X5 M package / paint chipping issues

northern2020 · #1 01-02-2011, 09:20 PM

Thanks for your input!!

Would you recommend running the 3m along the inside lip of the rear fenders as well?

Mudflaps, even though fugly, would be effective??

FatX5 · #2 01-02-2011, 10:41 PM

I didnt run the 3m under the wheel well lip. To many cracks and crevices to work around, i have just accepted that those will get beat up.
The factory mud flaps will definitely help, just dont look great.

Chris61 · #3 01-03-2011, 09:14 AM

hi there, i did post an article on the site re this problem, and this finally led to me changing out of the m sport into a loaded SE with side steps. The side steps seem to stop all the chipping as they act as one large mudflap. Unfortunately they couldnt be fitted to the m sport, and acccording to my dealer neither can mudflaps, although we did order some in and have a look and they did look terrible anyway. I think the clear film will work, but i had all 4 doors painted at 7500 mls and i would suggest you cover all four lower doors as well. I have to be honest, as much as i loved the look of my m sport, in principal i think the car is a joke, having to cover it in plastic to stop the paint chipping. Im sure BMW should have done something about it. They seemed happy to repaint mine again in ayears time if it continued to chip with the protective film, but once out of warranty i think i would have been on my own. I would think long and hard before you order the m sport, and maybe think of the SE as an alternative, regards, Chris.

08X5 · #4 01-03-2011, 09:21 PM

I have had my M Sport for 6 Months. 5000 Miles so far, and 3M is working perfect. The Dealers now sell a Factory Clear Bra Kit. I had mine custom done. I put it on the Rear Flares and the Lower Corner of the Rear Doors. Because we have no sand and salt on the roads like you do up there, not as much to worry about, but the M may be worth it.

apw2607 · #5 01-03-2011, 10:00 PM

Folks have being complaining about the msport and stone chips for years in the uk where the option has being available for sometime now.

northern2020 · #6 01-03-2011, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 08X5

I have had my M Sport for 6 Months. 5000 Miles so far, and 3M is working perfect. The Dealers now sell a Factory Clear Bra Kit. I had mine custom done. I put it on the Rear Flares and the Lower Corner of the Rear Doors. Because we have no sand and salt on the roads like you do up there, not as much to worry about, but the M may be worth it.

Do you happen to know what gauge/mill thickness your 3M is?

thanks!

08X5 · #7 01-04-2011, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by northern2020

Do you happen to know what gauge/mill thickness your 3M is?

thanks!

I believe they have 2 different materials. One was called Ventura Shield which is now owned by 3M. It is thinner and more flexible for hard to cover areas, but I have heard it does not hold up. Mine is the thicker version of the 3M material. The guy I used custom made the Rear Flare pieces. For the rear door corners he was able to get the cuts from his computer program. I can barely see it on the car, I tried to take a picture of it but it is very hard to see. Blends in really well. On the areas I did not cover I do not have any chipping at all.

I think in your climate with sand and rocks on the road it may be more of a challenge than here in SoCal.

BGM · #8 01-04-2011, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 08X5

I believe they have 2 different materials. One was called Ventura Shield which is now owned by 3M. It is thinner and more flexible for hard to cover areas, but I have heard it does not hold up. Mine is the thicker version of the 3M material. The guy I used custom made the Rear Flare pieces. For the rear door corners he was able to get the cuts from his computer program. I can barely see it on the car, I tried to take a picture of it but it is very hard to see. Blends in really well. On the areas I did not cover I do not have any chipping at all.

I think in your climate with sand and rocks on the road it may be more of a challenge than here in SoCal.

You are correct VentureShield is the new stuff and it's thinner. I had it installed in Sept on my '08 4.8. My installer said I was the first one he has put it on here in DFW-- it had just come out at the time (it's actually produced here in TX down in San Antonio). Very thin.