Thanks to KEF ...
 

Thanks to KEF i went to the dealer this morning and changed my order to a saph Black insted of space grey, one of his pictures in now my wallpaper!! :thumbup:

Whilst i was there the dealer informed me of a 300 price hike in the 08 standard model X5 aswell

KEF does yours have paint guard on aswell?

You are welcome, I have the full RES photos if you would like a better quality image for your wallpaper.

No, I do not and never will put stonegard or similar film protection on a black car.

This week I have been spending my evening correcting the finish on my X5, I'll take some better photos on Saturday.

It looks significantly better now (in real life) than it did in those photos.

Best of luck to you.

Cheers,
KEF

Hi KEF,

I am curious as why you would never put a clear bra on a black car? I am picking up my car from Spartansburg (Black Sapphire/Black interior) in the beginning of January and wanted to get the clear bra to protect. There are so many opinions on this online and I would appreciate your two cents

yeah id never put the bra on i was on about the paint guard thing the dealers in the uk offer, im sure its like a bee's wax or something?

This is personal preference and it really depends on how you are going to use the vehicle.

I buy black knowing what it takes to keep it looking optimal; I accept that it will be a lot of work, but that it is worth it.

When you have black, the clear bra throws visible lines all over (the end lines of the film), and never really shines like the unprotected portion of the vehicle. I simply prefer the look without it.

Other will have different opinions, but if the car were silver or white, I'd go for it straight away because you'd never see it.

Black is a different story, again, IMO.

Cheers,
KEF

It is typically a clear plastic film, 3M makes on of the films commonly used. Google StonGard for an example -

KEF

KEF,

I appreciate your opinion, that's why I am asking. It's been a tough decision and I want to keepthe car looking great , including protection from the pitting from the gravel,but definitely don't want it to look visible on the car

OK, but I want you to understand that this isn't my daily driver and if it were I would have chosen a different color most likely. You will get stone chips (my M3 had them) without it, but that's a function of this paint BMW is using.

I will accept paint chips; the lines and look of the film on black doesn't do it for me. It detracts from the look of black, again, IMO.

The best recommendation I can give you is try to get a look at the film installed on a black car, not pictures, not opinions, not internet spin.

Seeing it with your own eyes will be the best way for you to determine what is right for you.

All the best
KEF