Clear protective film anyone?
 

My 528 now is too old for it to notice, but the X5d I am about to order I plan to stick as much clear protective film to as possible. At least on the hood, bumpers, definitely headlamp assemblies and fogs, side mirrors and anywhere else I'll think of. The idea is sound I believe, but I have not had any actual real-life experience w/any of the countless products. IOW, are they reliable, do they stay on, do they really not discolor like they claim, are they difficult to install (does it matter? if you have someone install it), etc etc.

My question(s) is(Are) - How many of you had any experience w/the clear protective film (like Stongard, Clearshield, BMW, and there are bunch of others) and which brands/aspects of the installation would you recommend (or not), any other experiences - good and/or bad - could you share w/someone researching the products?

Thank you for any info you choose to share,

spacey :D

I had Armorfend on my C32 for 8 years.

It works. It yellows (didn't really notice on my silver car). It collects some dirt on edges. Instead of chips you end up w/tears, that collect dirt, e.g. from small rocks, mainly on my side skirts and lower door panels. About 4 total. Unlike a chip you cannot paint or make the defect less noticeable.

I had some on the rear bumper rub strip that saved the paint from an airport parking rub. Film came off easy but the glue residue was a real PITA.

This year before selling the car I did notice that the film on the hood crazed.

I would consider it again but probably will not get it.

One of the best places for the film is behind the rear wheels. Probably not an issue if you have mud flaps.

I would highly recommend using a professional installer. The people who did my car, detailed the heck out of it to remove all dirt, put it on a lift and had two people apply, stretch/install/cut the film.

I would guess most of the brand names are the same 3M film. What is different is the thickness. My installer used thicker stuff for certain locations. So take that into account when comparing quotes.

HTH.

I have used both 3M product and Ventureshield (now owned by 3M). The 3M product is a little thinner and easier for a less experienced installer to install around severe corners. It also has a more obvious "orange peel" texture. Ventureshield is a little thicker and much less orange peel. In the hands of a good installer, Ventureshield, is the way to go in my opinion. I have it on 3 cars and would recommend to anyone.

As mentioned above, car needs to be carefully cleaned/detailed before application and make sure using professional installer. A good installer will "wrap" the edges where possible so you cant see the edge. I have seen entire cars wrapped in this stuff and depending on the color of the car, it is barely noticeable and provides excellent protection. Nice thing too, if it ever gets damaged, it can be removed and replaced easily without any underlying paint damage.

I have the 3M product on my X5 and had it on the 2001 X5 as well; great product. I've not seen any yellowing of it at all. I had a few spots on the 2004 where there was a bubble but the installer was able to repair that. Otherwise I love it. We also have it on the 2006 325i, was dealer installed in California, but can't remember the name, it's a thinner product than whats on the X5. They also put it on the door edges, under the outside door handles and on the top of rear bumper (in case you drag a suit case across it). Also a small strip at the base of the gas door.

Otherwise I don't think it's that noticeable and it has sure helped prevent stone damage. I'd do it again. Paid $800 for the 325 and $700 for the X5.

I've had the 3M product twice now for a total of 8 years on my e53. I had it on for 5 years then in early 2006 I got hit in the front end and had it replaced. Now I'm coming on 4 years on the 2nd one--both times no yellowing. I would go with someone who does a custom cut and not a pre-made one for your model--they have less issues.

Agree, Ventureshield. I put it on 2 cars, including the X.

Thaks for all your great feedack! I guess reading this sounds like it should be a no brainer then. I've cursed myself for not putting int on my 528 for several years now, but at this point the car is about to turn 11 and 175k miles. Head lamps are pitted so bad that I've been thinking about replacing them, or more likely re-sanding for some time now but just can't find the time to do it. Front bumper and leading edge of the hood are in reasonable but definitely not as good shape as they could/would be either. But at this point I'd have to pay for a paint job before applying any clear film for it to make sense.

spacey :D