed better so the outer metal doesn't peel as easily especially on the letter 'N'

OLD STYLE:




NEW STYLE:



you will notice that in the newer design the letters are segmented to ensure that the metal is one continuous piece, hence reducing the likelihood of peeling...

[LawDawg]

Not really understanding how people are wearing out the start button.

I love helpful posts like this.

[SwankPeRFection]

No, but the new red ring version and you won't have a problem again. The original style kind are a POS.

[promoda]

Is this an easy do yourself instal?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Fife]

Has anyone had this replaced under warranty? My 13 is showing wear. I wonder if they'd replace it with the newer red ringed button under warranty.

[Leor604]

I love helpful posts like this.

Just wanting to understand what may be causing the problem, so myself and others may be able to avoid it. Some may find the knowledge to be helpful.

[shizzrock]

Has anyone had this replaced under warranty? My 13 is showing wear. I wonder if they'd replace it with the newer red ringed button under warranty.

Mine was wearing at 9k miles, they replaced it under warranty with the red ring. Lawdawg, if you're still under warranty try to get it replaced, the new one won't have that problem.

[BMWBig6]

Just wanting to understand what may be causing the problem, so myself and others may be able to avoid it. Some may find the knowledge to be helpful.

The problem's I've seen are not "premature wear" (of surface material wearing thin) but that the tiny acute triangles in the "A" and "N" are very sharp and can snag on things like micro-fiber towels. DO NOT EVER USE A MICRO FIBER TOWEL around the Start/Stop button. The fiber will snag and peel up the corners around the letters.

[sliner32]

How difficult is it to replace and were do purchase one

[JKrups06]

I saw somewhere can't remember where but 60 bucks to get a red one I wish there was a diy for doing it. I need to replace mine

[Leor604]

The problem's I've seen are not "premature wear" (of surface material wearing thin) but that the tiny acute triangles in the "A" and "N" are very sharp and can snag on things like micro-fiber towels. DO NOT EVER USE A MICRO FIBER TOWEL around the Start/Stop button. The fiber will snag and peel up the corners around the letters.

Thank you. That makes sense and is most helpful. Certainly understandable how the button could be damaged, but not clear how it could be "worn out".

[BrianV]

My N was causing a problem, so much that it developed a point that when I'd press it, it could draw blood from my index finger. It got so bad I ended up just snipping the edge off so now my N is a bit strange looking, but at least it's flat and smooth.

How hard are these to swap out?

[will13k7]

A short how-to I wrote up

...


Its an OEM Part from BKS Tuning, plug and play. Easy to install, the AC controls popped out using my finger in one the larger holes on the bottom, pulling outward. The shift boot just needs a simple pry tool, and the MMI controls pop out by pulling up swiftly from the area exposed by pulling up the shift boot, pulling up from the part closest to the armrest. Using a narrow pry tool, you push up on the wire clip's latch to pull out the connector, then push the button up firmly to pop it out. Push the new button in, re-install the connector, push the MMI controls back in, the AC controls, and finally the shift boot.

Day Time Shots:

[rtmeikle]

Has anyone had this replaced under warranty? My 13 is showing wear. I wonder if they'd replace it with the newer red ringed button under warranty.

I just brought my 2013 in for the 15k service and asked them to replace it. They covered it under warranty, no questions asked, and they replaced it with the new red button.

[fitzydude]

I just ordered and installed the new style start button from BKS tuning. With the exchange rate it came to 69 shipped I believe and It got here from Germany in less than two weeks. Looks great, thanks all!

[11move]

I just ordered and installed the new style start button from BKS tuning. With the exchange rate it came to 69 shipped I believe and It got here from Germany in less than two weeks. Looks great, thanks all!

How hard was it to replace? Anyone have a write up mine is peeling

[BMWManiac]

The "N" in mine peeled after cleaning the interior with a micro fiber towel....it is a 2013 A4, so still a year under warranty....hopefully the dealer replaces it!

[B18b1ex]

The "N" in mine peeled after cleaning the interior with a micro fiber towel....it is a 2013 A4, so still a year under warranty....hopefully the dealer replaces it!

Mine Is at dealer now, My N drew blood as well, I now have a red one as well, the red supercedes the old style so any replacement is automatically red.

[DBL R]

Mine Is at dealer now, My N drew blood as well, I now have a red one as well, the red supercedes the old style so any replacement is automatically red.

[IMG]via Imgflip Meme Maker[/IMG]

[B18b1ex]

[IMG]via Imgflip Meme Maker[/IMG]

LOL, Got a new one. :)

[VenturiRS]

I just brought my 2013 in for the 15k service and asked them to replace it. They covered it under warranty, no questions asked, and they replaced it with the new red button.

Did you have wear? I just want a new one because it looks better (no wear).

[TexasDfwS4]

Not really understanding how people are wearing out the start button.

Lotions and such will eat the finish.

[TexasDfwS4]

Try and find a retractable badge clip that has an adhesive decal on it and use it. Stop by office supply and look for the one that says EASY

[Zaider]

Same thing happened to me with my silver start button. Went to the dealership and asked about getting it replaced. They'll only do it up to the 1 year/20k mark.. interior trim warranty.

They wanted $265 to replace it. No thanks. I'll order the $70USD part and do it myself in 20 mins.

[PitchS4]

cell phone screen cover

[bgm130]

i have a perfectly good one sitting on my desk from my car. PM if you are interested.

[rtmeikle]

Did you have wear? I just want a new one because it looks better (no wear).

They replaced it because the old one was peeling off. I wouldn't call it wear though. I think what happens is with the old design, when wiping the interior with a microfiber, the point in the "A" get snagged on the microfiber and peels up. It has nothing to do with lotion or anything like that.

The new button is cut out differently, so there is no point on the "A" that isn't attached to the rest of the metal.

[jsh139]

I just joined the club yesterday. No microfiber towel involved. It's been 10 degrees here in Philly and I was wearing gloves. The point of the 'N' caught and pulled up. Guess I'll be ordering the red-ringed button.

[maximus]

Reviving old thread to give something back to the community. I bought off ebay $50, shipped from Lithuania, genuine Audi part, made in Britain, PN: 8K0905217C

This trim guide really helped me: http://blog.ocarbon.com/2010/06/b8-a...removal-guide/

It took me 30 mins as I was being very careful. I did not remove the shift boot and instead did some body contortion to see under, insert eyeglass screwdriver into button spring loaded clips while pushing bottom up with other hand.

New S4 owner here (2010 DSG) and it is very pleasant inside with this worn button replaced.

[amusante]

Reviving old thread to give something back to the community. I bought off ebay $50, shipped from Lithuania, genuine Audi part, made in Britain, PN: 8K0905217C

This trim guide really helped me: http://blog.ocarbon.com/2010/06/b8-a...removal-guide/

It took me 30 mins as I was being very careful. I did not remove the shift boot and instead did some body contortion to see under, insert eyeglass screwdriver into button spring loaded clips while pushing bottom up with other hand.

New S4 owner here (2010 DSG) and it is very pleasant inside with this worn button replaced.

Mine looks just like that, I really need to do this upgrade

[glaciermetallic]

Install on this is easy, did it two weeks ago replacing a worn silver for a new red one. AMAZON: Gear245 was the seller. I paid $53 for mine. The only hard part was shipping took 3-4 weeks, but it was worth it for me saving the money.