My fading TDI.

You'd probably be better off de-badging it.

If you have ever had your car detailed, it could be from a chemical and not only UV. Chemical cleaners are often used around emblems (along with the equivalent of a soft tooth brush) because dirt and grime build up is especially bad in these areas. These products are generally safe for all paints and are used in different parts all over the vehicle where there is heavy grime build up...generally without issues. However, these products are not safe on older red non-clear coat cars (you know the ones that oxidized to pink). Perhaps the blue emblem paint is not of the same quality and deteriorated due to this exposure.

Consumer grade equivalent is simple green or other acidic based cleaner (most crud on a car is a base, so acid neutralizes it).

BradB said:

In a sad bit of irony, the "I" in my rear TDI emblem has faded as VW's diesel problems continue to escalate. The deep blue emblem has faded to baby blue. The 2012 Touareg is garaged almost 90% of its life. Apparently it doesn't take many UV rays to ruin it. A bit disappointing. I asked my VW parts guy if the faded emblem was a reflection of the times. The humor was lost on him. You would think they would happily replace it for free. Oh well. I used my VW Dieselgate credit card to purchase a new $39 (!) one. Anyone else have this issue?

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Same issue. Looks identical to yours. Your picture could have been of mine.

Mine has faded a little. You can find them on eBay but on your dime. At least VW sort of paid for yours.

I switched my silver V6 badge on my Passat B5.5 for a Euro V6 badge, where the '6' was in red.

Same here. I rather like the lighter blue anyway.

same here....will not do anything about it!!!

Easy fix. Blue model paint, any shade you want. About $5.00 with a new brush too.

That's great; I'm going to paint it red, then, just to confuse people.

Nobody really looks at your badges, anyway

Bernt Smell in 014 tdi Exec

Have 16k on my TDI. Second time in last few weeks I smelled like a burnt melting smell when I turned it off. This last time I was sitting parked for a while smelled it got out did not smell it on the outside, got back in and the smell seemed to be in the cabin, where last time it seemed to be outside also. Anyone have similar experience. I do alot of engine breaking dont ride the breaks no lites where on the dash. Next time gonna take it right to the dealer when it happens.

I dont think I was doing alot of engine breaking in this instance.

You probably just stopped during a regen cycle. This happens frequently to me, probably about once a month or so. It's not a cause for concern unless you start smelling it literally every time you stop the car.

98.3% probability it's a completely normal DPF regen.

Well, whatever it is, my guess is that it has nothing to do with your fading TDI badge. :???:

I think you posted in the wrong place.

Our 2012 badge looks exactly like your photo.

OsirisTDI said:

Our 2012 badge looks exactly like your photo.

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Er, which photo?!

I'm assuming he's referencing the one in the OP.

I used model paint to "reverse" the VW in the hub emblem caps on my Winter wheels. They look sharp against the matte black painted Canyon 17" rims. If you are worried about durability of the paint, you can also clear coat it after it has dried with a clear urethane.

The "I" isn't fading, it's a DEF level indicator ... it's telling you it's time to AdBlu \\/