Clear Protective Covering

[bmwsam]

I am ordering a 128i this weekend and was wondering if anyone has put a clear protective covering over the front of their car. Is it better to go through BMW for this or an aftermarket place? This car usually won't leave the county but about once a month I have a several hour drive and hate rock chips.

[nszzya]

There are a few threads on the subject. I got it. It's called a clear bra. It is definitely worth it IMO because the paint on the 1 is very brittle. I think to comply with environmental standards, the paint is water based and is not as durable as older paints. I got Venture Shield because it carries a lifetime warranty. I used a great installer (Vincent at Omega Tintwerks in Pleasanton CA). He gives discounts to board members and does fantastic work. If it is not too far for you, I would highly recommend him. If that's not an option, research installers in your area on the board or elsewhere. I would coordinate your installation appointment so you aren't driving uncovered for too long. Skip the dealer. They will charge you about 2x what you should pay.

[tbird]

I don't have it down here in South Florida, but when I lived in NH, I put on "AutoBahnd" (3M)clear bra on my Audis, and let me tell you, it is awesome. It is clear so your paint doesn't change colors. It is sealed to the car, so no moisture or trapped dirt like with a crappy car bra. You can barely even see it.

It is literally a million billion times worth it.

[J312]

I got the BMW stuff installed originally. It was not 3M quality, and also didn't fit. Look at the BMW website and read how it only fits the M sport Bumper, not the standard bumper. BMW hired a contractor to install it, and he had to cut it to fit. It was cut so small that it was almost a waste. Cut the middle man (BMW) and find a 3M certified installer, comes with warranty and saves money.

I ended up going to a 3M installer that did a nice job on my friend's 350Z. He did a great job on my 128, used better material, and was even cheaper than BMW. I ended up getting reimbursed from BMW because they sold me their kit without knowing it did not fit.

It is probably the best accessory you can buy. Its hard to see, 3M can be waxed, washed, and is then only brand you can clean with alcohol if you want. It has a great warranty too. After you take a rock to the front end on the highway, you will thank yourself for getting the cover. When you go to sell your car, it will still have a great looking front end.

[vividracing]

You're going to find that most forums are divided 50/50 on this.

Half feel it's well worth the investment and that a slight line across the hood is well worth the protection it offers.
The other half don't like the visual impact it has, and would rather pay to respray the hood after 4-5 years.

I've had it on my last 2 BMWs, and I love it. I've never used the BMW stuff or 3M so I can't comment on that. I've had both done with VentureShield film, and I love it. From what I understand it's a bit thicker then the 3M.

[deamon32]

Well my car is about 3 months old, and the clear bra already did what it was supposed to do.

Some drunk chick on a segway swiped my front bumper with the wheel of the segway which left a bad mark on the clear bra but there was no damage on the bumper or paint.
I had her pay to get the clear bra replaced and everything is good as new

[bmwsam]

I had a 3M clear bra put on my 4Runner when it was new in 2005 and was never quite happy with it due to the presence of a few air bubbles that never settled although that was four years ago so I'm sure that improvements have been made since then.

The 128i I am ordering will have the M sport bumper so if I choose to go through BMW it will fit however I am looking at aftermarket places too.

[deamon32]

Originally Posted by bmwsam

I had a 3M clear bra put on my 4Runner when it was new in 2005 and was never quite happy with it due to the presence of a few air bubbles that never settled although that was four years ago so I'm sure that improvements have been made since then.

The place I go to has a lifetime warranty on all of their clear bra's and tint. If it every discolors, bubbles or whatever they will fix it.

[1013mm]

you mean a clear bra.

[onehungevo]

What is the going rate on having your front bumper, 20" of the hood w/ fenders matching, along with side view mirrors?

I got a quote for 3m: 400 for front bumper
200 for hood, fender, and side view mirrors
$600 installed is that a good price?

[zerbitini]

I just got a quote yesterday for $175 for just the hood and fenders, or $485 for the entire front end on a 135i.

I have almost 92,000 miles on my E46, and the car is perfect except for the lead edge of the hood and the bumper - which are COVERED with road rash. I don't want that to happen to my soon to arrive 135. I intend to use an aftermarket installer.

[vividracing]

for a pre-cut bumper, mirrors, and 18" up the hood/fenders you're probably looking about $500-700.

Ask on the forums for a local installer who's recommended.
And consider having your headlights covered as well - definitely worth it.