DRC

I've only had my car since 3/1/00 and already it looks like the color dye on my driver's seat is wearing off with darker areas showing through, especially on the seatback. Thinking it was just some dirt or grime, I tried cleaning with leatherette/leather cleaner but didn't help. I then tried more powerful cleaners with no improvement. On closer inspection it actually appears the color is wearing off and looks horrible. Kinda disappointing on a $30k+ car, but then IMO leatherette is very disappointing on a $30k+ car to begin with. Hoepfully it'll be replaced under warranty.

Anyone else experiencing this?<p><img src="http://home.hiwaay.net/~drcannon/a4/forumsig.jpg">
Melange/Ecru-Onyx Ambition

larryV

I had my ecru leatherette for 29K miles of driving and cleaned only once a month if that even. It was abused by all the jeans I wear and all day being parked under the hot SoCali sun when I'm at work. I get occasional staining from jeans but they usually come off with some rubbing alcohol followed by Vinylex. I only use Vinylex by Lexol and even to the day I sold it, the ecru leatherette looked and felt as good as new! It stood up well to 29K miles of driving with no wear or discoloration whatsoever. Perhaps it was the harsh cleaners you used. Try taking it to the dealer under warranty (good luck) or maybe you can take advantage of a delaer-added upholstery guarantee if you bought one during delivery that is.<p><b>larryV</b>
2001 S4 <i>silver/silver/6spd/prem/bose/cold/nav</i>

Greyhound Guy

<p> - George -
- '01 Avant 1.8TQMS On Order -

DRC

so that's not the cause. I tried Vinylex, Tanner's Preserve leather cleaner, Classic Soft Trim (CST) leather cleaner, Simple Green and finally (what I meant by "harsher") a mild fabric cleaner. So nothing serious enough to ruin it anyway. I didn't want to use anything that might seriously affect the leatherette and void a possible warranty issue. Manufacturing processes aren't foolproof and it could in fact, just be a bad run of leatherette. I'm scheduled for my first service Tues so I'll add this to the list. Fortunately, my dealer is 100% customer satisfaction oriented and the Audi manager is a good friend with a lot of clout, so it'll be interesting to see how they handle it.<p><img src="http://home.hiwaay.net/~drcannon/a4/forumsig.jpg">
Melange/Ecru-Onyx Ambition

A4Driver

My Ecru leatherette still looks great. It has gotten a little dirty from time to time -- especially when I've worn new blue jeans and the seats turned a little blue -- but I sprayed on a little Westley's Leather & Vinyl Cleaner and the blue came right out.

--StevenN

DRC

<p><img src="http://home.hiwaay.net/~drcannon/a4/forumsig.jpg">
Melange/Ecru-Onyx Ambition

RKJ

I have the same dark band about 3" up on the driver's seat back. Finally figured out it was exactly where my blet touches the seat. I have tried to remove with Simple Green and Stoner's foaming cleaner and Stoner's citrus cleaner. It is a bit lighter, but it's still there.

I'm sure there is some slovent that will safely remove it, but It's gonna come come back as long as I wear a belt. I've decided not to worry about it, but would like to know if you find a way to safely clean the seat.

Robert Jordan
'97 Black/Ecru 1.8t/M/srf/Bose/CD/clear corners/smoked side markers/splashguards/armrest/16" 5-spokes w Dunlop SP-5000