I ordered a new Q5 3.0T (Scuba Blue metallic) back on halloween of last year and it should be at the dealers in a couple of weeks. I was planning on getting the paint protection on the following areas;

Full hood
Front bumper/grill
Mirrors
Rocker panels (side and rear)
A pillars and top of roofline

I was wondering if it was worthwhile asking/requesting the dealership to do some prep on the paint to remove any potential swirl marks before the PPF goes on? Anyone out there who recently received a new vehicle notice if there was any need to get the swirl removal done (or if there even was any swirl marks on their vehicle)?

I don't have the equipment to do it myself and I don't want the hassle of taking it somewhere else, getting the prep done, then taking it back to have the PPF done. On the other hand, I also don't want to have to shell out more $$ if it isn't necessary.

Any help would be appreciated. I'm getting pumped about getting it as it has been over 4 months since the order was placed.

One other question, I was wondering if it would be necessary to get the fenders done in PPF as well?

On a side note, I can't believe that they have removed all badging from the 3.0T model. From the outside you can't tell the difference between the 3.0T and the 2.0T. When I test drove the 3.0 last fall they had badging on a few different spots. I might have to get the supercharged badges placed on the front fenders! Probably have to open the hood when I take delivery just to make sure they put the correct engine in there

 

Here's my advice...

You are getting a brand NEW car from Audi so i would suggest you explain in details what you expect upon delivery to your sales rep especially on a relatively dark colour. The slightest irregularity

We are car enthusiast/nut cases with OCD disorder however i would expect flawless service from a luxury brand which meets anyone's expectation of the Audi brand experience.

Having said that, the majority of new cars being delivered have some paint irregularities from transport, factory...etc and almost all dealers have cheap labour quickly buffing/prepping cars for delivery for your average consumer

Installing 3M, tint...etc. is never done by the dealer but a 3rd party who comes on the site to do those jobs. Since you are paying the dealer a premium to have it done there for convenience i would come clean and explain that you are not ''an average consumer'' and expect that the job be done flawlessly upon the pick up

 

Steve I assume that by paint protection you mean "3M" type clear covering right? If so Shadow Tint in Calgary is the best as I have used them twice on my last two Audi's and they will prepare the surface so that it's good to go.

 

You are correct. I am referring to the 3M type film.

I've decided to go to Shadow Tint to get the work done. I'm actually going with the Xpel Ultimate product instead of the 3M product. I stopped by their shop a few days ago to take a look around and iron out the pricing and what will be done once I drop it off. They seem to really know there stuff there and I have heard a lot of good things from other people about them.

 

Keep us posted and best of luck!
The key for a perfect installation is someone who knows what he is doing with a special attention to the edges...
That is why it is crucial to prep the paint to a flawless condition especially on a dark color car as any minor irregularity with the paint will show