M3 vs Thunderstorms -- what's the threshold?

BigHat · 05-24-2010, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyoshi71

Hey man, that bra may look aweful but it's going to work well against rocks and bugs. However, take it off ASAP because the dirt that collects underneath will chafe bad scratches into your paint.

And if it gets soaked don't let it dry ON the car, especially in high temps. Not good for the paint.

I confess to using these ugly buggers on a few cars when I made cross-country trips between duty stations while in the USMC. As has been noted, despite a tight fit they will eventually flap and get crap between the bra and the car and then they act like sand paper.

Last 4 cars had clear bras. ZERO yellowing issues, AND what you buy now vs what was available in 2004 is even more resistant to yellowing. The key is just to wax it like you wax your paint. I love the newish ZAINO Z-CS --lots of UV protection, clear, long lasting, can be layered with other products and made for both paint and plastic.

ploo · 05-24-2010, 03:49 PM

are your wheels powdercoated? can you give me some details about what you went through, whom you had do it, durability, cost, etc? i really love the look and have been considering it since even before owning the car.

ss134 · 05-24-2010, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockrboy

you guys crack me up... If you're not driving your car when it rains or you feel anxiety when going on a roadtrip, you're not using your M3 the way it was supposed to be driven.

Nobody likes to find scuffs or scratches on a car, but... It's only a car. You will get swirl marks, bugs, rock chips and maybe even have a dent here and there... it's practically impossible to avoid all those things if you really enjoy your M and drive it. I'm not saying take it off road and in the snow but if you're that nervous about going on a trip or leaving your car outside, maybe you should be driving a piece of crap, and give your M to someone who will be enjoying it the way it should. I mean What's the point of owning such a car if it makes you change your plans caus you're scared to have normal wear and tear.

I'd rather take a chance and live every moment with my cars, than drive around scared out of my mind with one of those bras... life is too short

+1000 excellent post

pilot_bro2003 · 05-24-2010, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by r_seng

FredVMI · 05-24-2010, 06:08 PM

Partially quoting one of the great E*TRADE commercials, you have a better chance or being mauled by a polar bear AND a grizzly bear than you have encountering a hail storm on one specific trip. In short, drive the car and don't worry about the "what if's".

By the way, that bra is absolutely horrible. I would spend rather extra time washing the car to remove bugs after my return or even painting the bumper due to damage than putting that thing on my car. I know you've already bought it, but, I'd leave it in the garage!

FredVMI · 05-24-2010, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWDEMON

get rid of that bra including the one under your shirt and drive that bish....for fak sake.

M

Now THAT was hilarious!

FlyFish · 05-24-2010, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tailgate1234

Do you have contingency plans for any major tire failures that can't be fixed with the spray stuff in the trunk?

Just like my last flat (crazy tow from Montana to Spokane on BMW's dime...) BMW Assist ACTIVATE!

FlyFish · 05-24-2010, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex1911

Whoa, I went to a Swingers/S&M party and the leather/latex there has nothing on that thing. I'm impressed!

I showed you pics of mine; where's yours from the party????

uh-huh...that' what i thought....

FlyFish · 05-24-2010, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaypod

That's not that bad a price considering you probably bought the only one. Considering R&D costs etc, would have expected it to be much more - maybe you have a prototype.....

Have a great trip!

Funny you mentioned that....they are clearanced at BMW due to 'lack of sales...' wonder why???

FlyFish · 05-24-2010, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWDEMON

get rid of that bra including the one under your shirt and drive that bish....for fak sake.

M

uhhhh......oookaaayyy.......

FlyFish · 05-24-2010, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChitownM3

The way I see it, when you put a bra on a car (clear or otherwise) you're only saving the car for the next person. Do you really think somebody is going to notice/care about any small rock ships on a car? Do you think you'll get more money for the car when you sell it because it has a clear bra? I like my cars braless, just like my women!

hmmmm....that's a good point....maybe I should stop brushing my teeth too....no one will notice a few missing teeth....It's not like I'm going to let anyone see my teeth....oh, wait...

FlyFish · 05-24-2010, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ploo

are your wheels powdercoated? can you give me some details about what you went through, whom you had do it, durability, cost, etc? i really love the look and have been considering it since even before owning the car.

I would share if I could--I actually scored these on Ebay from someone who powdercoated their OEM before buying a set of after-markets. They look awesome keeping the 'OEM' feel.

Got them for $800 bucks too...

calintexas · 05-25-2010, 12:18 AM

Take the bra off if it starts to rain. Dirt and pebbles get trapped between the bra and paint when it's raining.

You don't need to worry too much about hail on the west coast. Now in the midwest.... Usually up to quarter size hail will not dent your car. Golf ball size hail will put small dents in your sheet metal. Soft ball and grapefruit size breaks windows and really beats the crap out of a car. This thread over on DFW AC will get your attention: http://www.dfwautoclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4920&highlight=hail

05-24-2010, 03:49 PM	#46
ploo slow in, slow out 14 Rep 237 Posts Drives: E92 M3, 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: US iTrader: (1)	are your wheels powdercoated? can you give me some details about what you went through, whom you had do it, durability, cost, etc? i really love the look and have been considering it since even before owning the car. __________________ E92 M3, 997.2 GT3 Last edited by ploo; 05-24-2010 at 03:52 PM.. Reason: n/m hadn't read thread
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-24-2010, 06:08 PM	#49
FredVMI Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 274 Posts Drives: F10 M5 Competition Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (2)	Partially quoting one of the great E*TRADE commercials, you have a better chance or being mauled by a polar bear AND a grizzly bear than you have encountering a hail storm on one specific trip. In short, drive the car and don't worry about the "what if's". By the way, that bra is absolutely horrible. I would spend rather extra time washing the car to remove bugs after my return or even painting the bumper due to damage than putting that thing on my car. I know you've already bought it, but, I'd leave it in the garage! __________________ Current: /// F10 M5 /// Sakhir Orange Metallic /// Comp Pkg /// Driving Asst Plus /// Exec Pkg /// Carbon Ceramic Brakes /// Bang & Olufsen System Past: E30 M3 /// E28 M5 /// E92 M3
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-25-2010, 12:18 AM	#57
calintexas Lieutenant Colonel 151 Rep 1,599 Posts Drives: 2019 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: North Texas iTrader: (1)	Take the bra off if it starts to rain. Dirt and pebbles get trapped between the bra and paint when it's raining. You don't need to worry too much about hail on the west coast. Now in the midwest.... Usually up to quarter size hail will not dent your car. Golf ball size hail will put small dents in your sheet metal. Soft ball and grapefruit size breaks windows and really beats the crap out of a car. This thread over on DFW AC will get your attention: http://www.dfwautoclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4920&highlight=hail __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote