Load Sill Protection - B7 Wagon

[ted]

I'm looking for metal load sill protection (AKA scuff plate, bumper protection, etc) for MY13 Passat Wagon. The only option in the accessories propaganda is the clear film, which is not what I want.

Asked my local dealer if a stainless steel option exists, which they say yes, $185. Fine, the next best option I've found is on the UK which would cost about the same with shipping from UNQShop .

Collect it today, it's ABS plastic with metal like finish. Spewing, no way this is worth $185. Also what the reason I want protection is to reduce scratching, this thing will scratch just the same as the bumper. For reference the VW part number for the faux metal strip is 3AF 061 195

Does anyone know of any local sources for real s/steel protectors?

[Wigspotter]

For the record, the clear film is pretty effective for scratch resistance. Cheap too and easily replaced when required. Only caveat is that it runs up to the edge but not right over it.

A metal one will still scratch up properly.

[Guest001]

For the record, the clear film is pretty effective for scratch resistance. Cheap too and easily replaced when required. Only caveat is that it runs up to the edge but not right over it.

A metal one will still scratch up properly.

I have 3M film from the rubber seal right down to the chrome strip Right to the outer edge of the little door for the towhook. Put it on my self Cost about $40 Just be careful not to drag stuff across it Mine is 2 years old and have done all the doorsills and the stainless strips on the sills as well

You could ring Ozishield in Melbourne and they could do it for you Thats where I bought mine and cut it to fit.

They do however sell cut shapes for our Passats

OziShield Paint Protection Film Home Page

[kleung]

Does anyone know of any local sources for real s/steel protectors?

I wonder if the stainless steel sill protector from the B6 would fit?

Volkswagen Accessories - Boot sill guard – chrome effect
p/n: 3C9 061 195 for the wagon.

A metal one will still scratch up properly.

Mine is still holding up. First one only lasted a year before it got munged up (along with my rear bar) when I got rear-ended. Replacement still looks brand new almost 2 years later. The first one wasn't quite fitted correctly. It attaches with double-sided tape, and mine was always lifting. The replacement fits perfectly.

No obvious scratching on mine yet, and I don't particularly baby it. If I'm loading something heavy into the cargo compartment, I'll often lean it on the sill guard before lifting it up and over the sill.

I reckon metal>film. Sure, the film will provide a BIT of scratch protection, but it will only provide minimal impact protection. The genuine VW stainless steel sill protector is at least 1.5mm thick (probably closer to 2mm), so it's going to provide some pretty serious protection.

[davo]

Has anyone had any experience with this: Carbon Style Rear Bumper Protector VW Passat 365 Estate | eBay?

Looks quite stylish and inexpensive compared to the other options. Not sure how durable it would be though.

[ted]

Load Sill Protection - B7 Wagon

The reason I wasn't considering the clear film is that I expected dirt build up around the edges of the film, essentially highlighting the film on the white paint.

I reckon a metal plate will hold up fine against dog claws.

[Guest001]

The reason I wasn't considering the clear film is that I expected dirt build up around the edges of the film, essentially highlighting the film on the white paint.

I reckon a metal plate will hold up fine against dog claws.

Well if you use the cleaner polish on it every couple of months there wont be any

Both my cars have it on them and you literally have to look for the edges even after nearly 2 years. Just be careful when you wash it not to rub across the wrong way.

Toyota Corollas have a piece in front of rear wheel from the factory and they dont show dirt.

For what its worth the taildoor shape is exactly the same on the previous model as is the bumper shape at the top.
I was going to get the chrome strip that goes across the bottom of the door that the B6's had but not the B7
So I made a template and then put it on a B6 and its identical so logically a B6 unit will fit

The Problem with rear bumpers is not only the fact that stuff gets put onto the top but gets banged into the face of it when people dont lift stuff high enough.
Spent half my life when Taxi driving getting bumpers touched up with tired passengers who would insist on "helping" to put stuff in the boot and scratching the bumper.

[brad]

Have you looked on eBay or AliExpress?

I couldn't see any wagon units but stainless steel for the sedan starts at $30 shipped.

[davo]

Well, I just ordered one of these: Rear bumper protector (Perfect Shape) VW Passat B7 , only for Estate. Thanks ted for the original link. I'll let you know how it turns out.

[Guest001]

Well, I just ordered one of these: Rear bumper protector (Perfect Shape) VW Passat B7 , only for Estate. Thanks ted for the original link. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Bloody hell $134 for postage You must be keen

[davo]

Bloody hell $134 for postage You must be keen

Yes, the postage costs twice as much as the actual product, but as the OP pointed out, the total cost ($199) is only slightly more than the crappy plastic one that VW sells locally for $185.

[VW VR6]

The carbon one look nice for my opinion:

[ted]

Well, I just ordered one of these: Rear bumper protector (Perfect Shape) VW Passat B7 , only for Estate. Thanks ted for the original link. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Great, thanks for being my guinea pig!! Look forward to hearing how it goes...any indication on shipping times?

I was going to email them about alternate shipping options to try and bring the cost down a bit. Not holding my breath.

[ted]

I've now returned the plastic protection strip to the dealer. Went in and said "I think you've given me the wrong one, I asked for stainless steel, this one's plastic".

When the guy looked up the list of accessories, there isn't a real s/steel, only the plastic one described as "stainless steel look".
No one at the dealership corrected me or offer any clarification when I ordered stainless steel, I spoke to 3 different people in total. Can't help feeling cheated by their misinformation, they must have been laughing themselves to the bank getting $185 for a $10 part.

To top it off, they wouldn't put the refund back onto my card, they'll send a cheque. FFS. Maybe I'll pay by cheque for my next service

[davo]

Great, thanks for being my guinea pig!! Look forward to hearing how it goes...any indication on shipping times?

I was going to email them about alternate shipping options to try and bring the cost down a bit. Not holding my breath.

I got a email yesterday from Deliver Plus (Worldwide Parcel Delivery Services | Business courier | Deliver Plus Ltd) with a tracking number. Looking up the number does not yet show an ETA, but shows that it is using their Silver Plus service. I will keep you updated.