rs3 carbon fiber center console?

[M3_Dylan]

I see a lot of people on Instagram with carbon fiber finished center console trim. At first, I thought it was tacky but the more and more I look at it the OEM plastic center console does look kinda cheap. Plus all the other S and RS models have carbon fiber trimmed center consoles and I think it looks quite good. All I can find online are overlay stick-on carbon fiber "skins" and I was looking for an actual replacement. Does anyone have experience with these and the finish of the overlays? Any recommendations on ones that are better quality than the other? My guess is they all probably come from the same cheap manufacturing plant in China.

[JBones81]

can you link to some pics so we can see which ones you're looking at?

[M3_Dylan]

can you link to some pics so we can see which ones you're looking at?

Can't believe I am about to send Amazon links to "car parts" but here we go...

https://www.amazon.com/Wcnsxs-Carbon...089GVJ1LV?th=1

$280 - No reviews but says in the description that it is real carbon fiber and that it is installed with 3M tape layering over the existing trim. Looks pretty good in the photos.

https://carbon-designz.com/audi-a3-s...-facelift.html

$570 - An actual carbon fiber molded piece, however is only for the upper console where the cup holders are. The OEM trim here actually has a kinda brushed design and looks good. If anything I would want to replace the lower center console alone, but can't find any molded replacement pieces for the lower half, only upper

https://www.ebay.com/itm/174711905781

$170 - this seller seems more professional and enthusiast-oriented than the Amazon link above. Also about $100 cheaper.

https://eurobahndynamics.com/product...42146835529969

$650 - This seems like the most trusted and established manufacturer of the bunch. Has a few reviews. Not sure if the quality is any better than the above Amazon and Ebay links that are almost 1/4th of the price. Could be literally the exact thing just upselled to appear as having better quality

https://www.bergtuning.com/products/...-a3-s3-rs3-rhd

$900 - This is the best thing I have seen so far and is a direct replacement. However, not sure if it includes the MMI buttons as pictured. Emailed the seller and got no response. My guess is no, but don't want to pay for MMI controls that I don't need. Also again not sure how much better this would look compared to the stick on ones to justify the price -which isn't awful.

[Skunkwerx]

Interesting links..

Will offer my opinion as I don't have experience with these specific carbon bits. I have nothing against carbon fiber and like it as accent pieces but don't have the interest or style eye to have too much of it. If your tastes and "try it and see" budget wants to go for it.... I would also suggest searching AliExpress. There are a lot of pieces, at a lower price with albeit sometimes questionable quality sold there but you could experiment with some of these for a lower price. Returns may be a challenge with any of these retailers and you'd probably have better luck with a domestic reseller unless their policies are already stated as "buy it, enjoy and don't call us".


Examples:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...rch-mainSearch
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3295...rch-mainSearch
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...001446599728.1

[joszer]

Interesting links..

Will offer my opinion as I don't have experience with these specific carbon bits. I have nothing against carbon fiber and like it as accent pieces but don't have the interest or style eye to have too much of it. If your tastes and "try it and see" budget wants to go for it.... I would also suggest searching AliExpress. There are a lot of pieces, at a lower price with albeit sometimes questionable quality sold there but you could experiment with some of these for a lower price. Returns may be a challenge with any of these retailers and you'd probably have better luck with a domestic reseller unless their policies are already stated as "buy it, enjoy and don't call us".


Examples:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...rch-mainSearch
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3295...rch-mainSearch
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...001446599728.1

I got mine from AliExpress just as on this link and I love it. It's a legit real CF piece that sticks on with double sided tape. I've had it for a few years and it has held up great.

Here's a photo of mine with the kickpanel covers (are fake CF but good enough)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/c5Xifpt5Q38WbzBh8

[M3_Dylan]

I got mine from AliExpress just as on this link and I love it. It's a legit real CF piece that sticks on with double sided tape. I've had it for a few years and it has held up great.

Here's a photo of mine with the kickpanel covers (are fake CF but good enough)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/c5Xifpt5Q38WbzBh8

Thanks for the info and pictures! It looks good, I will just be going with the center console trim as I have the RS Design package and have stitched Alcantara side pieces!

[JBones81]

All of those options look decent via the links, but it will be interesting to see the product that actually arrives at your doorstep.

For me, the main concern I have is with the bright silver part inside of the console area, just around the shifter. It's blinding on sunny days. I wish someone would make a film or something that we could affix to that area just to keep down the glare.

[M3_Dylan]

All of those options look decent via the links, but it will be interesting to see the product that actually arrives at your doorstep.

For me, the main concern I have is with the bright silver part inside of the console area, just around the shifter. It's blinding on sunny days. I wish someone would make a film or something that we could affix to that area just to keep down the glare.

I totally agree. Will try to remember to update this thread with pictures and information whenever I get my hands on one.

[UberDave]

I decided to take a flier on this one, $33 and it's one piece unlike some that have the two wrap around pieces separate. I'll report how it looks when I received it in about a month.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...21eR5DHsl&mp=1

[ArrEssDrei]

I decided to take a flier on this one, $33 and it's one piece unlike some that have the two wrap around pieces separate. I'll report how it looks when I received it in about a month.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...21eR5DHsl&mp=1

That's hydrodipped, not actual carbon fibre.

[UberDave]

That's hydrodipped, not actual carbon fibre.

Honestly, at $30 I don't think any of them are "real." I'll report how it looks when I get it.

[UberDave]

I received the part from AliExpress today, so shipping took about two weeks. It actually looks really good. Clearly it is hydro dipped plastic as ArrEssDrei said above, but they did a really nice job, it looks really authentic.

Fitment was perfect as well. Lots of double sided tape, easy to install. Pics below. We’ll see how long it holds up, I’m pleased so far.












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[Skunkwerx]

Thanks for the update.

Glad you like your purchase.. now you have more money to spend on other mods compared to what you might have spent on post #3. :)

[Plake]

Looks like a really good fit. Nice.

[UberDave]

Glad you like your purchase.. now you have more money to spend on other mods compared to what you might have spent on post #3. :)

It's a good way to see if I like the look, if I do then I'll likely spend a couple hundred on one of the "real" carbon fiber overlays.

[jd_rs3]

For $30 that is great. Why not, I say

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[M3_Dylan]

Thanks for the update!

[Crowlski]

I ordered this one. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...21eR5DHsl&mp=1

Received it today and promptly installed it. Great fit. Probably the best fitting stick-on interior item I've seen. The only difference is it is a slightly different color than the stock carbon fiber accents on the doors and dash but other than that it looks awesome. Not bad at all for the price.

[jd_rs3]

Link doesn't work

[Jetdriver]

CarbonFabrik shift frame. Looks great! I got their shift paddles as well that I will put in tomorrow.

https://www.carbonfabrik.com/en/prod...on-shift-frame

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[Heat00]

CarbonFabrik shift frame. Looks great! I got their shift paddles as well that I will put in tomorrow.

https://www.carbonfabrik.com/en/prod...on-shift-frame

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very interesting and agreed, looks great. how was install?

[Jetdriver]

very interesting and agreed, looks great. how was install?

Install took about 20 min. Very easy with some trim puller tools and a Torx bit. Fit and finish is OE-like. I'm actually pretty amazed. These look like OE parts that have carbon laminated over them.

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[Crowlski]

What did all this run you? Looks great!

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[993140]

What did all this run you? Looks great!

Try the link in his post: https://www.carbonfabrik.com/en/prod...on-shift-frame

[Jetdriver]

Pricey, but worth it IMO. Take a look at their shift paddles as well in the other thread.

[Fixeroh]

Replacing the piano black center console with a carbon fiber console from Carbon Fabrik was THE very first mod I made to my 2024. In fact it was delivered before I got the got the car from the dealership. Sat in different RS3 at the dealership and know that shiny console had to go! Install was very straight forward. Weave matches the other CF trim in the car exactly.

[Heat00]

Thanks for the update.

Glad you like your purchase.. now you have more money to spend on other mods compared to what you might have spent on post #3. :)

this looks really good... but i see in the link and your pics it's not a 24, I don't see the same product for the 8y/24... this might be a good option actually. looks great in the pics.

[Heat00]

I received the part from AliExpress today, so shipping took about two weeks. It actually looks really good. Clearly it is hydro dipped plastic as ArrEssDrei said above, but they did a really nice job, it looks really authentic.

Fitment was perfect as well. Lots of double sided tape, easy to install. Pics below. We’ll see how long it holds up, I’m pleased so far.












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sorry quoted the wrong post.. meant for this one. looks good but the site on the link shows for the older model not a 24... this might be the best solution, cheapest, easiest and still looks great?

[993140]

sorry quoted the wrong post.. meant for this one. looks good but the site on the link shows for the older model not a 24... this might be the best solution, cheapest, easiest and still looks great?

Forget it. This thread was started by an 8V owner. For the 8Y, just go to Germany... https://www.carbonfabrik.com/en/prod...on-shift-frame