Chip guard
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Omaha, Nebraska
'08 GL 320 CDI (scheduled delivery 3/20/08)
Chip guard
I just had the MB dealer install the 3M chip guard which includes, among other things, the hood and side mirrors. However, when further inspecting the installation work, noticed that the installer didn't even bother to cut the pieces on the front hood portion, he/she just folded them underneath and left about 3/4 inch tucked and stuck to the underside of the hood. Also there were several small bubbles visible on the outside of the hood, in an area just above the oil filler cap.
Now, when I look at my wife's lexus RX400h which similarly had chipguard installed, each and every piece was meticulously cut and put in place. What a difference in service and workmanship. Hope this is just an anomaly.
But, I hope this is not the beginning of what I experienced with my local BMW dealer where no one cared or gave a damn.....just looking lots of Ben Franklin.
Curious to learn of other people's experiences.
Now, when I look at my wife's lexus RX400h which similarly had chipguard installed, each and every piece was meticulously cut and put in place. What a difference in service and workmanship. Hope this is just an anomaly.
But, I hope this is not the beginning of what I experienced with my local BMW dealer where no one cared or gave a damn.....just looking lots of Ben Franklin.
Curious to learn of other people's experiences.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
STP
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
Greul,
I agree with STP and you shouldn't put up with the shoddy work.
Personally, I use a gentleman that has built his business by installing 3M protective film. He did a phenomenal job on my GL and I've been exceptionally happy.
I agree with STP and you shouldn't put up with the shoddy work.
Personally, I use a gentleman that has built his business by installing 3M protective film. He did a phenomenal job on my GL and I've been exceptionally happy.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
2008 GL320
I am having the 3M clear bra installed on the GL and just got off the phone with the installer. I did not want slits in any of the pieces but the installer explained that the creases by the grill are too sharp. It's best that he slit the film at this location:
Is this common?
Also, the installer said that he does not fold the edges under.
Thanks.
Is this common?
Also, the installer said that he does not fold the edges under.
Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
I am having the 3M clear bra installed on the GL and just got off the phone with the installer. I did not want slits in any of the pieces but the installer explained that the creases by the grill are too sharp. It's best that he slit the film at this location:
Is this common?
Also, the installer said that he does not fold the edges under.
Is this common?
Also, the installer said that he does not fold the edges under.
STP
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
I'm not sure midnightz. I'll check on my GL when I get back to Colorado early next week for you.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
2008 GL320
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Omaha, Nebraska
'08 GL 320 CDI (scheduled delivery 3/20/08)
Upon inspection the dealer immediately suggested the "fold under" approach was not to MB standards and agreed to immediately redo the chipguard. Will keep everyone posted as to any new developments.....
Lastly, we had chipguard installed on my wife's RX400h by the dealer without incident. Moreover, the dealer not only installed chipgard on the hood and mirrors, but also on all the opening/ i.e. leading edges of the doors which have prevented numerous door chips. My dealer states they only do the hood and mirrors....... Input?
Lastly, we had chipguard installed on my wife's RX400h by the dealer without incident. Moreover, the dealer not only installed chipgard on the hood and mirrors, but also on all the opening/ i.e. leading edges of the doors which have prevented numerous door chips. My dealer states they only do the hood and mirrors....... Input?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
STP
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
I checked my GL and there are no slits in my protective film.
I would have taken a picture, but it was so filthy upon my return to Denver that if I posted pics, most posters on this forum might have had me tar and feathered. Put it this way, the dirt and grime on my GL is more than Nevada Jack has on the tread of his tires.
I was only in town for 1-day, so didn't have time to wash it. But, hopefully I'll find some time this weekend to baby it a little and I'll take a picture of the film.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 20
From: Las Vegas, NV
2011 E350 Cabriolet..White and Almond Mocha
Midnightz,
I checked my GL and there are no slits in my protective film.
I would have taken a picture, but it was so filthy upon my return to Denver that if I posted pics, most posters on this forum might have had me tar and feathered. Put it this way, the dirt and grime on my GL is more than Nevada Jack has on the tread of his tires.
I was only in town for 1-day, so didn't have time to wash it. But, hopefully I'll find some time this weekend to baby it a little and I'll take a picture of the film.
I checked my GL and there are no slits in my protective film.
I would have taken a picture, but it was so filthy upon my return to Denver that if I posted pics, most posters on this forum might have had me tar and feathered. Put it this way, the dirt and grime on my GL is more than Nevada Jack has on the tread of his tires.
I was only in town for 1-day, so didn't have time to wash it. But, hopefully I'll find some time this weekend to baby it a little and I'll take a picture of the film.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
I Stand Corrected
Midnightz,
I was able to baby my GL this weekend and get it ready for spring. Took off the cross bars and cargo carrier since ski season is virtually over. Once I got the GL all cleaned up and took a close look at the chip guard, here is what I found.
Hope this helps!
BTW... I took some pics, but they didn't turn out very well. You couldn't see the slits, or where the film stopped/started. Sorry.
I was able to baby my GL this weekend and get it ready for spring. Took off the cross bars and cargo carrier since ski season is virtually over. Once I got the GL all cleaned up and took a close look at the chip guard, here is what I found.
- There is a slight slit of the film on both the off-center right and left side of the hood. It is where the hood rakes steeply toward the grill and is practically vertical. It's virtually undectable unless you run your finger along the film and that is where I found it. I guess it was so filthly before that I just didn't see it.
- Front of rear wheel fender flare.
- First section of chrome roof rails.
- A-Pillars.
- Front fender (including horizontal headlamp washers) and full wrap around flares.
Hope this helps!
BTW... I took some pics, but they didn't turn out very well. You couldn't see the slits, or where the film stopped/started. Sorry.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: New England USA
Ford Expedition
What's the difference between Chip Guard and StonGard?
Web Site: www.stongard.com
From The Web Site:
Protect your cars’ finish from the damage that is caused by airborne stones, bugs and other debris. StonGard® Paint Protection Film protects the most vulnerable areas of your car such as the hood, fenders, grill, bumper, mirrors, flares, door sills and just about any other painted surface that is exposed and vulnerable to damage. Airborne rocks can chip away at your paint and the investment you have in your automobile. Traditional car bras drastically alter the appearance of your car or truck. Our transparent film is made from an optically clear 8 mil urethane film that when applied to your car is virtually invisible. Instead of using a black vinyl mask that drastically alters the appearance of your car, try our clear bra; you will be glad you did.
Web Site: www.stongard.com
From The Web Site:
Protect your cars’ finish from the damage that is caused by airborne stones, bugs and other debris. StonGard® Paint Protection Film protects the most vulnerable areas of your car such as the hood, fenders, grill, bumper, mirrors, flares, door sills and just about any other painted surface that is exposed and vulnerable to damage. Airborne rocks can chip away at your paint and the investment you have in your automobile. Traditional car bras drastically alter the appearance of your car or truck. Our transparent film is made from an optically clear 8 mil urethane film that when applied to your car is virtually invisible. Instead of using a black vinyl mask that drastically alters the appearance of your car, try our clear bra; you will be glad you did.
Last edited by Quicks; Apr 7, 2008 at 06:44 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
2008 GL320
- There is a slight slit of the film on both the off-center right and left side of the hood. It is where the hood rakes steeply toward the grill and is practically vertical. It's virtually undectable unless you run your finger along the film and that is where I found it. I guess it was so filthly before that I just didn't see it.
- Front of rear wheel fender flare.
- First section of chrome roof rails.
- A-Pillars.
- Front fender (including horizontal headlamp washers) and full wrap around flares.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Rocky Mtns.
'06 A6 & '08 GL550
BTW... love your color combo.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 3
From: LA LA Land
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by Stumblefoot
BTW... love your color combo.
On the way to work today, I drove behind a VB/Mac 450. I almost rear ended him while I was busy admiring his color combo.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Omaha, Nebraska
'08 GL 320 CDI (scheduled delivery 3/20/08)
Unlike my wife's Lexus RX 400h my dealer installed chipguard only included the 1/3 front potion of the hood and a very small portion of the front fenders around the headlinghts (as depicted) and the side mirrors. Moreover, although my chipguard cost almost double (around $650 or so) mine didn't include the front grill, upper and lower front bumber cover, front leading edges, all door trim guards or stoss/leward fender edges as hers did. What's up Mercedes?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 3
From: LA LA Land
'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by Greul
What's up Mercedes?
Or, look at it this way, MB paint is much thicker vs Lexus paint and so doesn't need all that protection
