Leather Seat Problems?

Swadman · 30th August 2007, 06:33 AM

Hi guys,

Have had my car about a month now and done 2000 miles, the leather seats are showing significant signs of wear

. Sagging in the centre panel and the side bolsters. (Have had 3 previous Audi's which have never had this problem)Been back to dealer who has confirmed that there is a fault being investigated by Audi at the moment, either relative to the stitching location or the foam/cushioning used in the sports seat. Anyone else noticed any problems yet?

SBJ · 30th August 2007, 08:28 AM

I had upgraded to Valcona but (long story, misbuild) ended up with standard leather.

Simon

chasTT · 30th August 2007, 09:13 AM

My Magma Red leather seats have discoloured already, but that's got a lot more to do with my new black jeans than it has Audi's leather!!

sizzle · 30th August 2007, 06:44 PM

Take some pics if you can....

Rab88 · 20th September 2007, 06:35 AM

Has anyone any further information on this?

I've also noticed the inserts in my sports seats stretching slightly, and i've only did 1000 miles.

Anyone noticed anything?

Arvin · 20th September 2007, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chasTT

My Magma Red leather seats have discoloured already, but that's got a lot more to do with my new black jeans than it has Audi's leather!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sizzle

Take some pics if you can....

Yeah, I wanna see those black jeans?

Ian · 20th September 2007, 07:15 AM

Are all the problems with Valcona leather or are there any issues with Milano?

-=Hot|Ice=- · 20th September 2007, 03:14 PM

wow, Audi's been known for quality interiors, I wonder if quality control is slacking..?

EDMOND · 20th September 2007, 03:29 PM

I have just ordered my car, interior is magma red and now im begining to worry. But I am waiting for the automatics coming out in May of 08'. I hope they can fix this problem by then,,, I am getting the 1st automatic that my dealer in Manhattan is getting.

Ed

scratch113 · 15th October 2007, 09:53 AM

Not sure if this is 'on topic' for this thread, but my dealer let slip that there have been quality issues with the manual seats. Not sure what, but all the cars they've had have been delivered with the electric adjustment, even if it wasn't ordered!

I wasn't sold on the need for electric seats, so stuck to manual, but hey, if Audi are going to give me a free £600 option, then who am I to complain?

I also wonder if this was part of the problem with early delivery cars all being delayed by around 5 weeks...

Anyone order the manual seats and end up with electric?

tornblad · 15th October 2007, 11:50 AM

I actually heard this today, a colloegues 2.7TDI A5 was delivered with electric seats although it was ordered with manual. He got them for free!

prhim · 15th October 2007, 12:44 PM

Interesting... I've noticed that my Valcona (electric) seats take a long time to return to normal shape if you lean on them with an elbow, knee etc.

I'd be interested to hear the outcome of any discussions with Audi.

johnboyle · 15th October 2007, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tornblad

I actually heard this today, a colloegues 2.7TDI A5 was delivered with electric seats although it was ordered with manual. He got them for free!

Rats! Too late to cancel my electic seats though!

houseofg · 15th October 2007, 12:55 PM

And we don't get this kind of a la carte ordering in the U.S. or I'd try deleting it too!

markus · 15th October 2007, 02:30 PM

Hi All

I ordered my 3.0 TDI with normal seats - but got the electric ones installed when I picked up the car (4 weeks ago now). The seats were listed as 'NCO' (NO cost Option) and I gather it was to do with the quality issues...

However, talking of quality, I have noticed that my seat is looking a little worn already - only after 200 miles. The area of most concern is the bottom seat central section - its as if the leather material has stretched a little and now has a slight 'ripple look' rather than being smooth. I have not had leather seats before so I'm not sure if that is 'normal'....

rgs

MArk

Swadman · 16th October 2007, 04:56 AM

Markus,

If in doubt then report it to your dealer, it is normal to expect some movement in the leather, though it should not show visable sag or bubbles at this stage in its life.

I have now been in contact with Audi UK at Milton Keynes and they have assured me that it is a registered fault which is being researched in Germany awaiting a factory fix and they will come back to me when they have a further update.

My problems are on Black valcona leather.

SBJ · 16th October 2007, 06:08 AM

Swadman,

I'd be very interested in hearing how this issue progresses. I've got almost the same spec as you. Also sent you a PM.

Simon

Ian · 16th October 2007, 10:07 PM

Me too Swadman. This is exactly the sort of info we will all benefit from on this forum. Please post updates when available.

markus · 18th October 2007, 11:10 AM

I will try and post some pictures this weekend...

Went to dealer today and they said ..'that is not wear, just leather creap, and nothing to be worried about..'. THey did assure me that if there was a problem they would replace the seat....

Watch out for pics and we can compare...

rgs

MArk

418BUC · 18th October 2007, 12:52 PM

I have also got valcona and experiencing the same problem. Quite a lot of sagging away from the seat cushion in the central section.

How bad does it have to get before they will replace. The worry is that if Audi say wait for a while and replace a single seat then there may be a colour variance with the rest of the car ! especially as I have star silver.

Banjo · 26th October 2007, 01:45 PM

I have a problem with the back seat, the car had the interior treated to help keep it clean more easily and i can only think that the guy doing the work kneeled on the seat.... the biggest worry is the sub structure under the leather is also damaged. Took it back to the dealer and they are going to replace the seat.

A5inReston · 27th October 2007, 06:16 AM

I am going to opt for the USA S-Line package for my A5, but I am not crazy about the Alcantera Leather/fabric combination on the sport Seats I see in pictures.
I would consider the USA optional Milano leather upgrade (I understand at $1000 extra) if it looks good and results in all leather seating.

Has anyone see Milano leather and what are your impressions?

houseofg · 27th October 2007, 07:21 AM

Sounds like you know a bit more than I do. Thus far, my order is A5 S-Line (only black interior available) without the Milano upgrade. Are you saying that this will result in us getting that sueded middle unless upgraded? My dealer was able to shed no light on this other than Milano possibly being full leather wrapping instead of just sitting portions.

A5inReston · 27th October 2007, 04:33 PM

What I know is that S-Line entails the Leather/Alcantera (Black) seats. Two dealers I spoke with cannot confirm if the Milano leathers would replace the Alcantera, which I would prefer, even though it is a $1000 option. I think this speaks to an overall lack of awarness of the A5 options as they currently exist. There seem to be only a few dealer personnel who really know the details of the product line.
Since you have one on order, I would ask them to post a formal inquery to Audi NA about the option (and keep us posted). One could infer from the press announcement that the optional leather is a full leather treatment.

From the press announcement...."The seats are upholstered in a cloth/leather combination or in Fine Nappa leather, both of which feature an embossed S line logo. Available for the first time in the A5 is the new perforated Alcantara/leather upholstery, with the perforations in the seat centre section backed in contrasting silver. The otherwise black interior is further enhanced by silver stitching".

I have attached some pictures of the S-Line interior from web-sources.

August07 · 28th October 2007, 08:19 AM

I have valcona leather and manual seats and no probs after 5k miles. Perhaps its an auto seat thing. By the way I got £500 for the delay in delivery but had manual seats as ordered...anyone get 500 PLUS electric seats?? Just thought id ask...

johnboyle · 28th October 2007, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A5inReston

I am going to opt for the USA S-Line package for my A5, but I am not crazy about the Alcantera Leather/fabric combination on the sport Seats I see in pictures.
I would consider the USA optional Milano leather upgrade (I understand at $1000 extra) if it looks good and results in all leather seating.

Has anyone see Milano leather and what are your impressions?

I have it on sports seas in my 2.7TDI Multitronic (which is not S-Line). The seats are quite firm, but look lovely!

houseofg · 28th October 2007, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A5inReston

What I know is that S-Line entails the Leather/Alcantera (Black) seats. Two dealers I spoke with cannot confirm if the Milano leathers would replace the Alcantera, which I would prefer, even though it is a $1000 option. I think this speaks to an overall lack of awarness of the A5 options as they currently exist. There seem to be only a few dealer personnel who really know the details of the product line.
Since you have one on order, I would ask them to post a formal inquery to Audi NA about the option (and keep us posted). One could infer from the press announcement that the optional leather is a full leather treatment.

From the press announcement...."The seats are upholstered in a cloth/leather combination or in Fine Nappa leather, both of which feature an embossed S line logo. Available for the first time in the A5 is the new perforated Alcantara/leather upholstery, with the perforations in the seat centre section backed in contrasting silver. The otherwise black interior is further enhanced by silver stitching".

I have attached some pictures of the S-Line interior from web-sources.

Thanks much for the info A5inReston. Yes, I'm going to have to look into this, though my dealer isn't all that proactive about information they don't have. So, Alcantara refers to the leather and those sitting areas are definitely cloth!? Ouch! Bigger ouch if Milano just changes out the leather portions. This is very surprising. Does anyone have this style of seats? Do you like them?

John, are your milano leather seats all leather?

Sorry. I guess we are getting a bit OT on this. Don't mean to threadjack an important issue.

johnboyle · 28th October 2007, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by houseofg

Thanks much for the info A5inReston. Yes, I'm going to have to look into this, though my dealer isn't all that proactive about information they don't have. So, Alcantara refers to the leather and those sitting areas are definitely cloth!? Ouch! Bigger ouch if Milano just changes out the leather portions. This is very surprising. Does anyone have this style of seats? Do you like them?

John, are your milano leather seats all leather?

Sorry. I guess we are getting a bit OT on this. Don't mean to threadjack an important issue.

Sorry, I mis read the post to which I replied. In fact I have Valcona, not Milano. My mistake, sorry. (If it helps, they are all leather).

Beardsell1 · 30th October 2007, 01:23 AM

I have noticed what appears to be sagging leather to the middle panel on both driver and passenger seats. I ordered automatic seats (in Star Silver Valcona Leather) with memory function. I did not mention it to the dealer when I picked up the vehicle but now will. Thank you.

Swadman · 30th October 2007, 01:37 AM

Here is a couple of shots of my seats

, 5000 miles so far. They have not deteriorated that much as they were bad when I took delivery of the car.

30th August 2007, 06:33 AM	#1
Swadman Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Leicestershire, UK Posts: 28	Leather Seat Problems? Hi guys, Have had my car about a month now and done 2000 miles, the leather seats are showing significant signs of wear . Sagging in the centre panel and the side bolsters. (Have had 3 previous Audi's which have never had this problem)Been back to dealer who has confirmed that there is a fault being investigated by Audi at the moment, either relative to the stitching location or the foam/cushioning used in the sports seat. Anyone else noticed any problems yet? __________________ July 2007 A5 3.0TDI Quattro Sport MTM 292BHP/550Nm, Milltek, Phantom Black, Black Valcona Leather (Replaced March 08), 19" Y's with Sportpilot's, DVD Sat Nav, Bang & Olufsen, AMI, Aluminium Hologram, Electric & Heated Seats, Electric folding door mirrors, Phone Prep, Park Assist, Tracker, ESP off in the Snow!

30th August 2007, 08:28 AM	#2
SBJ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Suffolk Posts: 159	I had upgraded to Valcona but (long story, misbuild) ended up with standard leather. Simon __________________ A5 3.0 TDI Sport [since 21/7/07] \| Phanton Black \| Sport Pack \| 19" Y \| Sat Nav Plus \| Bang & Olufsen \| Bluetooth \| Cruise Control \| Adaptive lights \| Advanced key \| Hill hold \| Parking System Plus \| Auto dim rear mirror \| Folding mirrors \| Electric/Heated Seats \| Inlays in Aluminium hologram \| Interior light pack \| Load through facility \| Painted Brake Calipers + logos \| Max Speed 164mph (indicated) in Germany

20th September 2007, 06:35 AM	#5
Rab88 Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Glasgow, Scotland. Posts: 1,652	Has anyone any further information on this? I've also noticed the inserts in my sports seats stretching slightly, and i've only did 1000 miles. Anyone noticed anything? __________________ *A5OC Moderator*

15th October 2007, 12:44 PM	#12
prhim Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Berkshire Posts: 172	Interesting... I've noticed that my Valcona (electric) seats take a long time to return to normal shape if you lean on them with an elbow, knee etc. I'd be interested to hear the outcome of any discussions with Audi. __________________ A5 3.0 TDi Sport, 19" S5 Alloys with 25mm drop and 15mm spacers, Adaptive Lights, Alu Inserts, AMI, B&0, Black Milano, Advanced Parking Plus, Sat Nav, DAB & TV, Milltek Exhaust

15th October 2007, 02:30 PM	#15
markus Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Reading (UK) Posts: 74	seats Hi All I ordered my 3.0 TDI with normal seats - but got the electric ones installed when I picked up the car (4 weeks ago now). The seats were listed as 'NCO' (NO cost Option) and I gather it was to do with the quality issues... However, talking of quality, I have noticed that my seat is looking a little worn already - only after 200 miles. The area of most concern is the bottom seat central section - its as if the leather material has stretched a little and now has a slight 'ripple look' rather than being smooth. I have not had leather seats before so I'm not sure if that is 'normal'.... rgs MArk

		A5_OC > Audi A5 & Audi S5 Forums > A5 General Q&A
Leather Seat Problems?

30th August 2007, 09:13 AM	#3
chasTT Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Worcester UK Posts: 135	My Magma Red leather seats have discoloured already, but that's got a lot more to do with my new black jeans than it has Audi's leather!!

30th August 2007, 06:44 PM	#4
sizzle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ontario, California Posts: 1,167	Take some pics if you can....

20th September 2007, 07:15 AM	#7
Ian Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: North of England Posts: 60	Are all the problems with Valcona leather or are there any issues with Milano?

20th September 2007, 03:14 PM	#8
-=Hot\|Ice=- Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Potomac, Maryland Posts: 124	wow, Audi's been known for quality interiors, I wonder if quality control is slacking..?

20th September 2007, 03:29 PM	#9
EDMOND Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: N.Y.C. Posts: 2	I have just ordered my car, interior is magma red and now im begining to worry. But I am waiting for the automatics coming out in May of 08'. I hope they can fix this problem by then,,, I am getting the 1st automatic that my dealer in Manhattan is getting. Ed

15th October 2007, 09:53 AM	#10
scratch113 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: South West UK Posts: 607	Not sure if this is 'on topic' for this thread, but my dealer let slip that there have been quality issues with the manual seats. Not sure what, but all the cars they've had have been delivered with the electric adjustment, even if it wasn't ordered! I wasn't sold on the need for electric seats, so stuck to manual, but hey, if Audi are going to give me a free £600 option, then who am I to complain? I also wonder if this was part of the problem with early delivery cars all being delayed by around 5 weeks... Anyone order the manual seats and end up with electric?

15th October 2007, 11:50 AM	#11
tornblad Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sweden Posts: 37	I actually heard this today, a colloegues 2.7TDI A5 was delivered with electric seats although it was ordered with manual. He got them for free!

15th October 2007, 12:55 PM	#14
houseofg Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 1,259	And we don't get this kind of a la carte ordering in the U.S. or I'd try deleting it too!

16th October 2007, 04:56 AM	#16
Swadman Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Leicestershire, UK Posts: 28	Markus, If in doubt then report it to your dealer, it is normal to expect some movement in the leather, though it should not show visable sag or bubbles at this stage in its life. I have now been in contact with Audi UK at Milton Keynes and they have assured me that it is a registered fault which is being researched in Germany awaiting a factory fix and they will come back to me when they have a further update. My problems are on Black valcona leather. __________________ July 2007 A5 3.0TDI Quattro Sport MTM 292BHP/550Nm, Milltek, Phantom Black, Black Valcona Leather (Replaced March 08), 19" Y's with Sportpilot's, DVD Sat Nav, Bang & Olufsen, AMI, Aluminium Hologram, Electric & Heated Seats, Electric folding door mirrors, Phone Prep, Park Assist, Tracker, ESP off in the Snow!

16th October 2007, 06:08 AM	#17
SBJ Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Suffolk Posts: 159	Swadman, I'd be very interested in hearing how this issue progresses. I've got almost the same spec as you. Also sent you a PM. Simon __________________ A5 3.0 TDI Sport [since 21/7/07] \| Phanton Black \| Sport Pack \| 19" Y \| Sat Nav Plus \| Bang & Olufsen \| Bluetooth \| Cruise Control \| Adaptive lights \| Advanced key \| Hill hold \| Parking System Plus \| Auto dim rear mirror \| Folding mirrors \| Electric/Heated Seats \| Inlays in Aluminium hologram \| Interior light pack \| Load through facility \| Painted Brake Calipers + logos \| Max Speed 164mph (indicated) in Germany

16th October 2007, 10:07 PM	#18
Ian Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: North of England Posts: 60	Me too Swadman. This is exactly the sort of info we will all benefit from on this forum. Please post updates when available. __________________ A5 3.0TDI Sport / Ice silver / light grey interior/ 19" y spoke alloys / Comfort pack / panoramic sunroof / Cruise control / Heated seats / parking system plus / factory fitted tow bar

18th October 2007, 11:10 AM	#19
markus Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Reading (UK) Posts: 74	I will try and post some pictures this weekend... Went to dealer today and they said ..'that is not wear, just leather creap, and nothing to be worried about..'. THey did assure me that if there was a problem they would replace the seat.... Watch out for pics and we can compare... rgs MArk

18th October 2007, 12:52 PM	#20
418BUC Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: North East Posts: 107	I have also got valcona and experiencing the same problem. Quite a lot of sagging away from the seat cushion in the central section. How bad does it have to get before they will replace. The worry is that if Audi say wait for a while and replace a single seat then there may be a colour variance with the rest of the car ! especially as I have star silver.

26th October 2007, 01:45 PM	#21
Banjo Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Maidstone Posts: 6	Back seat Problem I have a problem with the back seat, the car had the interior treated to help keep it clean more easily and i can only think that the guy doing the work kneeled on the seat.... the biggest worry is the sub structure under the leather is also damaged. Took it back to the dealer and they are going to replace the seat. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Banjo; 26th October 2007 at 01:56 PM.

27th October 2007, 06:16 AM	#22
A5inReston Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Reston, Virginia USA Posts: 320	Has anyone seen the Milano Leather Interior? I am going to opt for the USA S-Line package for my A5, but I am not crazy about the Alcantera Leather/fabric combination on the sport Seats I see in pictures. I would consider the USA optional Milano leather upgrade (I understand at $1000 extra) if it looks good and results in all leather seating. Has anyone see Milano leather and what are your impressions?

27th October 2007, 07:21 AM	#23
houseofg Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 1,259	Sounds like you know a bit more than I do. Thus far, my order is A5 S-Line (only black interior available) without the Milano upgrade. Are you saying that this will result in us getting that sueded middle unless upgraded? My dealer was able to shed no light on this other than Milano possibly being full leather wrapping instead of just sitting portions.

27th October 2007, 04:33 PM	#24
A5inReston Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Reston, Virginia USA Posts: 320	What I know is that S-Line entails the Leather/Alcantera (Black) seats. Two dealers I spoke with cannot confirm if the Milano leathers would replace the Alcantera, which I would prefer, even though it is a $1000 option. I think this speaks to an overall lack of awarness of the A5 options as they currently exist. There seem to be only a few dealer personnel who really know the details of the product line. Since you have one on order, I would ask them to post a formal inquery to Audi NA about the option (and keep us posted). One could infer from the press announcement that the optional leather is a full leather treatment. From the press announcement...."The seats are upholstered in a cloth/leather combination or in Fine Nappa leather, both of which feature an embossed S line logo. Available for the first time in the A5 is the new perforated Alcantara/leather upholstery, with the perforations in the seat centre section backed in contrasting silver. The otherwise black interior is further enhanced by silver stitching". I have attached some pictures of the S-Line interior from web-sources.

28th October 2007, 08:19 AM	#25
August07 Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 29	I have valcona leather and manual seats and no probs after 5k miles. Perhaps its an auto seat thing. By the way I got £500 for the delay in delivery but had manual seats as ordered...anyone get 500 PLUS electric seats?? Just thought id ask...

30th October 2007, 01:23 AM	#29
Beardsell1 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Essex, England Posts: 1	Leather seat problems I have noticed what appears to be sagging leather to the middle panel on both driver and passenger seats. I ordered automatic seats (in Star Silver Valcona Leather) with memory function. I did not mention it to the dealer when I picked up the vehicle but now will. Thank you.

30th October 2007, 01:37 AM	#30
Swadman Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Leicestershire, UK Posts: 28	Photos Here is a couple of shots of my seats , 5000 miles so far. They have not deteriorated that much as they were bad when I took delivery of the car. Attached Thumbnails __________________ July 2007 A5 3.0TDI Quattro Sport MTM 292BHP/550Nm, Milltek, Phantom Black, Black Valcona Leather (Replaced March 08), 19" Y's with Sportpilot's, DVD Sat Nav, Bang & Olufsen, AMI, Aluminium Hologram, Electric & Heated Seats, Electric folding door mirrors, Phone Prep, Park Assist, Tracker, ESP off in the Snow!

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