Just got a 2005 5AT coupe and noticed some clear protector material in front of the rear tire on the side molding (see pics)

Is this supposed to be here or did someone in detailing forget to take off some of the plastic protective tape? It actually doesn't look too bad, but I don't think it was meant to stay...wonder if it would protect the rear side from paint chipping.

Can someone who just got a coupe see if you have it on your car? Thanks

It's equivalent protective film like that used in the clear bras. Don't try to remove it. It's applied in that postion where the body flares out a bit and has a tendency to catch road debris etc. It will save you from potential rock chips.

Enjoy the ride.

As RBull said, it's a clearbra type protector from rocks hitting the panel.

You should wax that protector as you would the rest of your car.

thanks for the replies guys.

wow, i was just about to remove them because i thought for sure that they were supposed to come off.

so every coupe has these from the factory? i guess they do look like they were put on for a reason...

Yes, they're on every Coupe from the factory. They're not clear like a clear bra, they're body colored, but it does the same job.

why do you say they are body colored? i pulled mine off and mine were certainly clear as they should be. i hated them there. dirt would always get stuck along the edges and it would make them very noticable. i dont mind the clear bras on front but not there on the sides.

I took mine off too....PITA

And mine is CLEAR!

wow, I never knew about that portion being protected from factory. Absolutely no idea.

i left mine on. it's there for a reason, protection. i've never had dirt buildup either.

mines is starting to build up dirt in the corner... I don't know how since I rarely drive my car...

The guy who installed my clear bra told me they were body colored. I've since told others this info, that's probably where the above comment came from.

i also have it on the '05 coupe i picked up last friday. thought the car was scratched when i first saw it. mine also look like they are painted... unless it's some optical illusion . the line is more noticable on mine with all the salt build-up this passed weekend. i have a black car.

As far as I know, they always come with that. I asked the dealer guy and thats what he told me

you all have to be kidding. you bought a car without knowing that something was installed on it? did anyone actually look over the car and ask questions, or just walk up and buy something?

100% not body colored clear 3M bra from factory... Mercedes and Porsche are now jumping on the same trend, clear bra is a huge paint-life saver.

hmmmmm... too bad they don't do the front bumper like that