Official b8 s4 front fender paint chip memo to aoc/aoa

[mecheng]

First and foremost, please do not post if you are not contributing. This needs to remain as focused as possible if we're to end up with a useful product. No cross-talk and no thread jacking please. There are other threads to bemoan this issue, this thread is for photos and information ONLY.

The purpose of this thread is to consolidate, in one place, the extent of the damage those of us in harsher climates are experiencing on our B8s. Specifically, the issue at hand is the chipping/stripping of paint from the front fender as shown here:





Those of us who have approached Audi of Canada (AOC) or Audi of America (AOA) have received the same response that such a repair is not within the purview of the warranty, and the claim was subsequently denied. I would tender that the Audi's application of a plastic protective piece on the B8.5s (detailed in the image below) indicates full knowledge of a flaw in the design, and that our cars are entitled to have the damage incurred by its absence repaired, and protective film applied thereafter to prevent subsequent recurrence.



This thread will provide those of us seeking the repair evidence that the issue is not isolated to one or two cars, and not a result of poor maintenance or maltreatment, but rather widespread across the platform as a result of a lack of consideration for the level of harsh exposure this area is exposed to.

Please post similar photos to those that I provided above that indicate clearly your model (B8) and then the damage incurred. In a private message, please provide your full name, contact information including e-mail address, mileage at which the issue first developed, and VIN to indicate to AOC/AOA that each vehicle is unique and exists. I will then create a document with the photos and associated owners information and disseminate it to those who contribute ONLY. If you're not comfortable with this, then that's a shame, but I'd ask that you please not clutter this thread. We need to provide AOC/AOA solid evidence and unverified/validated photos with message board usernames isn't going to cut it.

I'll also cross-post a thread in the A4 as the fender design is no different. If you know the A5/S5 platform to be susceptible to these issues, I'd implore you to cross-post there as well.

I can't stress enough how important it is we don't clutter this thread with complaints and outcry. Let's keep this tidy so we have the best chance of getting this issue sorted out in our favor.

[S4Phantom]

Wow, great thing you're doing here. I'm going to have to check my car when I get it back from service to see if I'm having this problem. Brutal winter here in CT so I wouldn't be surprised

[Mantis]

Mine is showing signs, I will take pictures when I get it back from the shop. Saving this post/slot for future pics

[typer100]

I already got an appointment to get this fix under warranty as soon as this freaking winter is over. Damage is about the same as OP. Fixed that myself to start the winter. But want a cleaner job.

[MFT]

Model: S4
Year: 2011
Mileage first noticed: 38,000 km's
Affected areas: left and right front fenders
Pictures:







Sending PM shortly...

[pork_n_beanz]

Model: Audi a4 SLine
Year: 2010
Milage: 70 000km noticed it at around 64 000
Affected areas front right and left fenders
My rear quarter panel was also repaired in January due to flaking paint





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[Gredde]

2010 a4 avant s-line. Got new fenders left/right @ 140000km from audi in sweden at no charge.. Of course you should claim it on your warranty!

[VADERS4]

WOW!! I really feel SICK for you guys!! That would break my heart!!! I really hope that Audi steps up and takes care of this for all of you!!!

[mecheng]

So it looks like this thread didn't catch the traction I was hoping it to. I'm taking my car in tomorrow, I'll provide an update thereafter.

[MFT]

I would encourage anyone who is experiencing this problem to contribute to this thread. S4 owners in the UK and EU are getting their entire fenders replaced under warranty in the same situation, while we in the US and Canada are getting nothing.

[b8audis4]

So this only applies to cars with the paint chipping down to the metal. Not just a chip in the clear coat.

[theedge111]

So this only applies to cars with the paint chipping down to the metal. Not just a chip in the clear coat.

This issue is a little more serious then a chip in your clear coat ffs

[Francois]

[IMG][/IMG]

I got the same problem, I'm waiting for my Audi dealer who take pictures and send them to Audi Canada.
Follow up soon.

[xcnovanrunner]

I have this problem on my car I'll get pictures. So people are getting this fixed under warranty even if they are over the warranty mileage?

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[MFT]

So this only applies to cars with the paint chipping down to the metal. Not just a chip in the clear coat.

Chips in the clear coat is how it would start...eventually leading to the significant paint failure you've seen in these threads. If there's damage in the subject area, I would add in your info as it's likely just the beginning.

[b8audis4]

Chips in the clear coat is how it would start...eventually leading to the significant paint failure you've seen in these threads. I would add in your info as it's likely just the beginning.

Ok gotcha. Yes mine is like a small chip in the clear coat but on top of the fender.

[MFT]

I have this problem on my car I'll get pictures. So people are getting this fixed under warranty even if they are over the warranty mileage?

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People in the UK and EU are getting it fixed no problem, but we here in the US and Canada are having a much harder time getting this covered (under warranty or not).

[MFT]

So it looks like this thread didn't catch the traction I was hoping it to. I'm taking my car in tomorrow, I'll provide an update thereafter.

Any results from the dealer today?

[mecheng]

Any results from the dealer today?

It's late and I'm drunk. But suffice it to say the outcome was unfavourable. I'll rant accordingly in the morrow.


Morrow Edit:

They're citing the fact that I'm lowered on H&R OE springs as the culprit for the damage. They're also claiming that impact damage is not covered by the warranty, to wit, rocks on windshields, projectiles from truck beds etc.

I was fortunate enough to notice this issue before it developed into something more severe like theedge111 has going on. I'm agitated that they're not owning up to this issue, but I'm also realistic. To sit on the phone and argue with AOC is going to cost me more in my time than what it's going to cost me to touch the areas up with paint pens ($23 from the dealership) and cover it up with some 3M adhesive ($30 from anywhere). It's a small and inconspicuous spot thankfully.

I'll continue monitoring this thread, so far only one person has sent me any information on their car. If we get to 15-20 people I'll put together the memo for posterity.

[Norm_S4]

I would encourage anyone who is experiencing this problem to contribute to this thread. S4 owners in the UK and EU are getting their entire fenders replaced under warranty in the same situation, while we in the US and Canada are getting nothing.

I will post as soon as we can good weather for me to take a pic. I have a big chip that just came off and I live in Montreal which is very harsh on body panels it seems.

[theedge111]

New issue for me, 2014 4000kms it's starting in the back for me now, this is unbelievable.

[FLYINGLEGGS]

I think it would be good to mention your driving conditions as well. Just a thought.

[MNS4]

I have this happening to my 2010 B8 S4 after 55,000 miles. Met with my service manager yesterday and he will report back in a few days what he finds out. Very upset given the fact that getting them repainted also means I need to get the clear bra redone and buy new supercharged badges. Adds up quickly and is time consuming.

[egalley]

I have the same issue on both sides of my car. I'm talking it to the dealer soon to see what they say. I'm not getting my hopes up they will do anything.

[Tanner]

65,000 km, 2nd owner, put on mud guards in early February to prevent this from happening and somehow it chips BEHIND the mud guard and it looks like it's been slowly being peeled back as exposed metal is showing. Dabbed a bit of rust inhibitor to delay the rust (some got on the mudguard). Sent an email to the dealer to see what can be done, not expecting much, will probably just get a shop to recommend what to do on both fenders to prevent this from peeling to begin with.

[adbender]

funny...just noticed something today...will post pics

[vincent9993]

Adding myself to this problem tracking. I own a 2011 B8 S4 Phantom Black Pearl Effect with 74,000KM (~46K miles) and also have been hit with this problem. I noticed it last summer and tried to apply touch up paint to the dime size chip on both side but none of it stayed on and the chip more than doubled over last winter. I take excellent care of this car and hand wash/wax it regularly. Both sides have chipped about the same amount. Keep us posted of any outcomes. Thanks.

Here are the pictures to add to the lot:

[Tanner]

To help track this issue easily I started a google doc that anybody can edit.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing

I tried to fill in as much info as possible and correctly, but those that have reported issues please review the info I have in the spreadsheet - some information is missing, specifically when you first seen the issue, model, and mileage is important.

I believe we can keep VINs/emails out of this spreadsheet for now..

mecheng - can you edit your top post in this thread to include this link?

[AofC_RR]

This must be a northern thing. You should cross post to the A4 boards and see if guys there have the same issue. Could be time for a "must have" mod to protect your inner fenders.

[Tanner]

Yeap... was searching on the A4 side to see if anybody reported it earlier this morning and couldn't find it, did finally post it. Also posted on the other forum.

[mrmomo313]

58k miles... Detailed regularly. My best guess is the snow tires plus michigan winters caused it. Doing a full front respray and getting the fender redone. 3m film will go on right after on both fenders and the front bumper. Oddly enough the other fender is totally fine. OP I'll pm you this Friday with the requested details.

[Tanner]

I've been wondering whether just adding more paint on top of the factory paint will solve anything or not, or putting on a layer of 3M over the factory will mitigate this problem (it seems others have tried this and with no success).

The way I see it, the factory paint is brittle and if it's painted over, there's still the possibility that the original paint will still crack and the other paint will probably come off also.... so, get rid of the original paint then apply? Dunno... I just hate to revisit this again a few years down the road when we shouldn't be needing to do this.

[Tanner]

Lowered or not should have no impact, it's an excuse to get out of this. especially when I'm completely stock and two days later I now see the paint peeling off from the inside lip.



I'm pretty disappointed with Audi's paint quality.... researched everything before I bought out this S4 from somebody and of course a week later I read about these issues. I expect a Mazda to rust this early, not an Audi when they have such a great process for applying paint so they say.

My experience with the B7 A4 has been excellent with very minor issues in the overall grand scheme of things, and this, with a third of the mileage, the paint is already failing. /rant

[theedge111]

All three of my S4s (2010, 42000km...2011, 35000km...2014, 4000km) were/are all stock height with paint peeling issues.

[Tanner]

Can you put in the other two vehicles in that spreadsheet? You're a good case example for this, it's just not isolated with one here or there, it's all B8s have this issue (which I think we all know).

[MFT]

65,000 km, 2nd owner, put on mud guards in early February to prevent this from happening and somehow it chips BEHIND the mud guard and it looks like it's been slowly being peeled back as exposed metal is showing. Dabbed a bit of rust inhibitor to delay the rust (some got on the mudguard). Sent an email to the dealer to see what can be done, not expecting much, will probably just get a shop to recommend what to do on both fenders to prevent this from peeling to begin with.

Wow, that is kind of ridiculous! I put the splash guards on myself this winter in the hopes that any (further) damage would be prevented. It almost looks like the edge of the guard rubbed the paint off somehow?

[Tanner]

Wow, that is kind of ridiculous! I put the splash guards on myself this winter in the hopes that any (further) damage would be prevented. It almost looks like the edge of the guard rubbed the paint off somehow?

No idea, the left side is fine right now (probably not for long) but I guess anybody that has these mudguards installed, you may want to give them a check on a regular basis.

[MFT]

No idea, the left side is fine right now (probably not for long) but I guess anybody that has these mudguards installed, you may want to give them a check on a regular basis.

I actually installed some Xpel film under the guards before installing them, so that might help prevent the rub (if that's what caused it), but I'll definitely have to keep an eye on it. So disappointed by this issue...makes me wish I had kept my B7 RS4!

[theedge111]

Can you put in the other two vehicles in that spreadsheet? You're a good case example for this, it's just not isolated with one here or there, it's all B8s have this issue (which I think we all know).

I can't access it on my ipad...here's my info if you want to add it for me...

2010 sprint blue, 42000kms noticed it nov/2012 both sides peeled lower front where the flaps would be.
2011 deep sea blue, 35000kms noticed it march/2013 drivers side peeled, 3m installed didn't help same area as my 2010.
2014 ibis white, 4000kms, march/2014 rear drivers side inside back well is chipping.

[Tanner]

Cool I'll add those in.

As a side note, my rant well I will have to take it back. I forgot that this car had an accident early in it's life with the previous owner so the quarter panel that has the issue, is out of scope for this for sure and will be removing it from the google doc. Taking it to a shop to get that addressed and the hood resprayed next week and they're going to take a look at the left fender as it's still original to see if there's any damage starting and address it.