Tatonka Nickel

Although I prefer the look of a TL without body side molding, I'll probably go with that option...if it's functional. So the question is: will BSMs actually take the brunt of an opening car door? From what I see in pictures, it looks like they may be too low on the TL door to serve as an impact point. Thoughts?

Treblig

I doubt that it will protect from all doors. The shape and contours of the offending doors will determine that. I did it more for looks than protection, although I certainly hope it will prevent some dings.

n-spring

Agreed. Imagine what a Ford F-350 King Ranch Super-Duty door will do to any sedan.

jspagna1

Thought about putting them on my TL, but I do think they are too low and wondered how they would hold up after the long run. They sometimes discolor over time so I decided to leave them off.

potmilkz

only way to prevent door dings is to park further or at an open space.

Hamma Tyme

Don't waste your money, Acura has always placed them much to low to be of any protection.

Treblig

Now you tell me!

Costco

Seeing how low Acura put the moldings, I don't think it would protect the doors from anything really. To protect against other car doors, as mentioned it would largely be dependent on the shape of the offender's door, height, etc. In a best case scenario, if put dead center where the door protrudes the most, it could offer some protection from something like a stray shopping cart.

Treblig

For me it's more decorative than anything else. As earlier stated, I did it for the asthetic rather than the function. It breaks up the slabsided look by adding character line, a visual break. If it saves me from a future ding, I'm money ahead. The car looks good either way though.

Stew4HD

I agree.. I like the way they look too

Hamma Tyme

I will, I had them and most of the nicks I picked up were above the molding. That is a fact and not fiction. Besides, they were always a pain in the ass to wax. Especially with the old Nighthawk Black.

vinnier6

iTrader: (1)

i cant believe you guys like the way they look...they are pieces of abs plastic with double sided tape stuck to the door....

anyway, yes...to answer the question, they will work in taking the brunt of the other persons door...on the other hand, now that part will be all dinged up and at some point you will want that replaced to look good again....

the bottom line, is something is getting messed up if you park next to a careless person...

Treblig

A whole lot of mouldings are nothing but ABS plastic with two sided tape stuck on the side of a door. I had the mouldings on my RL, although they we integrated into the body design they did add to the look. None the less, these mouldings can always be removed if I should change my mind. Honestly, I agonized on whether or not to add them. Didn't see many with them and the very few that I did see didn't really look that bad to me.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Let's me put it this way...even the dealership talked me out of the side moldings.


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PaulNY

I personally like the look of them. I got them on my 09 FWD and now on my '11 AWD. I cant see them being super protective, but it doesnt hurt to 'feel' a little safer haha. And at least they're not as high as the kia's

Edward'TLS

Side moldings will protect against most bangs by the front doors of the other cars, but won't against bangs by the rear doors of the other cars due to the their arching shape.

BLEXV6

I like the look as well, and have them. It is my opinion they are too low on both the TL and TSX, but I think they will provide some protection.

TL Tech 18

If you park in close quarters on a regular basis.... they are a good idea. I am fortunate to have my choice of a my parking location where I work. Didn't have them on my TSX , and was lucky never to have any door dings. But I'm over cautious all other times, as I park away from the herd .........

Wooty Woo

They're purely for cosmetic purposes, if you see from my picture they're placed way too low for any use.

charco

I had SBM installed.... from what I observed in here.... it will protect your door being hit from civic size to MDX size (front door... I presumed).... anything larger than that like a F-series.....I doubt it....

It also prevent you to hit other car's door when you open your door and leave your car....

Will I buy the SBM for my next car? Maybe or maybe not.... it took me almost four hours to install them (I am not a handy man)... if the dealer is willing to install them for free...i will get it...otherwise....whatever.....coz my SBM had been sitting in my house for a whole year after I purchase them.....and by the time I install them.....I see no dings on any of my door at all... lol....so I guess the car should be safe without the SBM...