mnsnwbrdr

I've had my Estoril Blue for over a year - and through dozens of handwashes and an incident with tree sap, have nothing but good things about the color.

Stereodude

My experience has been similar. I handwash myself, but can't say I've noticed a propensity to scratch easily.

hinckley

Does anyone know if other Audi crystal effect colors have this same problem?

Ycore

Very weird, the susceptibility to scratches on mine is unquestionable. I wonder if some of these are prone to some defect during the painting process.

B-Lane

I just bought a 2014 S4 a month ago. The dealer really pushed this car down my throat although in my mind I was gonna buy as soon as I had the dough. They gave me the car without dealer prep including the wash. It snowed the week that I had the car before actually signing for the car. Two weeks later I bought the car the dealer washed my estoril blue and left plenty of scratches. A week later I brought my car to the same hand wash place that I brought my black genesis for the past three years, more scratches. Then I blew two tires with 600 miles on I-95 potholes that were replaced by the dealer who of course did a complimentary wash after service. The car looked like a spider web. I have since paid a reputable detailer who actually had a pristine R8 and C7 in the lot, to detail and remove the scratches. They got most out but the scratches return. It's the worst thing on the car. I have learned to live with it after changing everything I know about washing a car.

truep287

+1. Love the color. Usual degree of scratching for me. Not any different from my previous black S4.

pbudra15

My 2013 s4 has the phantom black pearl effect paint with no issues, so I would say this is definitely an estoril blue issue. I am more than fickle about my paint, and that would drive me absolutely insane. I will vouch for opti-coat. My car is daily driven and is now 2 years old, and I had optic-coat applied 2 months ago. That stuff really protects the paint. If opti-coat can't protect estoril blue, then nothing will. It almost seems to be an issue for recall. I understand it's not a mechanical issue, but those who have paid 50k+ for a car should expect their paint to hold up. Most s4 owners are very diligent with their cars, so this is definitely not the owners negligence. IMO

PhilNotHill

This thread reminds me of why I believe it is imperative to put a clear bra on the new car before I pick it up. On the S4 got everything in front of the front doors done. We get lots of sand and gravel on the roads as part of the snow removal program in winter. Rock chips are a real problem here.

Dealer put on 3M with a lifetime warranty.

The cost was $1320 and worth every cent.

Best.