"clear bra" rock chips etc...

[shashankmittal]

I paid about $680 to do my front bumper, front aero kit, side mirrors, both ends of running boards and both corners of rear bumper.
$1800 sounds steep!

[DWill]

Originally Posted by shashankmittal

I paid about $680 to do my front bumper, front aero kit, side mirrors, both ends of running boards and both corners of rear bumper.
$1800 sounds steep!

That's about what the "kit" from the dealer costs including install (assuming there is on for the M). If I'm not mistaken it covers about the same area that a normal nose mask covers.

What I'm looking at is not having any "seams". Hence covering all of the hood and the fenders. Could that be the difference in price?

I'm torn on the rockers as well. As I mentioned, I had the M kit on the two X3's I owned. There were no problems at all. And so far no problems on X5M I have now.

My thoughts are if I can cover it and you can't see it if it prevents the chips then that's good. But I hate to waste money on uneeded "stuff".

[z2g]

OP,
I think the front bumper and side mirrors are good to put the clear bra on. However, I think the entire hood is a little overkill.....especially at that price.

When EPA regulations first banned lead-based car paints, chipping was a big problem with water-based car paints. However, I think it's gotten a lot better now. I clearbra'ed one of my cars myself about 8 yrs ago. It's really not that hard. So, $1800 is plain crazy. The cost to the installer to do that job will be $150-200 maximum if he/she buys the clearbra in sheets and cuts it himself/herself.

[DWill]

Originally Posted by z2g

OP,
I think the front bumper and side mirrors are good to put the clear bra on. However, I think the entire hood is a little overkill.....especially at that price.

When EPA regulations first banned lead-based car paints, chipping was a big problem with water-based car paints. However, I think it's gotten a lot better now. I clearbra'ed one of my cars myself about 8 yrs ago. It's really not that hard. So, $1800 is plain crazy. The cost to the installer to do that job will be $150-200 maximum if he/she buys the clearbra in sheets and cuts it himself/herself.

Thanks for the input.

The reason for doing the entire hood and the fenders is so there is no "line" across the hood and fenders. My X is Monaco blue and I don't want the line there. FWIW, the guy that gave me the quote said about the same thing regarding it being overkill.

He said as long as the car isn't dirty and assuming no wax is left onthe "seam" you won't notice the line much.

Is the experience of others who have the film on a dark BMW?
Maybe I need to rethink this a bit if so.

[z2g]

Originally Posted by DWill

Thanks for the input.

The reason for doing the entire hood and the fenders is so there is no "line" across the hood and fenders. My X is Monaco blue and I don't want the line there. FWIW, the guy that gave me the quote said about the same thing regarding it being overkill.

He said as long as the car isn't dirty and assuming no wax is left onthe "seam" you won't notice the line much.

Is the experience of others who have the film on a dark BMW?
Maybe I need to rethink this a bit if so.

The line on the hood really isn't that bad. With a darker-colored car and the clearbra, you really shouldn't be concerned about the seam showing. The bigger problem with dark cars and the clearbra is the adhesive showing or lint/dust being trapped under the film during installation.

Also, remember this.....if you get into an accident, your auto insurance will likely NOT reimburse you for the clearbra! So, that $1800 that you spent, you can kiss that goodbye if you get into a fender bender any time in the future.

[BGM]

Originally Posted by z2g

The line on the hood really isn't that bad. With a darker-colored car and the clearbra, you really shouldn't be concerned about the seam showing. The bigger problem with dark cars and the clearbra is the adhesive showing or lint/dust being trapped under the film during installation.

Also, remember this.....if you get into an accident, your auto insurance will likely NOT reimburse you for the clearbra! So, that $1800 that you spent, you can kiss that goodbye if you get into a fender bender any time in the future.

I've had clearbra on my '01 X5 now twice--1st time for 5 years, then got hit, then had it re-installed after and covered by insurance. Where are you getting your information from ?

[z2g]

Originally Posted by BGM

I've had clearbra on my '01 X5 now twice--1st time for 5 years, then got hit, then had it re-installed after and covered by insurance. Where are you getting your information from ?

I guess it depends on your auto insurance coverage. I've been told it doesn't. Similarly, if you add aftermarket parts on your car or upgrade the sound system, some insurances won't cover it.