[ENRGZR]

All right. This is a fairly simple mod. However, I accept no responsibility if you break something. That being said, here we go. Note. I took pics halfway through the mod. That is why my original boot is trashed.

Go from this

To this

First off you will need the following:
-A3 Shift knob and boot-thanks again OEMPL.US
-trim removal tool/ credit card
-Hot glue gun/ other bonding agent
-Something to remove staples. I used a small nail and pliers.

1.Turn car to on position, set hand brake, and shift to drive. DO NOT START CAR!!!

2.Using the trim tool, carefully pry up the shifter trim.

3.Unplug the shifter trim connecter. "Pic borrowed"

 

[ENRGZR]

4. If you have a 2007 or up you knob should be like mine. However you may have the older style. They look identical, but are in fact not. My knob button has two Positions.
In(normal)

Out(ready for removal)

If you have my style all you need to do is pull the button out until you hear/feel a click. If it stays in the out position then it is unlocked and ready for removal. If you don't have this style, then I believe that you must wrap a rubber band around the button to keep it from going back in.
Older style

5.Pull the whole assembly off!!! Just pull straight up and it will come off.

6.There is a piece of plastic about 2 in. tall that you must keep. It will either be on the shift knob that you just pulled off, or still on the shift column.(sorry for the blurry pic.)

 

[ENRGZR]

7. Now the fun part-Remove staples!!! You have to do this because of the different shapes that the boots come in. This is what they look like with the material removed. VW left, Audi Right.

NOTE: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU FACE THE VW RING WITH THE INDENTS TO THE LEFT. THE RING IS WIDER ON ONE END


8.Now that the leather is removed for the ring, it is time to attach it to the VW ring. I used a hot glue gun to stick it on. You may use whatever you feel is necessary. Once you have it glued on, feel free to trim the leather that is covering the clips on the ring.(not pictured)

9.Now you are ready for assembly. snap the boot and knob together, and snap that piece of plastic I told you to keep onto the knob. Snap the boot onto the shifter trim. Line the knob up and press it onto the shifter assembly. You will know when it is on there. Plug the electrical connector back into the trim. Press the trim back into position. Finally, Remove the clip that is holding the button out.
Sit back and enjoy your new, more comfortable shifter.