Is Clear Bra Worth It?

[Red Rocket]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

I’m not a gator but have been to Auto SuperShield in Boca for 5 cars.



That’s what happened to my previous Ibis White S4. I also got it replaced under warranty at about 18 mos. I have SunTek on my M4.

Thanks Rick. I'll hit them up for a quote.

[TTG]

Its 2018 and this question is STILL being asked and OP is not sure if this topic "has already been covered". NEWS FLASH!

And, No, a quality film won't frikin yellow.

Go do some research people.......

Ok, I feel better now

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by TTG

Its 2018 and this question is STILL being asked and OP is not sure if this topic "has already been covered". NEWS FLASH!

And, No, a quality film won't frikin yellow.

Go do some research people.......

Ok, I feel better now

So you are saying Xpel isn't quality film (since it has yellowed for at least 2 people in this thread)?

[TTG]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

So you are saying Xpel isn't quality film (since it has yellowed for at least 2 people in this thread)?

Not at all since I just read OPs thread and skipped all the mumbo jumbo.

How did people take care of their xpel or maintain it?

I have / had Xpel on my 2011 M3, on 2014 SQ5 as well as my current 2016 5 series..... All white cars and zero signs of yellowing. SQ is 4 years old and 5er just turned 2.

Both films look brand new and most people can't tell they are there.

In addition, lets say it yellows bec people just get them installed and never maintain them. That still is much better than getting bunch of rock chips on your paint. I guess the overall question is do you want to protect your OEM paint of get a film that you need to replace every so often.

The finish on your paint will also dull if you don't do anything about it, clear bra is no different.

The debate of installing clear bra on today's thin fragile paint jobs is plain stupid. If you do any freeway driving, it is just a must have.

There are bunch of threads across bimmer post that talks about "wish I installed a clear bra" before getting bunch or rock chips.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by TTG

Not at all since I just read OPs thread and skipped all the mumbo jumbo.

How did people take care of their xpel or maintain it?

I have / had Xpel on my 2011 M3, on 2014 SQ5 as well as my current 2016 5 series..... All white cars and zero signs of yellowing. SQ is 4 years old and 5er just turned 2.

Both films look brand new and most people can't tell they are there.

In addition, lets say it yellows bec people just get them installed and never maintain them. That still is much better than getting bunch of rock chips on your paint. I guess the overall question is do you want to protect your OEM paint of get a film that you need to replace every so often.

The finish on your paint will also dull if you don't do anything about it, clear bra is no different.

The debate of installing clear bra on today's thin fragile paint jobs is plain stupid. If you do any freeway driving, it is just a must have.

There are bunch of threads across bimmer post that talks about "wish I installed a clear bra" before getting bunch or rock chips.

Preaching to the choir on value of getting PPF...

Mine is one that yellowed on a white car. It was washed regularly and sealed periodically. Cars were garaged and I only had yellowing on one white car (out of 5 with PPF). Yellowing will not show on darker cars. It is the white paint that makes it obvious. The film is porous and therefore contaminants get into it and they can't always be cleaned entirely. They then need to be replaced under warranty.

If you search across forums you will find many, many examples of films showing yellowing on white cars. Personally, I won't get another white car because I think PPF is essential and I think yellowing on a white car is inevitable regardless of anecdotes to the contrary. Even with a warranty it is a PITA to get film replaced every 12-24 mos.

[Zayzel]

Absolutely worth it. I went with Xpel - highly recommend if you can find a meticulous installer.

[damageprone]

Originally Posted by Zayzel

Absolutely worth it. I went with Xpel - highly recommend if you can find a meticulous installer.

My Xpel has saved me a couple of times on the road. I agree with finding a good installer. Mine isn't rolled beyond the seams, so I can see the edges catching some dirt. I didn't think I had to ask for that

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by Red Rocket

if you had yours done, who did you use gator?

I used auto supershield in Boca. They did a great job.

[GotM?]

I would recommend you at least do the full front end and rockers. If you have any extra funds I would also do the CF roof. Coating is a must! I would do a full 2 step correction and follow that with whichever you prefer, Modesta or Ceramic Pro. Make sure you do your due diligence before you drop off your car at the shop. Just know you get what you pay for. I would recommend if you're only doing the front end to go with a pre cut. If you're doing the whole car then I would recommend going custom. Good luck!

[IrvineTim]

Originally Posted by Grant1210

Not sure if this has already been covered elsewhere. My 2018 F80 will be arriving shortly and trying to decide what steps to take right away to keep it looking nice. Clear bra? Ceramic coating?

dont do it, totally not worth it!! If you take into consideration the depreciation on these things, why would you bother dumping more money into it. These cars do not hold their value regardless of how pristine you keep it.

[mrfox]

Yes, do it. Clear bra on the nose at a minimum. Next most important spot is the area behind the front and rear wheels, and on the front of the rear fender flares. The front tires kick up a lot of crap that lands on the rear flares, especially if you run spacers. Beyond that, the more you can afford the better, but is isn't cheap.

Ceramic pro is great for always looking great and paint protection. You never have to wax it. Foam lance and a light scrub and it's back to looking perfect.

If you don't have a shop, Supreme Shine on LI is great. Little far from you but worth it. ?(631) 662-3379?

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by IrvineTim

dont do it, totally not worth it!! If you take into consideration the depreciation on these things, why would you bother dumping more money into it. These cars do not hold their value regardless of how pristine you keep it.

lol it has nothing to do with preserving the value but rather enhancing the ownership experience by maintaining a pristine car.

[EstrlM3]

Originally Posted by IrvineTim

dont do it, totally not worth it!! If you take into consideration the depreciation on these things, why would you bother dumping more money into it. These cars do not hold their value regardless of how pristine you keep it.

Lol what? Of course they don’t, it’s a car. No one is buying film to stop or slow down depreciation. They are buying film to keep their toy looking new.

I put film on my E90 after I got the front end repainted and it looks brand new 3 years later. Obviously the car has depreciated but that’s not why I bought film.

[IrvineTim]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

lol it has nothing to do with preserving the value but rather enhancing the ownership experience by maintaining a pristine car.

then you should do the whole car not just a bra, right? If you want to keep the car pristine, and enhance your experience.

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Originally Posted by IrvineTim

then you should do the whole car not just a bra, right? If you want to keep the car pristine, and enhance your experience.

Nope just the high impact areas

[gatorfast]

Originally Posted by IrvineTim

then you should do the whole car not just a bra, right? If you want to keep the car pristine, and enhance your experience.

The front bumper is really the only high impact area for me. I can live with small chips every now and then on the hood and elsewhere and fill them in individually. But for the amount of highway driving I do my front bumper gets blasted. Not to mention the very high cost of wrapping the whole car (I have seen people quote $5k+).

Not sure why the idea of ppf bothers you so much? You do realize this is a car forum where all we do is discuss ways to further sink money into our depreciating assets in order to enjoy them that much more...

[smithf80]

I highly recommend Suntek PPF. In terms of optical clarity I believe it to be second to none.