CLEAR BRA: Are you/Will you do it ? - M3 Forum 2010 2009 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BMW E90 M3 E92

dab33d · 03-28-2008, 05:38 PM

Sup Boys,

Just wanted to gauge the response of those who have received/those who will receive their m3's recently/in the near future. The place that I plan to tint my windows is offering to clear bra my front bumper for $400. He brought up some good points re: the chipping of paint due to rock/debris, but wasn't quite sure if this is essential being a first time M3 owner.

Would love to hear some of the forum's opinions .

Thanks in advance.

!Xoible · 03-28-2008, 05:57 PM

Some have already done it. I might do it, i gotta read up on that if it protects the car in a race track or not.

OT: btw, when u getting your car? we usually do rolling shots in Walnut. thought u might be interested in joining when we do

bills742 · 03-28-2008, 06:11 PM

Doing full hood, full front fenders, bumpers, lights, mirrors. With the full hood and fenders done, you won't see the line that you would have with a 30% hood coverage. I've got an 8 year old 323 that has many, many rock chips on the front which I do not want on my new car. It's expensive, but in the long run, it's going to be cheaper than fixing multiple chips.

sayemthree · 03-28-2008, 06:28 PM

yes - yes - yes- protects on the street and on the track. most likely will do the full hood and fenders.

hey Bills724 have you posted pics yet- I am ordering JB too.

kuruptracing · 03-28-2008, 06:31 PM

definitely worth the $$$

Keto · 03-28-2008, 06:59 PM

My current ride is a Rock Chip Showcase (tm). Definitely doing it, just have to figure out where.

PortoM3 · 03-28-2008, 07:02 PM

I have mine done. I don't have the full front, but I should have done it. So far, I can tell it saved me at least twice..
One advice I offer, get the fenders on the back wheels done too. I got a nasty rock chip there. They do stick out a bit. Not as much as on a 911 but enough to get a rock in it. I would also suggest getting the bottom part on the sides from the front wheel to the back wheel.

M3Kevin · 03-28-2008, 08:41 PM

Already clear bra'd it. and tinted it.

Kevin

M3Kevin · 03-28-2008, 08:41 PM

After my GT3 - and seeing the rock chips that it got through just driving it - I think that the line across the hood looks WAY better than a bunch of rock chips.

bills742 · 03-28-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sayemthree

yes - yes - yes- protects on the street and on the track. most likely will do the full hood and fenders.

hey Bills724 have you posted pics yet- I am ordering JB too.

Don't have my car yet. I'm in the crew who's in the Elektra boat, pun intended.

pilot_bro2003 · 03-29-2008, 01:40 PM

If you have the clear bra installed, is it required that you wax that part of the vehicle?

M3Kevin · 03-29-2008, 02:03 PM

I don't know if it's required - but they told me that I could just wax it like the rest of the vehicle. Which I did.

However, you kinda have to be aware of the edges, as naturally, the wax can collect there.

E394KEN · 03-29-2008, 02:09 PM

Clear bra is a must for those that plan to keep their car indefinitely. Leasing, in and out of cars probably a waste of $$, since when you turn in the car they consider it natural wear and tear.

WCH · 03-29-2008, 02:39 PM

I've decided I'm not going to do it. I don't do a lot of highway miles and the partial hood ones look terrible unless you keep your car spotless. The full frontal treatment looks good but is pricey. I'm at risk for chips but have made my peace with it.

Eclipsis · 03-29-2008, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dab33d

Sup Boys,

Just wanted to gauge the response of those who have received/those who will receive their m3's recently/in the near future. The place that I plan to tint my windows is offering to clear bra my front bumper for $400. He brought up some good points re: the chipping of paint due to rock/debris, but wasn't quite sure if this is essential being a first time M3 owner.

Would love to hear some of the forum's opinions .

Thanks in advance.

I had my entire front end done:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125990

BMW3R · 03-29-2008, 05:31 PM

I did my 335 with clear bra at purchase. The car now has 21,000 miles and not one chip! The car looks essentially new. I would for sure do a clear bra even if I was in a lease or even driving in town only. Mine is also on a 1/3 up on silver and the line is not that obvious. I do wish that it went higher since I have 2-3 chips on the hood by the windshield.

Also, my side rear view mirrors are done from 1/2 down on the front and I have received a rock chip on the top of the mirror, so I would do the whole mirror front.

I would say at the at the very least you should do your front lights.

3s-a-charm · 03-29-2008, 09:35 PM

At the latest auto show, I saw an Enzo Ferarri that was entirely covered in 3M - it looked amazing! We live in the land of rock chips so I wasn't too surprised - only by how good it looked.

oneginee · 03-30-2008, 02:22 AM

If you do the bumper, hood, fenders, mirrors etc... shouldn't it be called clear suit instead of bra

I think the damage comes from :

1. traffic in front of you lifting up little rocks on the road.
But that is only if they lift up rock chip. Heavy vehicle are the worst to be behind because their tires apply considerable pressure to the road lifting up and throwing even larger stones that can crack your windshield.

2. self inflicated. Damage areas will be on the lower sides and behind the rear wheels and rear fender.

It's easy to set up a formula for pebbles damage :
damage = speed ^ 2 * average stone mass * quantity of stones on the road
however if the stones are big enough they will not get lifted

The worst are dirt road if you go only 5 mph you can already do paint chip damages. Next is being behind one truck that just drove out of a construction site you might as well stop if they merge in traffic in front of you. Then are all the little truck they don't even have the dangling plastic paddles that are specifically for that. that should be the law. If you are racing someone else on a track and the track is less than perfectly clean. Finally we can't underestimate the wind the master of erosion.

But seriously $1990 for 2 guys in one hour

These guys can each virtually buy a new M3 every two weeks time if fully booked. Unless they have some expensive insurance that coves them in their line of work ( I bet they don't) I don't see how that can be justified.

BTW is the clear bra removable - say if after many years it peels or gets cut at some places - without damaging the clear coating on the paint ?

and what is the drag coefficient of the clear bra compared to the painted metal ?

sayemthree · 03-30-2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xcellere

I had my entire front end done:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125990

your guys did a custom cut - not precut right?

AlpWtE92 · 03-31-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E394KEN

Clear bra is a must for those that plan to keep their car indefinitely. Leasing, in and out of cars probably a waste of $$, since when you turn in the car they consider it natural wear and tear.

I agree - I would not spend money to get clear bra if I leased the car. However, because I expect to keep this car for a while, I got my full hood, fenders, and front bumper done - custom cut. Wasn't cheap, but I think it's worth it for the peace of mind and preventing those paint chips that are bound to happen if you drive on the highways a lot. If you're going to do it, go all the way - the precut ones that only cover the front 20 inches won't give you full protection. I've seen how people get chips beyond those first 20 inches. Plus, the film becomes more noticeable, especially as it ages.

Pics of my car with clear bra and tint are here: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126357

inmotion · 04-07-2008, 02:02 PM

unfortunately, I will be replacing the bra on my 3k mile old R8. Just can't believe the stuff that falls off the 405! The stuff did protect my paint though, but the tire tread that fell off of a truck left some nasty gouge marks and a broken windshield (costs $1900). I called Premier Motorsports to get a quote on the hood respray in case I need it and it came out to $2400. Hopefully I wouldn't need a repaint. Will know in a few weeks.

Robert · 04-11-2008, 11:59 PM

post pics of R8, promptly

I am bra-ing my 135i, you should too if you own a m3.

03-28-2008, 05:38 PM	#1
dab33d Private First Class Drives: 2008 E92 AW/FR M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SoCAL Posts: 138 iTrader: (0)	CLEAR BRA: Are you/Will you do it ? Sup Boys, Just wanted to gauge the response of those who have received/those who will receive their m3's recently/in the near future. The place that I plan to tint my windows is offering to clear bra my front bumper for $400. He brought up some good points re: the chipping of paint due to rock/debris, but wasn't quite sure if this is essential being a first time M3 owner. Would love to hear some of the forum's opinions . Thanks in advance. __________________ E92 ///M3 6MT FTW

03-28-2008, 06:11 PM	#3
bills742 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2008 E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 232 iTrader: (1)	Doing full hood, full front fenders, bumpers, lights, mirrors. With the full hood and fenders done, you won't see the line that you would have with a 30% hood coverage. I've got an 8 year old 323 that has many, many rock chips on the front which I do not want on my new car. It's expensive, but in the long run, it's going to be cheaper than fixing multiple chips. __________________ '08 M3 JB DCT Coupe /// GP Thunder 8500K Angel Eyes / Mtech Super White Cornering Lights / Matte Black Kidneys & Gilles / 35% FormulaOne Pinnacle / VRS Boot / VRS II Diffuser / AA exhaust / Fabspeed HFC & X-pipe / Eibach Springs / RDSport Front Bumper / Powerchip Tune / 19" Satin Charcoal HRE P40 / RPI Scoops / PSW (Non-electronic) / BMW Stainless Steel Pedals

03-28-2008, 06:59 PM	#6
Keto Major Drives: 08 E92 M3 IB DCT Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: N'awlins Posts: 1,059 iTrader: (1)	My current ride is a Rock Chip Showcase (tm). Definitely doing it, just have to figure out where. __________________ If you don't tell the dealer not to include the swirl option, your car will have the swirl option.

03-28-2008, 08:41 PM	#8
M3Kevin Private First Class Drives: Alpine White 2008 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 128 iTrader: (0) View M3Kevin's Garage	Already clear bra'd it. and tinted it. Kevin __________________ A happy tire is a squeeling tire. Happiness isn't around the corner - it IS the corner!

03-28-2008, 08:41 PM	#9
M3Kevin Private First Class Drives: Alpine White 2008 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 128 iTrader: (0) View M3Kevin's Garage	After my GT3 - and seeing the rock chips that it got through just driving it - I think that the line across the hood looks WAY better than a bunch of rock chips. __________________ A happy tire is a squeeling tire. Happiness isn't around the corner - it IS the corner!

03-28-2008, 05:57 PM	#2
!Xoible Banned Drives: .... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: . Posts: 1,669 iTrader: (4) View !Xoible's Garage	Some have already done it. I might do it, i gotta read up on that if it protects the car in a race track or not. OT: btw, when u getting your car? we usually do rolling shots in Walnut. thought u might be interested in joining when we do

03-28-2008, 06:28 PM	#4
sayemthree Brigadier General Drives: ObamieTheKommie Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: ObamaKommieLand Posts: 4,852 iTrader: (0)	yes - yes - yes- protects on the street and on the track. most likely will do the full hood and fenders. hey Bills724 have you posted pics yet- I am ordering JB too.

03-28-2008, 06:31 PM	#5
kuruptracing Second Lieutenant Drives: 07 Escalade, 08 Acura TSX Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 286 iTrader: (0) View kuruptracing's Garage	definitely worth the $$$

03-28-2008, 07:02 PM	#7
PortoM3 M3lover Drives: SSII M3 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 265 iTrader: (0)	I have mine done. I don't have the full front, but I should have done it. So far, I can tell it saved me at least twice.. One advice I offer, get the fenders on the back wheels done too. I got a nasty rock chip there. They do stick out a bit. Not as much as on a 911 but enough to get a rock in it. I would also suggest getting the bottom part on the sides from the front wheel to the back wheel.

03-29-2008, 01:40 PM	#11
pilot_bro2003 Private First Class Drives: MY 09 E93 / 99 CL600 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 157 iTrader: (0)	If you have the clear bra installed, is it required that you wax that part of the vehicle?

03-29-2008, 02:03 PM	#12
M3Kevin Private First Class Drives: Alpine White 2008 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 128 iTrader: (0) View M3Kevin's Garage	I don't know if it's required - but they told me that I could just wax it like the rest of the vehicle. Which I did. However, you kinda have to be aware of the edges, as naturally, the wax can collect there. __________________ A happy tire is a squeeling tire. Happiness isn't around the corner - it IS the corner!

03-29-2008, 02:09 PM	#13
E394KEN M3//4KEN Drives: E46 M3 & E90 335i (Woosh!) Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ventura, CA Posts: 410 iTrader: (0)	Clear bra is a must for those that plan to keep their car indefinitely. Leasing, in and out of cars probably a waste of $$, since when you turn in the car they consider it natural wear and tear.

03-29-2008, 02:39 PM	#14
WCH Captain Drives: '08 E92 M3 SSII; '10 X5 35d Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 610 iTrader: (0) View WCH's Garage	I've decided I'm not going to do it. I don't do a lot of highway miles and the partial hood ones look terrible unless you keep your car spotless. The full frontal treatment looks good but is pricey. I'm at risk for chips but have made my peace with it. __________________

03-29-2008, 05:31 PM	#16
BMW3R Bimmer User Drives: 2008 BMW M3 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 440 iTrader: (0) View BMW3R's Garage	I did my 335 with clear bra at purchase. The car now has 21,000 miles and not one chip! The car looks essentially new. I would for sure do a clear bra even if I was in a lease or even driving in town only. Mine is also on a 1/3 up on silver and the line is not that obvious. I do wish that it went higher since I have 2-3 chips on the hood by the windshield. Also, my side rear view mirrors are done from 1/2 down on the front and I have received a rock chip on the top of the mirror, so I would do the whole mirror front. I would say at the at the very least you should do your front lights. __________________ E90 M3 Sedan \| M-DCT \| Jet Black \| Black Leather \| Blue Titanium Trim \| Premium \| Technology \| Enhanced Sound \| 19's \| Moonroof \| Cold weather \| iPod \| HD Radio \| Sirius

03-29-2008, 09:35 PM	#17
3s-a-charm First Lieutenant Drives: 08 E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 399 iTrader: (1) View 3s-a-charm's Garage	At the latest auto show, I saw an Enzo Ferarri that was entirely covered in 3M - it looked amazing! We live in the land of rock chips so I wasn't too surprised - only by how good it looked. __________________ ________________________________________ 08 BMW M3 Coupe - Melbourne Red, Extended Bamboo, 19", CF Roof, i-Drive, M-DTC 08 BMW 535xiT - Deep Sea Blue, Black Int., HUD, i-Drive, Comfort Seats 06 E90 325i - monaco blue (sold)

03-30-2008, 02:22 AM	#18
oneginee Lieutenant Drives: SL55 AMG Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NC Posts: 417 iTrader: (0)	If you do the bumper, hood, fenders, mirrors etc... shouldn't it be called clear suit instead of bra I think the damage comes from : 1. traffic in front of you lifting up little rocks on the road. But that is only if they lift up rock chip. Heavy vehicle are the worst to be behind because their tires apply considerable pressure to the road lifting up and throwing even larger stones that can crack your windshield. 2. self inflicated. Damage areas will be on the lower sides and behind the rear wheels and rear fender. It's easy to set up a formula for pebbles damage : damage = speed ^ 2 * average stone mass * quantity of stones on the road however if the stones are big enough they will not get lifted The worst are dirt road if you go only 5 mph you can already do paint chip damages. Next is being behind one truck that just drove out of a construction site you might as well stop if they merge in traffic in front of you. Then are all the little truck they don't even have the dangling plastic paddles that are specifically for that. that should be the law. If you are racing someone else on a track and the track is less than perfectly clean. Finally we can't underestimate the wind the master of erosion. But seriously $1990 for 2 guys in one hour These guys can each virtually buy a new M3 every two weeks time if fully booked. Unless they have some expensive insurance that coves them in their line of work ( I bet they don't) I don't see how that can be justified. BTW is the clear bra removable - say if after many years it peels or gets cut at some places - without damaging the clear coating on the paint ? and what is the drag coefficient of the clear bra compared to the painted metal ? __________________ SL55 AMG 510 hp 531 ft/lbs Last edited by oneginee; 03-30-2008 at 02:57 AM.

04-07-2008, 02:02 PM	#21
inmotion Lieutenant Drives: where do I start? Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Newport Coast, CA Posts: 530 iTrader: (0)	unfortunately, I will be replacing the bra on my 3k mile old R8. Just can't believe the stuff that falls off the 405! The stuff did protect my paint though, but the tire tread that fell off of a truck left some nasty gouge marks and a broken windshield (costs $1900). I called Premier Motorsports to get a quote on the hood respray in case I need it and it came out to $2400. Hopefully I wouldn't need a repaint. Will know in a few weeks. __________________ E60 M5 Silverstone, Balloon White Gallardo Spider, Rosso Corsa F430, Audi CG Q7 Sportline, IS R8 before and DG R8 now, Basalt Black Carrera GT, SG M3 DCT, Orange GT3RS, IS CLK63 Black Series On order: 2010 R8 V10

04-11-2008, 11:59 PM	#22
Robert Major General Drives: 135i, current is350 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Socal Posts: 5,489 iTrader: (1)	post pics of R8, promptly I am bra-ing my 135i, you should too if you own a m3.