De-badging - Audi said Nooooooo..!

[Stellify]

Hi All,
First post here so apologies if this has already been covered.
Over the weekend I pushed the boat out and bought myself an 09, A4 Avant S-line, 2.7TDI, Auto, Monza Silver, leather, NAV....
Whilst negotiating the deal I asked the Sales guy if they would de-badge the boot (remove both A4 and 2.7TDI decals). He basically said no and strongly advised against it – In fact he was adamant it should never be attempted.
He also went on to say that the paint used on the car was water based and would almost certainly be damaged if anyone tried to remove the decals. (Not the best sales pitch I’ve heard!)
I’ve seen loads of threads about de-debadging older Audi models with no problems – is there any reason why the new models should be any different?! Ie. New paints, paint application systems...?!
Normally I would be quite happy to attempt de-badging myself but since the sales guy was so adamant it’s cast some doubt!
Would appreciate any info
Thanks

[troc]

I've not heard that one before. Many many people have debadged their Audis (and other cars) without any hassles whatsoever.

One of the easiest ways is to use a hairdrier to gently (never so hot you can't touch) warm the badges and then to run some dental floss behind them to "saw" them off (they are attached by double-sided tape). The residue should be easy to remove and you can then wash and polish/wax and be happy

I reckon they just couldn't be *****

[BillTheButcher]

LOL! Sounds like complete horsesh*t to me. I've debadged all of my cars and have never had a problem with paint damage.

Salesman = idiot.

[Stellify]

Thanks for the quick replies and info.

I had my suspicions he was talking out of waste pipe! Just wanted to double check before I vandalise my pride of joy within an hour of ownership!

I’m picking the car up in a couple of days – I’ll let you know I get on (fingers crossed).

Thanks again

[Plife]

Absolute rubbish as others have said. just be careful when removing as you get lower down the badge as not to scratch the paint and then some tar remover will get rid of any left over residue.

[Issac Hunt]

I think the issue is that if the dealership was to debadge it and (long odds I know) the paint finish was in any way damaged then they would be liable for the repair costs. I can see why they won't do it.

You wouldnt be happy to pay for repair if they damaged it would you? The dealer is just covering their back on this one.

[Stellify]

I think the issue is that if the dealership was to debadge it and (long odds I know) the paint finish was in any way damaged then they would be liable for the repair costs. I can see why they won't do it.

You wouldnt be happy to pay for repair if they damaged it would you? The dealer is just covering their back on this one.

Valid point, well made

[amillen]

I have de-badged mine without any hassle and like yours, is monza silver. As already mentioned I warmed each character and then gently worked dental floss down the back of each and when each was removed I used a product call 'Sticky Stuff Remover' which took off the remaining glue no problem. Car then washed and sealed and absolutely no sign of the badges.

[golfgt140]

Hello Stellify

Firstly big congrats on the car. The 2.7 is fantastic fun! Mine has 16k on it, and with reasonably careful driving I'm getting 42mpg average.

When I bought my car it had A4 on the boot, and no 2.7 tdi badge, which I thought looked weird. In a direct opposite to yourself, I asked the dealer could he get me the 2.7 badge to even it up. They were hesitant to do that, and tried to talk me out of it. Getting it took bl**dy ages. dealers eh?

Anyway, now I finally have the badges on as they should be, I'm not so sure anymore! I keep going out and looking at the back and pondering!

I maybe following you, and getting them both off!

Looking forward to hearing about the car when you pick her up.