"clear bra" rock chips etc...

[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.

[DWill]

So today I went to get two firm quotes on the "Clear bra". They were within $100.00 of each other.

But here's the deal (or maybe not) for $2800.00 I can get the entire X wrapped…. Every inch of it except the roof.

I've got to admit I'm tempted to do it. No more scratches on the car from people (kids) leaning against it etc…

What do you guys think???

[Mr.Impatient]

Originally Posted by DWill

So today I went to get two firm quotes on the "Clear bra". They were within $100.00 of each other.

But here's the deal (or maybe not) for $2800.00 I can get the entire X wrapped…. Every inch of it except the roof.

I've got to admit I'm tempted to do it. No more scratches on the car from people (kids) leaning against it etc…

What do you guys think???

I think you have plenty $ if you are actually considering this.
I'd probably do the same if I had tons of extra scratch

[DWill]

Originally Posted by Mr.Impatient

I think you have plenty $ if you are actually considering this.
I'd probably do the same if I had tons of extra scratch

Well, here's my thoughts.

I called my paint guy today. He said to repaint the rear fenders, fender flares, rockers and the back doors if needed would likely run about 1500.00 - 1800.00. That's if it's just paint and theres no dings etc..

If I add the front bumper cover, fenders, hood and mirrors I'm likely looking at another 1800.00 or so(my guess). This morning I took a closer look at the rear fender flares and rockers; there are infact already some chips there, not bad, but they are there.

So, my thoughts are I can spend some money now, and likely not have to spend more later. That's the upside...

The downside... I haven't evern made the first payment yet...

Am I really over thinking this???

[BGM]

Originally Posted by DWill

Well, here's my thoughts.

I called my paint guy today. He said to repaint the rear fenders, fender flares, rockers and the back doors if needed would likely run about 1500.00 - 1800.00. That's if it's just paint and theres no dings etc..

If I add the front bumper cover, fenders, hood and mirrors I'm likely looking at another 1800.00 or so(my guess). This morning I took a closer look at the rear fender flares and rockers; there are infact already some chips there, not bad, but they are there.

So, my thoughts are I can spend some money now, and likely not have to spend more later. That's the upside...

The downside... I haven't evern made the first payment yet...

Am I really over thinking this???

I'm not sure you if you plan on keeping your car or just leasing--but either way to clearbra the entire car is insane. Just from a common sense stand point--the plastic is not going to have the same look as paint--it will look like you saran wrapped your entire car. And if you need to remove it, that is going to be a nightmare if not done properly. Just do it the lower 6-8 inches of the side of the doors and in the rear, etc. if you are worried about the rock chips and be done with it.

[bmwman3241]

Originally Posted by DWill

Do you by chance have a part number?

Two different parts guys at two dealerships tell me the they can't find a part number for the M. I'm wondering if it the same part number as the non M car.

Looking at the bumper covers there doesn't seem to a lot of difference between them.

The M Sport clear bra is different from the regular/regular with aero kit. I don't have the part number anymore tho. Ask your dealer..

[z2g]

OP,
If you clearbra the entire car, you won't be able to fix small dings. Those dent repair ppl (Dent Wizard, Dr. Dent, etc.) do a pretty good job with small dings. Also, clearbra'ing the entire is total overkill. If you get a little scuff on the door panel, you'll have to redo the entire door panel. Because, once the clearbra film is scratched or scuffed, it's not coming off. Whereas, with regular car paint and clearcoat, a good waxing or detail job can often mask/repair superficial scuff marks, scratches, and swirls.

Of course, it's up to you. If you have the money to burn, go for it. I've clearbra'ed two previous cars. On one car, I did it myself. On the second car, I just paid someone to do it. For my last car, I decided to try not clearbra-ing it since I got tired of paying to clearbra the car and selling it a few yrs later. It turned out that it really wasn't needed. My previous car was also black and the paint chips were minimal on the front bumper.

[DWill]

I'm going to think about it over night.

The thing is I just don't want those lines running across the hood and fenders.
Maybe I'll do the rockers and the rear fender flares and use a traditional nose mask on the front when I need one.

That's what I've done with all my previous BMW's and I've never had a problem.

[z2g]

Originally Posted by DWill

I'm going to think about it over night.

The thing is I just don't want those lines running across the hood and fenders.
Maybe I'll do the rockers and the rear fender flares and use a traditional nose mask on the front when I need one.

That's what I've done with all my previous BMW's and I've never had a problem.

The seam really isn't a big deal. But, it's up to you.

[RedRockin]

DaRipper posted pics of his 2010 Vermillion with CB (standard - 24" up hood = ~ 10" past roundel) and you cannot see the line. I just had my AW 2010 CB'd (3M - standard) and cannot see the line. When big dust/pollen accumulates it can form a line at the CB edge but wipes away easily enough with a Cali duster. Even if you wrap entire vehicle, this stuff comes in pieces so you will have lines that can catch dust. don't know the exact count (never bothered to count them) but I think the hood and bumper is in the neighborhood of about 10 pieces.

The bigger questions I would be asking (certainly not completely covering vehicle) are: which CB product - so far all indications point to 3M being one of - if not the - best and 2) checking reputation of installer. Dealer did my door edges and not great (rear doors only did vertical edges and not curves). Found a proven and very reputable installer of CB to do the CB and he did a great job. All edges are very straight with about 98% perfect alignment. There are many many many people installing this stuff and some KNOW what they are doing, others don't. Some are sloppy while others are meticulous. Some want your business and your referrals while others just want the quick cash. I'd suggest you take your time and really research. While I was researching, I stumbled upon the company that I used but before doing so, I continued to ask around. Without ever mentioning any names, two people I respect - over 100 miles apart - both recommended this same place. Given how MANY installers in AZ, that was certainly enough for me! They did a great job.

I know you are not going to come to Phoenix to get yours done, but in case you might want to call and ask if they have any SoCal referrals (and for any who might be looking for CB in AZ: Protective Film Solutions - 3M Clear Bra, 3M Window Tint and more - serving Phoenix / Scottsdale metro area