Noticed the same thing on my '04. Chrome cleaner did nothing. My brothers Audi A4 is the same way. I'm not sure there is really anything you can do once it gets to this point.

 

Try a fine steel wool with polish/cleaner if it does not improve its time to buy
new or rechrome the old one.

 

Try regular white tooth paste..just try it...

 

i think its from automatic car washes, i have a loaner s type right now n they are always that way..this car is an 07 with 13k miles, ive noticed it on them with far less miles too...i bet im the only person that hand washes them[&o] poor cars!

try the chrome polish with steel wool pad...let us know

 

Yeah, let us know what the new trim costs, cuz you're sure gonna need it if you use steel wool on polished chrome

 

we replace alot of them .. looks like too many carwashes..

 

My 05 VDP has the same problem. I asked the detail guy at the dealership what I could do about it because chrome polish doesn't work on it. The owner's manual specifically say's not to use chrome polish on the brightwork. The detail guy said he would order some special polish to see if it would work but I'm thinking this trimis laminated or coated and can't be polished. I heard they replace a lot of it at the dealer.

 

welcome! nice shot of your leaper...yeah its from harsh car wash chemicals, make sure you hand wash only.

 

Have had the same problem with my A6 and that is only ever hand washed...........chrome trims turned milky whitish............had them replaced twice now[&:]

Jim

 

Are you sure it is chrome and not bright polished aluminum? I have not seen actual chrome plating do that. Aluminum has a tendency to absorb contaminates from water and air as it is a porous metal. If it is chrome and you are consistently replacing it, you might be better off taking it to and independent chrome plater and have it triple chrome plated properly.