Fairly straight forward DIY job. So blag the mudflaps and fit yourself.
Back bumpers are wholly plastic where the rear mudflaps fit.
Front hardly faces onto body metal work as they are tightly against the plastic inner front splash sheilds of the front wings. All mounted into exisitng plastic securing bolts.
Took them off recently and they were very clean behind after two years & 12,000 miles. The only metal bit is a stainless steel clip onto the plastic front wing splash shield in each front wing. The Torx head bolts do not mount into any metal bodywork.
The only precaution that needs taking really is rubbing protection against the paint surface. I fitted 3M clear anti-squeak film, cut to shape to stop the rubber edge of the mudflaps digging into the paint. About 3mm shows and if it gets dirty with time, just strip off and re-apply a new custom cut sheet.
Its available as A4 size sheet at VW as part no. AKL 448 300 04 with a price tag of £35. Not that I paid that.... just £1 a sheet at a VW show. Easy to cut with sharp scissors.
The easiest & cheapest source for the 3M film is Ebay traders - searching on "VW" or "audi" + "Audi Bumper Protection"
This is the sort of auctions
VW Film or
Audi Film
After cutting to shape of the mudflap lip + 3mm and some film area behind the flap to aid adhesion. Its applied by using water to slide the film shape into place. Then flattening and the film tacks down as the remaining moisture evaporates.
The templates I keep. Made of thick card. The can be flipped over to do either side - RH or LH.
Basically after fitting the mudflaps, slip some card in between the mudflap and bodywork/bumper and use a pen to trace the mudflap outline. Then cut to shape with a 3mm wide (visible) border. Add an area behind the shaped edge for added adhesion but not too much to go off the bodywork behind the area covered by the mudflap.
Mudflap 3M Film - 01 Templates.JPG
Front mudflap with 3M film protection
Mudflap 3M Film - 02 Front Wing.JPG
Rear mudflap with 3M film protection
Mudflap 3M Film - 03 Rear Bumper.JPG
Due to a little accident at Christmas while I was having a cup of tea in the house, the 3M film behind my rear mudflaps can be revealed.
Mudflap 3M Film - 04 Rear Bumper.JPG
At the end of the day, its a personal choice whether you have them or not. If you do, make sure the paintwork is protected.
C.