Changing side blades - hard to do?

[Moggy]

Like many of us waiting for our ordered R8s, I'm spending many hours here and else where on the web drooling with anticipation. 3-odd months to go (not that I'm counting...).

At the moment my R8 has been ordered with body color side blades.

I am now having second thoughts as the contrasting color is growing on me. While I'm not quite ready to go Oxygen against my Sepang Blue, going the standard Mugello Blue or even black Carbon Fiber is tickling in the back of my mind.

So the question is:

If I stay with body color, how hard would it be to order a new side blade? How expensive? How easy to put on?

I've not been able to find any good photos of a Sepang Blue with either body color or Mugello Blue side blades that will help me make a decision.

Help me Obi-Wan, you're my only hope!

[RS4Cab]

To buy Carbon Fiber blades for V10 would be just under $6k and as an option when ordered it's only $2,300. I think Sepang with C/F blades is the best color combo and will be how I order my V10. If I were you I would stop thinking about it and change your order to it. I know it's the C/F blades on the R8 that gets the most compliments.

[mark25]

As RS4cab said sideblades bought aftermarket can be expensive. used V8 carbon blades can be picked up for less than the price ordered at time of purchase but V10 blades are almost impossible to find and will be a lot cheaper ordered with your car. I am not a fan of side matching blades at all as I think it removes one of most unique features about the car. Carbon blades are the way to go tho, you wont regret it. My V8 had silver sideblades and I have recently upgraded to the V10 carbon blades and it has totally transformed the car.

[Rit2]

The design intent of the contrasting side-blades is to prevent the car from appearing too long. The uniquely designed DRL's, just like the side-blades, are the distinguishing features of an R8. However, without those features it doesn't make your car a lesser R8. You could go exclusive and have Audi paint it to any tone or colour you want. It's all a matter of personal taste.

[exhilR8]

I had thought about getting an extra set of body-colored sideblades in addition to the original CF ones, until the dealer quoted me $6k. The dealer says they are exceptionally easy to change out and change back though.

If you want CF blades and another color, you don't have to go exclusive. It's probably cheaper to get the CF factory installed, then have the dealer get unpainted ones and then have them painted any color you wish for 6k. I might consider Lamborghini Blue Fontus...

[mark25]

Thinking about it what is the extra cost for V10 carbon blades? As you can probably sell them for more than Audi are charging you as an extra anyway. These parts are very much in demand as so expensive aftermarket!

[desperado]

I added this DIY thread on Changing the Side Blades to the FAQ.

[sapien]

Get carbon blades then vinyl wrap them whenever you need a change

[Moggy]

Thanks for all the info, guys!

I'll probably stick with the body color initially. That way they'll fade at the same rate as the rest of the car. When I feel the time is right, I'll switch it up.

[Baer]

Its Daytona Gray but here's mine with body color side blades which is the look I preferred.
Good luck with your decision!