I own 7 Mk5 VW's and can attest to your issue. To clean your pants, start with Goo-Gone and let it sit before rinsing with cold water. If that doesn't work Acetone should break up the adhesives but don't soak pants in it. Seeing your picture of the center console, I'd suggest scraping it off, cleaning with acetone and repainting with enamel paint OR just go to a junk yard (there are plenty in auto recycling yards) and replace it. Best of luck!

 

Several options from least to most costly Black duct tape to cover the adhesive residue that remains when the vinyl coating wore off. Black chinos Remove the whole bezel from the console and find a better one at the breakers Send old bezel to be totally stripped down to plastic then re coat with black epoxy or some good quality vinyl cover. Buy a new one if you can find one, dubious at best as VW in US at least, seems to abandon trim stock past 10 years.

 

Thanks for the responses and input. I found a link on another forum and ordered a replacement here: parts.columbusvw.com/p/Volkswagen__/Console-Trim-Panel-Front/48837728/5K0863680B81X.html. They say shipping within 3 or 4 days. I'll follow up with a report when I receive and install.

 

Received the new console trim piece via FedEx at my door within 48 hours of ordering. Watched a quick video about how to remove the console trim. That took about 5 minutes and then I spent about 15 minutes doing the remove/install. You need a T-20 Torx, a flat screwdrive for popping loose a couple of trim pieces and maybe needle nose pliers if you have big fingers. . . the screws on top are kinda hard to get ahold of after you loosen them. They'll come out with the trim but you are likely to drop them down into the dark nether-regions of the under-console area. Looks like new. . . I guess because it is new! Don't know how long it will last but it took 15+ years of summer sun and winter cold to get to where it was. Cheers!

 

Good job mate!. Everyone can fix stuff if they apply the brain, have medium dexterity and some tools.