Cracks in GTI Mk.4 plastic/wood door trim pieces

[Old_Fart]

(1) Does anybody know the reason why the fake plastic/wood door trim pieces on GTI Mk.4's develop hairline cracks?

(2) Is it simply the result of a poor quality control by the OEM component supplier to VW OR does the trim material break down over time from exposure to the sun or ultra violet light?

(3) Are there replacement plastic trim pieces available - notably for the front driver and passenger door armrests which house the power window switches - from non VW sources in Australia or overseas?

(4) If replacement trim pieces are available - who has them and at what cost?

[balkanac]

(1) Does anybody know the reason why the fake plastic/wood door trim pieces on GTI Mk.4's develop hairline cracks?

(2) Is it simply the result of a poor quality control by the OEM component supplier to VW OR does the trim material break down over time from exposure to the sun or ultra violet light?I guess its the sun, i dont think VW Quality control would let that pass

(3) Are there replacement plastic trim pieces available - notably for the front driver and passenger door armrests which house the power window switches - from non VW sources in Australia or overseas?

(4) If replacement trim pieces are available - who has them and at what cost?

www.tmtuning.com or fleabay

[RedMk2Gti]

I guess its the sun, i dont think VW Quality control would let that pass

I don't think so, my Mk4 Gti is always garage at night and inside under covered car park in day time, it developed same crack in 5 years. I can see German car body parts quality are going down hill nowaday.

[gavs]

People ask me about how it feels owning a piece of german automobile and I say, "What, german?! You're kidding right? This here is an example of some of mexico's finest manufacturing! German? Pah!"

You might be luck and have gotten a quality South African model A country that prouds itself on the manufacture of the world's crappest built car, a car that still rusts, even though it's made from aluminium, the mighty Land Rover Defender!!

[dubbed]

I don't believe Oz delivered MkIV GTIs were ever built in South Africa, gavs.

There are plenty of places that sell replacement panels - maybe you should consider a full set of brushed aluminium style from the R32?

[RedMk2Gti]

I don't believe Oz delivered MkIV GTIs were ever built in South Africa, gavs.

There are plenty of places that sell replacement panels - maybe you should consider a full set of brushed aluminium style from the R32?

German built doesn't mean everything of the car are from German. I'm so disapointed with all these plastic cracking quality of a German car. Jap car are a lot better, every Toyota that I owned never have these problem even after 15 years.

[JustCruisn]

VW don't know how to make plastic.
Water pump + window regulator all perish and need to be replaced with metal.
The Japs seem to know plastic and try to use as much of it a possible in their cars.

[YellowDieselGolf]

German built doesn't mean everything of the car are from German. I'm so disapointed with all these plastic cracking quality of a German car. Jap car are a lot better, every Toyota that I owned never have these problem even after 15 years.

It's because toyota interiors are made from recycled CD jewel cases. So hard and shiny.

[Manaz]

Every Toyota that I owned never have these problem even after 15 years.

My fridges and washing machines have lasted years without issues too...

[z456]

I don't believe Oz delivered MkIV GTIs were ever built in South Africa, gavs.

There are plenty of places that sell replacement panels - maybe you should consider a full set of brushed aluminium style from the R32?

MkIV's from Nov 2003 onwards were South African built - and the woodgrain cracks on those ones too

does anyone know if these pieces be bought individually or only as a kit?