Suggest a windshield clear bra type cover?

[BimmerRob08]

I saw it somewhere that there is a type of clear bra plastic coating for windshields. Same as Venturshield or Xpel type coatings. Anyone know of what's the best brand/type matterial to go with? I'm in the SW and finally after just 3 months here I got a damn crack 6" long from a rock or something today on I-25 in Albuquerque.

The sheild work might not protect from impact from a larger rock but sure will keep the new windshield looking good for a long time as mine already was pitted to hell after just 3 months here.

Cheers,

[w00tw00t]

I just got ClearPlex installed two days ago. Look it up - http://www.clearplex.com/ ... I'm very satisfied..

I had the same issue you did. A big rock chip and hundreds of small pits on my original windshield. I finally got sick of that, got my windshield replaced and then slapped on some ClearPlex ... and it looks great. Hopefully I won't get the pits and will keep the rocks from damaging my windshield as much as they did before..

[BimmerRob08]

Originally Posted by w00tw00t

I just got ClearPlex installed two days ago. Look it up - http://www.clearplex.com/ ... I'm very satisfied..

I had the same issue you did. A big rock chip and hundreds of small pits on my original windshield. I finally got sick of that, got my windshield replaced and then slapped on some ClearPlex ... and it looks great. Hopefully I won't get the pits and will keep the rocks from damaging my windshield as much as they did before..

Awesome bro! I just found the same web site after posting this. The Mercedes dealer here installs it. Gonna call Tuesday and get a price. Winshield gets replaced in a few weeks then I'm headed across the street to get this ClearPlex installed. I just hope my insurance will cover it. What a pain in the ass! Glad to hear you have a good review of it.

Cheers,

[mkPOTO]

wow gotta look into it when i get my windshield replaced

[spdy330]

How much did this cost?

[Ctm309]

I was thinking about doing this also.
Talked to a reputable installer and he says that while it will reduce the amount of pitting from sand and rocks, it will scratch much easier than glass.
You have to be carefull when using your wipers when the windshield is dry and dirty.

[BimmerRob08]

Originally Posted by Ctm309

I was thinking about doing this also.
Talked to a reputable installer and he says that while it will reduce the amount of pitting from sand and rocks, it will scratch much easier than glass.
You have to be carefull when using your wipers when the windshield is dry and dirty.

Very true. Check out the attachment I downloaded. But as it's not a DD car (as soon as I get beater to drive to work) with some care, it shouldn't be much of a problem. Anyway, better to replace a sheet of plastic than a windshield. BMW told me $1600 est to get mine replaced. So it's worth it I'd think.

[w00tw00t]

yep.. I was like, what the hell .. lets try it ... its been a few days.. I'll post up a long term review after a few weeks...

[htp autoworks]

I have been testing a film for a while now that I really like. I previously tried Clearplex and it seemed to scratch too easily. But like the guy said earlier there is no film out there that will be as durable as glass. But better to replace film than to have to replace windshields.

[E90///M3`]

i got clearplex over a year ago and am extremely happy with it. haven't had any pits or cracks since then.

[BigHat]

Originally Posted by spdy330

How much did this cost?

Can anyone answer this? Unable to see specifics related to cost in the link.

[E90///M3`]

i think i paid about 450? it was well-over a year ago so can't remember =(

[BigHat]

Originally Posted by E90///M3`

i think i paid about 450? it was well-over a year ago so can't remember =(

Thanks.

I was hoping it was less expensive as I figure it might require replacing more frequently than paint film.
Plus, I figure the installation process would be much less complex then a hood or fender application. Typically the cost of the film is incidental to the skilled labor cost associated with applying it.

[E90///M3`]

Originally Posted by BigHat

Thanks.

I was hoping it was less expensive as I figure it might require replacing more frequently than paint film.
Plus, I figure the installation process would be much less complex then a hood or fender application. Typically the cost of the film is incidental to the skilled labor cost associated with applying it.

a lot less expensive than a whole windshield. And their warranty is pretty good on the clearplex.

to be completely straight... my price was a little lower than what i listed cause it was sponsored and done at the same time i did Huper Optik all windows.

[w00tw00t]

$295 but at one of the top installers in seattle so I paid bit of a premium for a perfect install..

[Legion5]

So how many people think clearplex was really worth it

[Z K]

Huh? $1600 for windshield replacement!? That's a rip off! It should cost about $300-400 to replace the windshield.

[htp autoworks]

Originally Posted by BigHat

Thanks.

I was hoping it was less expensive as I figure it might require replacing more frequently than paint film.
Plus, I figure the installation process would be much less complex then a hood or fender application. Typically the cost of the film is incidental to the skilled labor cost associated with applying it.

Installing windshield film is much different than paint protection film. It has a hard top coat so the windshield film has to be heat formed to the curvature of the windshield. I have installed a few... and if I didnt know how to tint I would be at a loss for installing this product. Even Premier... who sales Diamond Fusion... says that their installers have a tough time on some cars.

By the way, the Diamond Fusion film holds up well.... just DO NOT use a high power washer on it. It will cause the top coat to fleck off around the edges (where it has been cut to fit). Once that starts its over. Handwashing is highly recomended... and if you have to use a power washer hold it away from the film. Either way it is MUCH better than Clearplex.

[Mavrick151]

Originally Posted by Z K

Huh? $1600 for windshield replacement!? That's a rip off! It should cost about $300-400 to replace the windshield.

The cost is dependent on if it is OEM glass or not, as well as dealer installed or done at an indy.

[Z K]

Originally Posted by Mavrick151

The cost is dependent on if it is OEM glass or not, as well as dealer installed or done at an indy.

Glass is glass. It is a maintenance item to replace when it gets cracked up.

I'd go with a quality aftermarket name brand and you'd be fine. PPG, Pilkington and all the other OEM glass companies make replacement glass. Why pay 4x the cost just to have "BMW" stamped on it?

[Mavrick151]

Originally Posted by Z K

Glass is glass. It is a maintenance item to replace when it gets cracked up.

I'd go with a quality aftermarket name brand and you'd be fine. PPG, Pilkington and all the other OEM glass companies make replacement glass. Why pay 4x the cost just to have "BMW" stamped on it?

Well that is you. Some want to spend the money to keep their car "original". I'm not saying either way is best. It is up to the individual. If it were my car I would go with a quality aftermarket solution for a quarter of the price and when it gets cracked and/or pitted replace it again. Why waste the money on new OEM glass and put some plastic on it when the plastic alone costs almost as much at would to replace the glass with a good aftermarket solution. My 2 cents.

[w00tw00t]

Originally Posted by Mavrick151

The cost is dependent on if it is OEM glass or not, as well as dealer installed or done at an indy.

I got mine replaced with BMW OEM glass at a top installer in Seattle for ~$850 - 90% covered by my insurance though..