Does your car have a clear bra?

[empilot]

Originally Posted by Transfer

No thanks on the clear bra. Looks like ass on AW as well. I have 23k miles on my car and no rock chips. BMW paint is very good IMO.

I actually think it looks best on white and is more conspicuous on darker colors. Plus, it's unnoticeable to those who aren't looking for it. IMHO, I'd get your front end covered if you'll be logging a lot of highway time, especially if you have a light color paint. Chips seem more obvious to me on the lighter shades and less so on the darker ones.

[BPMSport]

Had one and got rid of it would be a good option too..

This is the case with me.. After 3 years the line really bugged me so I pulled it off. I figure I'll have it repainted in a few more years if there is any stone damage.

[quadpipes]

Consider doing the flat portion of the rear bumper just below the trunk opening. It will save you big time from scratches on the top of the bumper from stuff you put in the trunk. There's a pattern for this that just covers that area. And I just plain cannot see it unless I am really up close. Good luck!

[mthreefan]

what an interesting vote. it's almost a straight tie. cool idea

[X2Board]

No bra for me. I'll respray if I have to.

[sensi09]

I've never had one on any car, but after driving through a rock covered canyon road this weekend, I definitely wish I had one.

[wjgorol]

I am having the BMW shop put one on as soon as my 2013 M3 is delivered. I do not like seeing the lines so I am having them do the whole hood, front bumper, quarters, and may have them do behind each wheel well. Any opinions on behind the wheels? I was quoted at 1k for everything to be custom, instead of one of those cheap pre cut ones. Good price?

[S65NAPWR]

Originally Posted by wjgorol

I am having the BMW shop put one on as soon as my 2013 M3 is delivered. I do not like seeing the lines so I am having them do the whole hood, front bumper, quarters, and may have them do behind each wheel well. Any opinions on behind the wheels? I was quoted at 1k for everything to be custom, instead of one of those cheap pre cut ones. Good price?

That's cheap for full everything. Almost too cheap to be honest. No matter what though you're going to see lines in the front bumper given the needed sectioning and all the holes around lights, vents, etc.

[S65NAPWR]

Looks like it's going to be pretty even with respect to people who have/want vs. who don't.

[Car54]

There wasn't a category for me...it came on my '08 when I bought it used. I thought of it as a selling feature whether I wanted it to stay on (I did) or take it off for a fresh finish.

BTW...other good poll would be what is covered. Mine has front, hood, mirrors, A-pillars, fender tops and up to sunroof. It's the only way to do it as far as I'm concerned. People don't even know it's there unless I tell them because the seam is not in normal line of sight.

[roddyc]

If you do it, do full panels so the seams are hidden in the creases. How it looks is 99% determined by the installer and a person who will do a custom job (not using computer pre-cut pieces) does not come cheap. I've had mine for almost a year and a half on an alpine white car and no one can tell the front is wrapped. I am a little bit worried about yellowing under the Texas sun, but the film (Avery Nano I believe) is warrantied against it for something like 7 years. I paid close to $1500 if I remember correctly for full hood, fenders, front bumper, headlights, and side view mirrors.

[F82_SID]

I got one! My buddy had his own shop and hooked me up with a prototype version of Avery Dennison Nano Fusion Film. If you can get this shit, IT IS WORTH IT! ADNF only has 2 layers as opposed to the traditional film that has 3 layers. This makes it much easier to apply over hard curves like the power dome. Also, this film is very glossy and gives a shine just like polished pain.

Here is a pic of my hood. The ENTIRE hood and front bumper are clear bra'd. NO LINES!

[radiantm3]

You can't appreciate a clear bra until you have it installed...especially if you track the car. And you can get your whole hood/fenders wrapped and unless you are really up close, you'd never know it was even on the car. My front bumper and full fenders have it. They look brand new. However I didn't get it on my hood so it's full of rock chips from the track. One of the best money I've spent on my car and I plan to do it with all my cars going forward.

[Moxie]

I had mine done when new & was very happy with it until it started yellowing on my AW. I pulled it a couple months back & will respray as needed...

No option in the poll for - I had one, ripped it off & won't get another.

[S65NAPWR]

Thanks everybody, it's close to a dead heat thus far. All very good points by both sides. I'm leaning to not getting it because I don't plan to keep this car past 50k and will likely switch to the new M4 after the first year it is out.

[pro-tect mobile]

One thing to note that hasnt been touched on yet is that sure its an investment up front in protecting the vehicle... but it pays off when you go to trade in or sell the vehicle. A vehicle with a flawless front end is going to sell for more than one that is either damaged or has been resprayed. Also the film will protect the lights from pitting... which leads to oxidation. So if you care about your vehicle it is worth the investment.

[Templar]

No thanks... I'll respray if my bumper gets that mashed up (which it hasn't, yet).

Funny people mention that it's an investment... Sorry, but it's a car, it's always losing value everytime your odometer moves up and as time goes on.

[ortho281]

Does not look as good on black or white cars. Paid around $500 for a 3M bra. Great if you track your car regularly.

[e92livin]

I got one and its working on my MR pretty good, my borther put one on his E Class and its white and it looks like shit. But it does the job .

[TTG]

BMW's paint quality is not the greatest.

I got clear bra installed on my 335 and M3 right after delivery. On the M, I had rocker panels covered as well.

Also for those who are talking about repaint: -I would stay away from a used car where the entire front end was repainted. Good luck explaining to potential buyers that it was repainted due to rock chips & etc.

[Class-of-2016]

eh, if it's a leased car, clear bra-ing is probably a waste of money. You're essentially keeping it nice for the next person. In the event you want to buy the car later, you could respray / touch up some areas.

Look at this clear bra yellowing, gross.

[BimmerRob08]

Got my full hood, doors, CF roof, front grill and front fenders in Xpel. Head lights too. Saved my paint a bunch of times from flying rocks, door dings pulled with no repaint, etc. Worth every penny and can't see it unless you look very close. 4 years now and still going strong.