Detailed Review Courtesy of Former_Boosted_IS
@ E90post.com:
Click here to read the entire review
After a long focus of power mods on my car, I
have been playing some catch up on my cosmetic mods. Carbon fiber mods have
always been a favorite of mine because of the combination of weight loss and
slick looks of the parts. I added a Duke Dynamics carbon fiber hood recently and
I knew a trunk would be following shortly after. I searched for along time to
find what I felt was a good mix of price and quality because to be honest, I
will not sacrifice quality for price. I saw a lot of trunks on the forums and
from various vendors, but there is always a part of me that is concerned about
buying parts without having a US vendor I can speak with. Recently I saw that
ModBargains had a CSL trunk that seemed to have superior fitment and a very
clean look. I knew ModBargains had a good reputation on the forums, so I felt it
was worth contacting them. I had a conversation with Alan from ModBargains about
their CSL trunk and he felt very confident it the fit and finish of the part. I
thought about it for a few days and decided to pull the trigger.
This review will focus:
-
Initial Communications with ModBargains
-
ModBargains Customer Service
-
Shipping Quality
-
Fit/Quality/Finish of the Trunk
-
Any DIY Information Necessary
Experience with ModBargains / Shipping
When I first called ModBargains, I spoke with Alan and continued to chat with
him through the entire process. Alan is available by phone or on many other
instant messengers. Alan was very knowledgeable about the parts he carries and
very friendly through the entire process. Alan was able to answer all specific
questions I had regarding the trunk from quality, to fitment, to availability.
He was supremely confident that fitment of this trunk would be 95% or better and
referred to it as "spot-on". Alan even mentioned that ModBargains is clear
coating their CSL trunks when they receive them to protect against the infamous
yellowing that can occur on the clear of carbon fiber items. Alan spent a number
of days answering all my long winded questions, and then proceeded to take my
order. Within an hour, I had a completed invoice and about 24 hours later I had
shipping/tracking information. The shipping was painless and easy. I was able to
track the trunk to my local shipping company, and then they called me to setup
up a delivery time.
When the trunk arrived, it was packaged nicely in a very large box.
The packaging and bubble wrap was very, very
thorough. I have ordered large parts before and the shipping companies tend to
murder the boxes so good packaging is key.
After removing the first bubble packaging, you
will notice the CSL trunk is again protected by a plastic bag and a second set
of bubble wrap.
When I finally removed the packaging, I was blow
away with what I saw. The carbon fiber weave is nothing less than stellar. The
lines are clean and smooth. The clear coat was very nice with next to no
noticeable wrinkles (which we see on lots of carbon fiber products).
I have to say that I am completely blown away
with the quality of the ModBargains CSL Trunk. The weave is simply flawless. The
workmanship of the trunk is very clean with no waves whatsoever to any of the
lines. The clear coat is beautiful and nearly flawless. If the fit is as good as
the quality of the trunk, then I knew I would be very, very happy.
Results/Fitment
The truth of the matter is fit is where cosmetic mods fly or fail. The carbon
fiber weave can be nice and the clear coat perfect, but if the fit is not great
then we are always left unhappy. I have taken a number of pictures from the most
important angles to show the fitment of the ModBargains CSL Trunk. Enjoy.
Notice the near perfect lines from the bill of
the trunk to the quarter panel and the smooth line along the trunk/upper quarter
panel.
Conclusions
Alan from ModBargains was a pleasure to purchase from. He was knowledgeable,
friendly, and ultimately wanted my buying experience to be positive. Alan was
able to answer all the questions I had about his product, or he found someone
who could. The packaging of the product was superb to ensure it would arrive to
me unblemished. ModBargains does provide invoicing and tracking info so you can
plan your install around its arrival.
The ModBargains E92 Carbon Fiber CSL Trunk has a stellar carbon fiber weave
quality. The additional clear coat ModBargains applies to the trunk will allow
those that want the "naked" look to simply mount the trunk and go. The lines on
the trunk are perfectly smooth, and fit is off the chart good! I can only
describe the fitment as stock-like.
The mounting locations for the license plate LEDs, handle, key roller, and
license plate expanding nuts will need to be prepped to fit your stock parts.
The mounting holes for the trunk liner will also have to be drilled as they are
not when the trunk comes to you. If you don't mind a couple of hours of work,
then you can easily get near or stock-like fitment from this trunk.
Overall, I am more than happy with the ModBargains E92 Carbon Fiber CSL
Trunk. It actually exceeded my expectations and is a tremendous addition to my
car. I would not hesitate for a second to purchase from ModBargains again in the
future.
