DrTofu

I wasn't trying to over take, I was trying to figure out if it was you or not because someone took the model badges off.

It looks a lot bigger then I expected, hence without the badges I thought it was a Q7.
How's the trunk space? doesn't seem to be as long as the Avant but height wise I would expect it to be quite a bit more.

Regina_TTS

I know you weren't trying to overtake. I was just teasing.

The Q5 is on the same platform as the B8 A4 so it is pretty much the same length (less than 10 cm shorter.) The extra height makes it look shorter in length. The back slopes a little bit more than the A4 Avant so you lose a little bit in overall cargo length, but you make it up in height and when you move the rear seats forward or fold them.

ROKKSOL

......

ROKKSOL

Hi Regina_TTS, I have a few questions in regards to the 3M paint protection...

what type of 3M did you choose... precut kit or custom cut kit?
is the hood full coverage or just the front?
if it is just the front, is this a Bikini cut or regular straight line

did you get the A-pillar, roof protection, rocker panels, luggage, head lamp and fog lamp kit as well?

The 3M tape is barely noticeable on the pictures that you posted that was a well done job!

warcity

iTrader: (1)

This is what I got.

Great price: 2009 2010 AUDI Q5 GENUINE 3M CLEAR BRA PROTECTION FILM on eBay.ca (item 380134255331 end time 23-May-10 10:27:46 EDT)

Regina_TTS

The shop I went to cuts everything on a plotter. Size is completely adjustable on all components with the program they used. The hood was cut slightly larger so the kit could be wrapped completely around the edges. They did an amazing professional install. You and I can see the kit because we know it's there, but most people can't see the kit at all when the car is clean. They also guarantee the kit to be free from defects and discolouration for 5 years.

I have a 24" bikini cut hood, front bumper, fenders (cut to match the hood line), headlights, foglights, mirrors, rockers, luggage area (top of rear bumper), door edges and door cups.

I want to be able to wash and wax at least some of my Q5 so I felt the full hood was a little overkill. The a-pillar/roof kit only covers the a-pillars and the first few inches of roof. Seeing that I have two small chips in the first few inches on the roof of my TTS, I may go back and the the a-pillars/roof kit done on the Q5.

The full setup wasn't cheap, but so far my driver's side mirror and driver's side bumper have been bumped by another vehicle. The kit prevent paint damage both times. There's also several spots on the front bumper, hood and headlamps where I would have stone chips already without the 3M Stone Guard. All in all, it's a pretty sound investment if you value your car and it's resale.

As an aside, I recently had my TTS detailed. The detailer used a plastic polish on the 3M Stone Guard on the hood and it took out any light blemishes in the kit that were caused by stones and other debris. What looked a little beat up and scratched after almost two years looks brand new again.

Regina_TTS

And how'd that install go for ya?

ROKKSOL

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback. Certainly the resale part of the vehicle is important but I also want to keep the SUV looking great until I have it. I was curious about the A-pillar. It sounds like it is worth doing that as well. I think the 3M is supposed to be equally polished as well as the car paint to keep its micro pores from any dust or debris that make this from tarnishing.(Read about that on the net not sure if this really helps but it sounds like it worked on your TT)

In regards to the bikini cut on the hood.. I am debating if to go with it or just the straight line cut. I am not sure what I will pick but anybody that I have asked, they prefer bikini cut since it goes with the curve and shape of the hood.(What’s your opinion in terms of liking or hating this) Does the bikini tend to cover less of the hood. Have you noticed any chips pass that 3M area. You said it is a 24” width on the hood correct?

How are the head lamps and fog lamps? Does the 3M distorts the light at all or can you notice that there is 3M on them?

And finally, the door cups is a great idea and it wasn’t really offered by the shop that I am getting this done so I will have to mention this. Do you know if there is more than just one type of 3M tape. I know there are Venture and Xpel (other brand names) but does 3M carry different thickness, clearness, etc on their protection films?

Thanks again for the info!

warcity

iTrader: (1)

To solve your door cup problem . I use them, great. They are clear

07 08 09 Audi Q5 Q7 door Handle cup scratch protectors on eBay.ca (item 220437977383 end time 14-Jun-10 03:58:27 EDT)

Regina_TTS

No problem! I totally agree with you on the a-pillar/roof kit. I'm going to make an appointment to get it done when I'm back. It's something I meant to do but forgot about. Thanks for the reminder!

Xpel makes a product that is like a liquid wax specifically for the kits. You use a hand wax applicator, let it sit for 15 minutes, then remove it with a microfiber cloth. It keeps the kit looking like it was freshly waxed paint. Polishing will help get out damage, but there's a risk of burning the kit.

Bikini cut on the hood does just plainly look better. For most cars it follows the natural lines better and helps hide the line that the hood kit creates. on a 24" kit we straight versus bikini to see how much protection would be lost. It was only a couple of inches at the bottom of the arc that the bikini line creates across the hood. I don't have a single chip on the hood of my Q5 after 9000 km. (Knock on wood!)

I haven't noticed any distortion on either the fog lamps or headlights. I think if you opted to go with a different colour than clear, that's where you start to lose visible light.

Door cups are a definitely must. I don't wear any rings, but for someone who does and isn't as careful as we might be, you risk the door cups getting badly scratched. And nothing scratches better than a diamond! The guys at the shop built a generic template for door cups and just add it to any unused space on part of the kit they are cutting. There's no extra cost incurred and therefore they don't charge the customer. They've even recently started adding strips of film to the outside of the door handle to certain model cars. It's an idea you might want to pass on to whoever does your car.

The shop that installed my kit offers both Xpel and 3M. They've had better luck with 3M from install to colour to durability. The one thing Xpel offers over 3M is a new premium film that is even less noticeable. Apparently it is a lot harder to install and costs a lot more. I'm not sure what Xpel offers for warranty, but again, 3M has a 5 year guarantee.