Scotchguard paint protection film

[X-cellent]

I will try and take pictures of the aero kit film, but the edges are even harder to see as he kept it very close to the edges of the kit (it was all cut by hand). From 10' away you can't see the film at all, and this truck was in the perfect spot to make it show up here. I'd also say that this job has a little more orange peel than usual (I'ts very hard to see on his maserati and ferrari) so I'd guess this is about as bad as you can get, but his already has saved his paint a bunch of times!

[King]

Originally Posted by shashankmittal

Thanks! Thats helps a lot! To be honest I was expecting the edges to be even more invisible, but I guess this is something that I would need to compromise if I want to protect my car.
Has anyone got this installed on their Aero Kit? Is it recommended to get this done for the rear bumper (mine is painted and does not has mud flaps)?

I'm getting the rock guard put on my aero kit next week, I'll let you know how it goes. I don't foresee see a problem. I was told to wait two weeks to let the paint cure first!

Did you get your bumpers & trim all painted black yet??

[shashankmittal]

Originally Posted by King

Did you get your bumpers & trim all painted black yet??

Is rock guard different from the protective film?
Yes, I got the bumpers painted, the wheel arches and running boards are to be painted next week.

[ALPHA]

can you please post some pics when done!

[King]

Originally Posted by shashankmittal

Is rock guard different from the protective film?
Yes, I got the bumpers painted, the wheel arches and running boards are to be painted next week.

Same thing, some people call it rock guard, paint protective film, 3M, Clear bra, etc...

I think I'll call it clear bra - that sounds the best

[nynd]

There are different types. Clear shield is the one I had put on and it's supposedly thicker than most other vinyls. So far... so good! I think others are Xpel and 3M.

[AlpineX548i]

my neighbors benz has it installed, and he said its a must for any car..he would know so go ahead i say you got nothing to lose because you can always remove it.

edit: my neighbor also said the 3M has great quality..and the yellowing does happen slightly and you could see it on a white car but he also said if its properly installed you can hardly see it.

[ring007]

I bought a laser cut kit of the 3M product on ebay for my e70 and installed it myself. The local dealer wanted $599 for the kit and install, I paid $95 for the materials including a very detailed install dvd and printed instructions. This was the first time I installed this product and it took me about 2-3 hours to do the install. I wasn't happy with the hood piece install, so I removed it and ordered a new hood piece. I'm sure its not 100% perfect as a pro would have it done, but at 95% perfect is good enough for me and you really cannot tell its there unless you are specifically looking for it. All in I will have $150 into the install and the satisfaction of doing it myself while saving $500. I'm contemplating doing my E93 and Range Rover next.

Originally Posted by shashankmittal

Guys,
Has anyone installed the Scotchguard paint protection film on their cars? I would like to know your opinion...

1. How good/bad is it?
2. Any pros or cons?
3. Is it visible to the naked eye?
4. Maintenance?
5. How does it reach to car wash, wax, polish, etc
6. Any issues in snow?
7. Contraction/expansion with reduction/increase in outdoor temperature?

3M United States: Scotchgard Automotive Protection: Car Buyers: Products: Paint Protection Film

[C-40]

Originally Posted by King

It's the best protection you can get without installing an ugly bug deflector! There are several threads on this issue if you do a search but I can tell you it's definately worth it. It protects your paint from chipping when you get rock chips flying at you especially on the highway. Several places claim they install the 3M rock guard, but you have to go to a professional who knows what he's doing! The only thing you have to be careful is when power polishing. Mine recently got some wax under the edges when I got the car waxed, but they are going to re-do the hood. No issues with temperature changes at all.

Take a look at mine. You have to look VERY carefully to even see it. You can only see the edges where it cuts off. I have jet black paint...probably the most noticeable color! I have the film on the hood about 1/4 way up, the entire front bumper and cuts off on the side fenders. Also the side mirrors. Take a real close look...you can't even tell when it's done right!

King:

I'm picking up my 2010 BSM 4.8 tomorrow! Your post / pics have been very helpful. I'm convinced that the Clear bra would be a wise choice. I'm planning to make an appointment with Phil at Detailers Domain and was wondering, in addition to the front bumber, 1/4 hood & fender, and side view mirrors, should I also get the following done:

* Area behind door handles?
* Door Edges?
* Top portion of rear bumper?

Your thoughts are much appreciated.

[4MoJoe]

C-40,

We have the clear bra on our 2006 325i and they put the film on the area behind door handles, door edges and on top of the rear bumper. I think it was well worth with to have it done; wish I had on my X5. Those can be pretty high wear areas. And you barely notice it unless you really take a look.