Dash/centre console inserts - replacement options.

[Steve]

Hi,

I had a bit of a closer look at a Passat the other day and noticed something that wasn't apparent during the test drive - the awful glare and sunlight reflection from the silver junk around the stereo, climate control, and gear stick. It looks pretty tacky, too.

For those of you who have your cars already (), is the glare as much of an issue as I think it will be?

I'm looking at this replacement: http://oempl.us/index.php?main_page=...roducts_id=321. I think it's the right model, although I'm not sure if there is a suitable colour scheme. Perhaps the dark brushed aluminium... I think that's the stuff shown in the larger photo with the wood grain and older model climate system in the big photo.

Anyway, does anyone have any links to other replacements, or have you replaced it already? I want something dark, although some gloss is OK. I really like the piano black stuff in Audi's...

Cheers

[Steve]

Hm, here's some more information:

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2824137

Nothing realy appeals

[drbass]

Hi Steve,

Yes, it can be an issue, not so much the brushed metal dash but the ultra-shiny area around the gearbox is prone to producing excessive reflections and glare. A "glaring oversight", as I've written previously.

Haven't done anything about it even though this is probably the most annoying issue (really the only issue other than the colour of the car - PE Black which looks fantastic as long as you don't leave the car wash !!; just kidding, it's not too bad).

Wouldn't be too bad if it was brushed but I have to agree, something darker to match the interior (cloth for me) would be much more appropriate and classy.

Sorry I don't have a solution for you but you're not the only one who noticed this.

Seeya,
Michael

[Steve]

Yeah, the shiny junk is the stuff that really annoyed me. The stuff on the dash and around the instruments was fine.

I just had a quick glance at the R36 flyer (VW still don't have a price list or tech specs up on their web site, but they've got the R50 covered nicely) and it's mentioned that there are "Brushed dark aluminium decorative inserts in dashboard and centre console" - so I guess there's the vague possibility the glare problem is kind of fixed in the R36.

Edit: Hmm...:

http://doncro.dyndns.org/pics/Cars/VW/Passat%20R36/Australian/Image062.jpg

http://doncro.dyndns.org/pics/Cars/VW/Passat%20R36/Geneva/img0884mediumhi0.jpg

I guess we'll see what happens when it gets here... sigh.

[richdave]

Yeah, the shiny junk is the stuff that really annoyed me. The stuff on the dash and around the instruments was fine.

While I like some of the alternate trims that are available (thanks Steve for the links) they donot address the actual problem... the shiney chrome finish along the edge of the ashtray lid and the gear shifter surround...

The other "matt" silver trim (IMO) looks just fine and causes me no reflective issues.

BTW the brushed aluminium rear bar cover looks cool! May just have to get one...

[Passat78]

I've had mine since January, and only once has the glare off the gearstick bit hit me - ironically it was while I was discussing it with my missus ...maybe I'm just not very observant most of the time!

Let us know how you go with replacement options though as it's not the best looking trim...

[Vene]

Guys.....just found out that 09 Passats have had the chrome bits replaced with satin chrome......problem fixed (if you have a 09 model that is lolol).

Doesn't really bother me, just put on some sunnies.

[WestOiler125]

Not noticed any glare either!
Mind you, will wait until summer before offering a final opinion.