C3 = Center Console Crack

[rollingstone]

Howdy folks. Well, I've just found a second hairline crack in the center console (dark poplar). The dealer already knows about the first, which stems from the passenger airbag warning light to the ashtray. The second is between the driver seat and the parking break. Now it is possible I'd never noticed the second one until now as it is very subtle, BUT I am meticulous about the car and concerned that the cracks may continue to appear or worsen as the warm, sunny summer days settle in (expanding & contracting).

On a 2007 w/ less than 8,500 miles, I consider this a materials warranty issue. When I first mentioned it to the service manager he said they can't replace just one piece of wood trim because all three pieces come from the same batch of poplar (so that it all matches). They would have to do all three (which made him hesitant to suggest they would cover it).

So, is this true or a load of hooey?

And has anyone else with wood trim noticed cracks that form in their center console?

 

[srhutch]

To me if one part needs replacing, and all three come together then they need to replace all three. I'm guessing they dont want to do the job, as it's quite involved

 

[rollingstone]

Okay, so this will be a warranty repair. The dealer is uncertain if it was just a poor part OR if the pothole pathways Richmond calls "roads" actually lead to stress cracks in the console. Either way, it will be replaced.

I've asked if it would be possible to replace it with something else, suggesting Piano Black. But I expect the answer will be no, as it wasn't offered here in the states. They offered the idea of replacing it with Dark Poplar (matching its original spec) or changing to Brushed Aluminum, which naturally wouldn't potentially crack in the future.

I'm still going to try for Piano Black, but if I cannot get that, what would my fellow Z4-driving compatriots suggest... staying with Dark Poplar or going with Brushed Aluminum (going in 2007 w/ Dream Red Sport Seats)?

Thanks for your opinions.

Cheers.