Kaine,
If further clarity helps I have experienced the metal particles myself on an A2 courtesy car, and it was only via Nik’s previous comments that I was aware of how dangerous it was. I say dangerous on the basis that sucking in aluminium particles is not good for ones health. The problem according to a knowledgeable air conditioning contractor is all down to the protective coating (or lack of it) on the evaporation unit. He explained that environmental pollution was generally the culprit, but expressed great surprise that it was happening in a new car.
I know Roy also started to experience this problem, so if we include the 6 cars as mentioned by Nik’s dealers, and then include yourself we have a total of 10 owners who have experienced the problem.
As I mentioned to Roy and my dealer at the time I strongly suggested that due to the problem the AC system should not be used at all, and certainly NEVER if young babies are passengers. Indeed because this is a health issue I am surprised that all A2’s have not been recalled for a checkup. Clearly there must be many owners who simply believe that the deposits on the dashboard are dust, when its not.
For the record the tell tale signs of this problem are that the top of the dashboard almost looks as though it is covered in hair dandruff, however in the right light/sunlight these particles will be seen to glitter – like metal particles would.
Previously I mentioned the fact that shortly after using the said courtesy car I was coughing up blood for countless days (very worrying). The Doctor said he believed I had somehow damaged my throat, and so the unknown question is was this just a coincidence, or could the metal particles have been the cause ? Who knows ?
Regards
John Disdale