Chip guard
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'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.
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2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
STP
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'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.
#4
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:
![](http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh62/midnightz_photos/slit.jpg)
Is this common?![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
Also, the installer said that he does not fold the edges under.
Thanks.
![](http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh62/midnightz_photos/slit.jpg)
Is this common?
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
Also, the installer said that he does not fold the edges under.
Thanks.
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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?![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
Also, the installer said that he does not fold the edges under.
Is this common?
![nix](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/nixweiss.gif)
Also, the installer said that he does not fold the edges under.
STP
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'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.
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'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?
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STP
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'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.
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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.
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'06 A6 & '08 GL550
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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.
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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; 04-07-2008 at 06:44 PM.
#20
- 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.
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'06 A6 & '08 GL550
BTW... love your color combo.
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
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'07 GL 450, '02 S 80 T6
Originally Posted by Stumblefoot
BTW... love your color combo. ![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
![thumbs](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
![off topic](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/ot.gif)
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.
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'08 GL 320 CDI (scheduled delivery 3/20/08)
![Unhappy](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/icons/icon9.gif)
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?
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'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
![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
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'08 GL 320 CDI (scheduled delivery 3/20/08)
Sorry forgot to attach the photos of hood and right fender, passenger mirror and hood underside. Comments please.......
![Roll Eyes (Sarcastic)](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif)