09-26-2013, 02:19 PM | #1 |
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Clear bra question
So I'm contemplating getting a clear bra installed over my white M-Sport bumper. But it's very expensive and I'm still not convinced. I've looked it up and it looks like they pre-cut the film with a laser according to a template, and then install it in place. But because of the nature of the beast the edge of the protection film ends up about 1/16'' from the edge of the paint. I feel like this line is going to be visible and attract a lot of dirt making it even more visible, especially on a white car...
Has anyone done clear bra and can comment on this? |
09-26-2013, 02:24 PM | #2 |
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I haven't done one before, but I've never been a fan. You can always see it even when the car is clean, and I don't like the idea of not being able to seal and wax those areas. I believe you can seal and wax over the clear bra (?) but I'm not 100% certain and still, I don't think I would like it.
I just stay far back from everyone so I don't get rock chips. |
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09-26-2013, 02:38 PM | #3 | |
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Taking care of it is slightly tricky when waxing, I haven't found the best solution, as the edge seems to attract wax. I bought some cotton swabs the other day and will see if they can remove the wax with some quick detailer. I'm pretty sure you can polish xpel PPF, but not sure exactly why you would, since it's self healing. I'm learning a lot of this as I go Keeping a long following distance won't prevent rock chips, just the frequency of them I learned the hard way and have some chips which have been filled in with touch up paint (I can still see them unfortunately), before getting the xpel :facepalm: |
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09-26-2013, 02:39 PM | #4 |
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I've just had a clear bra put on (at delivery) of my 2013 335i (Mineral Gray) mainly because I live in the upper mid-west and have had my share of stones thrown at the front of my cars. You can barely see the lines on this color but I think that is a color dependent result. My wife has a deep red colored Lexus with a 3M bra that you can always see.
One thing to beware of is what the clear bra will look like after it's been out in the elements for a while. They tell me mine will not discolor over time (5 year warr) whereas my wife's 3M product shows some wear after three years. Good Luck |
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09-26-2013, 02:41 PM | #5 | |
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09-26-2013, 03:27 PM | #7 |
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It's the first time that I've put one on my car and won't be the last. One of the best uses of my money.
I put it on my melbourne red F30 16 months ago and its still in perfect condition. I've got the full front bumper, 1/3 bonnet and side mirrors. The 1/3 really makes a difference as I have very few stone chips. It deflects most stones, being across the front 1/3 of the bonnet. The line across the bonnet is only visible if you look closely. Other than that, it looks pretty clean. On a white car is a different story. You may want to get a really reputable make with a long 'no-fade' warranty. I've seen a relatively new X6M that looks like the front half of the car was painted cream due to fade. |
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09-26-2013, 05:08 PM | #8 |
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I'll be looking for an installer since the front bumper looks really complex and I've never done something like that before. Not that it can't be learned I supposed but not this time. I was looking at xpel based on internet research. The classic 3M does yellow I've been told. There is the 3M ventureshield that apparently is better. But xpel is the best as far as I can tell. Now that doesn't address the issues with the seam lines around the bumper curves. I understand that some seams can be hidden by wrapping the film around the panels but the bumper doesn't seem to be a place where this would be possible. And the templates apparently do not extend past the edges in any case. I think this is a case of better checking out an installer's work before I commit. $1k is very steep but when you're anal-retentive you gotta pay the price right?
Anyone has recommendations for an outstanding xpel installer in the Philadelphia area? I've been researching Ferrari forums and found a couple (Ferrari owners are understandably very anal lol) but wanted some feedback from the BMW crowd. |
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09-26-2013, 05:36 PM | #9 |
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I'm sorry, but I didn't pay anywhere close to $1k for clear bra and tint.
I love it. Seriously, you really have to look close to notice it. There is one spot in a corner on the right bottom (air vent) where it just didn't lay down. But otherwise, it is a great investment. Damn, I hit something and there is total rash on the clear bra. It saved my paint. If you want me take a photo of a seam or double check the pricing, let me know.
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09-26-2013, 07:47 PM | #10 | |
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Interested in pricing as well, although pricing is very variable and I'm on the east coast. Which brand of clear bra did you use? |
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09-26-2013, 09:12 PM | #11 |
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I'll try to take a picture tomorrow.
It is 3M clear bra and tint.
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09-27-2013, 02:46 AM | #13 | ||||
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I was doing my due diligence for a few months before ordering my car so I can chirp in a bit
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09-27-2013, 07:27 AM | #14 | |
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It looks like Premier is the top choice installer on the West coast but I don't see any on the East coast.... I'm definitely welcoming the idea of posting pics here, thanks! Last edited by ft1339; 09-27-2013 at 07:35 AM.. |
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09-27-2013, 08:42 PM | #15 | |
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09-27-2013, 10:08 PM | #16 |
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I know it seems weird but they really do it. Not at the panel edges since they wrap it but whenever the films meets an obstacle and they have to cut the film, they have no choice but to do it. I was reading a lot of forum posts elsewhere and this is pretty much universal for custom installs. You might never take off the bra but if you do, mark my words and take a close look.
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09-28-2013, 11:51 AM | #17 | |
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09-28-2013, 12:24 PM | #18 |
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Lights, grills, lower grills, plastic trim inserts in the bumper. Anywhere it can't be wrapped around an edge. Did they remove all these for your install? I can't take a chance because I will only know if the installer was good after the facts. You're lucky that your installer is good (or maybe you knew someone he's worked for) but I feel like a custom install is like flipping a coin. I would only trust Premier and they happen to be in SoCal like you, I'm on the right coast though.
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09-28-2013, 04:57 PM | #19 | |
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09-28-2013, 05:32 PM | #20 | |
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10-03-2013, 07:03 PM | #21 |
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I have an AW m-sport with clear bra. It's really hard to notice the seems unless your looking for them. My friends didn't noticed until I mentioned it.
If the installer didn't do a good job dirt might get attracted to the seams because the bra is lifting, not sticking around the edges. I selected the pre-cut for the front bumper, head lights, side view mirrors. Custom clear bra'ed the entire hood. the pre-cut for the hood didn't go up far enough to offer protection where it's really needed. Installers mentioned they took the grill and other pieces like the tow hook cover to tuck the bra in. I use optimum spray wax on the bra A pic of my car with the clear bra. cant tell it's there. BMW F30 by kiu101, on Flickr
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10-03-2013, 07:14 PM | #22 | |
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Right now I have 2 offers, 1 from a reputable installer in the area for a 3M scotchguard bra that is reasonable and the other from a Porsche dealership for an Xpel Ultimate that is very expensive (twice as much). Not many xpel installers in the area..... They both do pre-cuts from templates. I would be tempted to go with the 3M but my car is white and I'm concerned about yellowing and even the installer concedes that this can happen although there is a 5 year warranty against yellowing on material and labor.... Don't know what to do..... Last edited by ft1339; 10-03-2013 at 07:21 PM.. |
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