Clear bra problems - RESOLVED!!

[1fastdoc]

UPDATE:
The Avery film was taken off and it went to another installer to have Xpel put on. The end result was the exact same! Still a big gap. They tried twice but it was due to the software. Lane at Music City Tinting called one of the guys at Xpel and it turns out that the newest software makes it easier to install the Clear bra but has multiple reliefs that in my opinion, look bad. However, he had a copy of the old software and sent it over.

Lane pulled off the old one and installed the new one. He did mention it was more challenging but it looks absolutely perfect and goes up to the edge all the way around.

So if you're thinking about an 8 mil bra such as Xpel or Avery, you may want to ensure that they have the software that will allow it to make it to the edges on the bumper.




ORIGINAL POST:
I have a thread in the Wash, wax, etc forum but I need to get some more advice before moving forward and I'm hoping plenty of people here have clear bras and can weigh in.

I had the bumper and sides put on last week. The installer explained that the curvature over the front fascia is normal and due to the contour of the car. It's from a template that they pull up after plugging in all the car data. It's not free hand cut. See pic.

Cost of the bumper, rockers, rear splash was around $550. Cost of the full hood and fenders is around $1350. The hood piece had to be ordered as their machine doesn't cut pieces larger than 40". The hood piece is NOT a wrap around, it stops at the edges. It is due to be put on next Thursday.

I have seen a handful of M3's and all have had the bra go up to the lights. This huge gap bugs me from an aesthetic standpoint but there is also the issue of coverage. I already have a rock chip where the exposed part is and I'll certainly get more.

According to them, this is normal. I understand it's based on a template but if that's the case, then most other M3's should have the same issue.

Does anyone else have a clear bra that looks like this???

[NNJCarGuy]

I have never seen that. I have a full free hand cut job done and you can't see any gaps, anywhere.. You get what you pay for..

[F9T]

I wish I had something more positive to tell you, but that is not normal. I have a pre-cut clear bra and it cover my bumper completely. I assume others will tell you the same thing.

[IB M]

No way is that right. My clear bra wraps under the front lip of the hood and completely covers front edge. The templates are on a computer and can be dragged larger to extend in certain areas before the machine cuts the template. I paid 750 for full rockers rear quarters full front bumper and half the hood and fenders. I sort of regret not wrapping the whole hood.

[slipaway37]

So NOT normal!!!
Your installer is a total idiot, or very inexperienced.
I'd demand a refund and go to a professional.
Good luck.

[Z K]

I think I mentioned this in the other thread.

There are a lot of different template patterns. This one that they used looks like it is very bad. Either get a good custom cut install or find an installer with access to a better pattern.

The price you paid is reasonable but the pattern is bad.

[LightWerkz]

If its not custom cut its not going to go edge to edge completely. However, it should go very close to the edge, unlike yours which is inches off.

[Kanweezy]

That's helllla expensive if you ask me.

[W Cole]

It doesn't matter if "thats the way the template is" leaving a large unprotected area like that is not acceptable. Get them to fix it or give you your money back.

[ijnoj09]

Like everybody said that's not normal. Mine is precut and gets pretty close to the edges.

[JustMpwrd]

+1

[V8FunNaturally]

I am waiting for my new M3 which is in Munich right now, and I am trying to decide which direction to go Opti coat 2.0 or clear bra or ... ? I do not really like the idea of wrapping my car in polyurethane plastic so I was going to do the opti coat but I read it is not smooth to the touch but grabby and mildly tacky. So now I am uncertain.. Also I am planning on using the following sprayable product in the interim if I can find it in european car stores (pressurized can not allowed to travel)

http://3mauto.com/paint-defender-spray-film.html

[Z K]

Originally Posted by sunsweet

I am waiting for my new M3 which is in Munich right now, and I am trying to decide which direction to go Opti coat 2.0 or clear bra or ... ? I do not really like the idea of wrapping my car in polyurethane plastic so I was going to do the opti coat but I read it is not smooth to the touch but grabby and mildly tacky. So now I am uncertain.. Also I am planning on using the following sprayable product in the interim if I can find it in european car stores (pressurized can not allowed to travel)

http://3mauto.com/paint-defender-spray-film.html

Opticoat is not a clear bra replacement. It is a long lasting sealant (wax) that protects the paint from contaminants.. not rock chips. Opticoat does leave a bit of a uneven texture to the paint. Kinda feels like the way the "Frozen" paint does from BMW but not as sandpaper-like.

[mdosu]

OMG! Reject! I just put mine on, I have virtually full coverage at that section pretty much up to right under the crack where it meets up with the headlamp!

send 'er back, they're not using the right template. Especially since you paid $1350!! and they still fucked up the hood fitment?!

It just sounds like a shop that has never done an M3.

Here is mine:



http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=864559

[mdosu]

I would make them eat the cost and find a new template. B/C for that piece, if they were to recut, i estimate it'll cost them about only $35-$55 in material cost + labor (assuming you don't the the ultra expensive materials)

[mpower4life]

What does the paint not being as smooth matter? You are not supposed to touch paint. Opti Coat, especially pro, is far superior to any wax or sealant. Definitely not a replacement for clear film though and I would recommend both to anyone especially on a new car.

[BKarktic3]

Money back...

[1fastdoc]

From a legal standpoint I'm not quite sure where I stand here. After looking a lot closer at the bumper it is far from even and there are areas peeling.

They also did the rockers and splash behind the rear wheel.

At this point I'd prefer to just have it all removed and get my money back but I don't see him doing that. Moreover, they ordered and already received the hood piece so now they're stuck with that too.

Big problem is if he wants to correct it, which seems reasonable to me. But I don't want that shop working on my car any more.

I have a feeling I'm going to take that $550 in the shorts. Expensive lesson.

[Chicken Little]

Originally Posted by infantrytroop22

I wish I had something more positive to tell you, but that is not normal. I have a pre-cut clear bra and it covers my bumper completely.

+1 ^

[mdosu]

Originally Posted by 1fastdoc

From a legal standpoint I'm not quite sure where I stand here. After looking a lot closer at the bumper it is far from even and there are areas peeling.

They also did the rockers and splash behind the rear wheel.

At this point I'd prefer to just have it all removed and get my money back but I don't see him doing that. Moreover, they ordered and already received the hood piece so now they're stuck with that too.

Big problem is if he wants to correct it, which seems reasonable to me. But I don't want that shop working on my car any more.

I have a feeling I'm going to take that $550 in the shorts. Expensive lesson.

I'm curious how the bumper was cut...I know someone here that will cut the piece properly and may be able to ship it to you. He cut my bumper for my install. What I would do is, take just the bumper film out (since the other parts are okay), and just have someone else install the bumper again, you'll probably only be out about $150 or so total... so you need to talk to him to custom the bumper (preference regarding headlamp washer and reflectors) and arrange for another shop to install it for you.

If yours is not cut this way, you need to order both the red and (2) purple pieces shown in the picture. Else you can just order the red piece. (excuse my horrible Microsoft Paint skills, had a few drinks after work today!)

[BLACK OPS]

Sorry to see your terrible experience. I know what it feels like when dealing with somebody who doesn't appreciate the M3 or loves it as much as you. Demand a refund on labor, pay for the parts/materials and walk away. Don't let them continue to work on this. I was fortunate to have somebody do a good job on my oem front and hood then took 8 weeks before I found somebody very confident to do my GTS5 Vorsteiner bumper and he did a great job.

[Cool Steel]

I bought mine used.
My car was fully loaded, sticker over 75k and the owner spared no expense.
My Clear looks exactly like yours...its fine, must be a different cut then these other guys ...or they paid more...I don't know cause I would never buy one.
Lets face it, it covers the majority and the probability is lowered that you will get a nick in that area, not worth paying more if it costs extra to get it closer....
I would never waste money on a total hood clear...come on people this is like putting a plastic cover on a sofa, war wounds are fine, we drive a sports car not a pretty boy sissy car....lol