UPHOLSTERY - my ceiling material is falling down!! help!!

[Angie York]

Goodday

The material on my ceiling of my AUDI A3 started coming loose (hanging) about a year ago and the mechanic at AUDI GARAGE mentioned it to me and said that it is a common problem with AUDIs in Dubai - because of the AC and heat/humidity in Dubai.

It has now got much worse the material/upholstery around the light in the center of the ceiling is completely loose and now it is really hanging..

I asked the Service guy at AUDI Nabooda and he said I need to go to an upholster company in Dubai to 'restick' it but he couldn't or wouldn't give me any names or recommendations. I am girl who doesn't know much about upholstery for cars but I do know that there are many companies that will try 'rip me off' in Dubai.

So please, if you have had and solved this problem with your AUDI or you know any information that can help me fix my upholstery, I would really appreciate it - my car is in EXCELLENT condition except this issue.

I will be very grateful for your feedback.

Angie

[dilshad]

Hi Angie,

Welcome aboard dear, don't worry as you have come to very right place for seeking the real world advise - BS. lol.

So far my Audi is fine, but in past same happen with my Touareg and exactly same explanation got from dealer, looks like German car upholstery can't withstand Dubai heat and give up in few years. It's actually the foam German car uses cause this issue as in higher end vehicle they want to make vehicle headliner as plush and soft as possible and embed the foam in between the Alcantra and the headboard. Only permanent fix to this is to completely remove the headliner and scrape off entire broken foam and re glue the same Alcantra (not quiet possible in fabric) with Bison Kit, that withstand UAE heat as much as possible.

Only drawback is you will loose that soft touch feel in headliner, big deal....? All Japanese and American cars have same.

You can visit Polimar Motors (04 3412799) and show the roof and get estimate and then visit Sara auto care (04 3400265) and do the same to double check the difference. They both are in Al quoz backside, call them and get location as i cant recall their exact place.

Polimar will be on higher than Sara, but by visiting two you will do the due diligence. I got my Touareg done from Sara for 1200 dhs in one full day, whereas Polimar quoted me 4000 dhs and 4 days. Whereas they both explained the same procedure and showed me their previous work as well. Sara gave me 1 year guarantee as well.

Good luck, if you need any more help let us know. Happy to help.

[Angie York]

Goodday dishad

I am really grateful for your speedy response and I will go and get a quote from the companies you mentioned.

Thank you

[dev]

Yes its true, that humid in Dubai takes it toll on upholsery, in Audi it normally doesn't happens. The guys at Audi should get it fixed if you car is 1 year old and under warranty. If not you can take it to you Leathero Upholstery Co. at Al Quoz its behind BMW Showroom. They are specialist I have seen them doing customized upholsery for limo. Those guys can suggest the material that goes well with your car and the climate. dnt worry you are not left alone in this problem.

[ivaan]

Changing material is always expensive route, as you will not settle for plain foamy fabric in Audi and Alcantra game starts from 5k - 20k AED. I think what dilshad said makes more sense if they can re-use same alacantra by carefully cleaning and gluing it properly with Dubai heat proof glue.

Angie, any update on what you have got?