wulff1

Question to those with an M-aero kit and a clear bra -

does the film cover the entire front bumper and spoiler as well as the front part of the hood and nose and mirrors?

How long can you wait before deciding on a bra? I suppose the surface needs to be perfect to minimize risk of air bubbles under the surface?

das

I would imagine the surface, as long as it's in reasonable shape, could be prepped for a clear bra install at any time...

Heloha

The clear bra covers all of the areas you mentioned. I have seen some that also cover the headlights too. Most places have sheets of the material (3m?)and use a computer program that cuts the material to your cars specifications which they type in. If you do decide to add clear bra, I highly recommend you do it ASAP...if you do any kind of driving at at all, you risk the chance of nicking the front end by road debris and that paint is pretty soft up there. When my 550i arrives, It will go straight to the tinter and clear bra installer.

dgjk

So if you get a clear bra - then no wax?
Do you have to change it every year or ever? Does it scratch?
Does Victoria Secret make one?

jsal

The installer will remove the wax.

I have had mine for a year now and still in good shape.

I did scratch it on my bumper, but crawling in between the car and my work bench with a knife clip - however the paint underneath is fine. I have left it as a reminder of how good of a protector it is.

The film on my hood is still perfect.

Don't know about Victoria Secret.

I would recommend it highly ASAP. I waited about 4000 miles and decided to do it after I had a couple of stone chips on my hood.

EuroCarFan

I just got mine installed over the weekend and I have the M-Tech Kit. I got mine from Invisiguard and he used Llumar film which was the best fit for my black paint. Jeremy from Invisiguard had pieces that were cut from a computer program for the M-Tech front spoiler. They were exact fit. I also got coverings for the headlights and the foglights. Those were 3M film. Hood, complete bumper, headlights, foglights and side mirrors...all covered.

I also suggest that you do it ASAP. I had just gotten my M kit installed a couple weeks ago so I wanted it protected.

EBMCS03

It has very good coverage on the M-Tech bumper. I can take some pics later on in the day to show you the edges and how the coverage is.

But yes get it asap usually recommended is within 100 miles of the car. There shouldnt be any problems with air bubbles and such... a good installer will know how to install it w/out bubbles.

I have the X-Pel Design on mine and it has very good coverage. Check it out here. You can see the cut out and the shape of the bra.

http://www.xpel.com/products/configurator.asp

Hood, Mirror, Fender Coverage



M-Tech Bumper



Theres also a head light coverage kit but theres no pic... CLick on my sig to see the coverage of the old std hood and stock bumper coverage

No you can wax it... treat it as normal paint. But I use Plexus to treat it. Its a Boating product... and it seems to be working pretty good.

Nope dont have to change it every year... it should last a long time if you take care of it. I had mine on my MINI for almost 3 years and its still looks good as new. No problems. and it doesnt scratch... I mean it will but its more durable than paint. A lot more.

No Victory Secrets doesnt make one for the E60 yet.

EuroCarFan

Yep, treat it as you would treat paint, wash and wax as usualy. Clear bras are designed to let the sun rays through so that the paint underneath is wearing out evenly with the paint that's not covered. That's one of the big advantage of clear bras over those old fashion leather bras.

If you ever want to remove it, it can be easily taken off with a heat gun. But on that note, why would you want to take it off? I had asked that question before and as I asked my installer again, it dawned on me that I have no reason to want to take it off. It adds to the resell value of your car and plus, not like you can reuse it on another car....

wulff1

thanks for all the great input-although I am leasing I may purchase the car if I like it and the clear bra will protect my investment through the harsh New England winters (salt, sand, snow, angry Boston drivers....)

almd

How many brands of clear bras are there and which is best?
Is 3M and xpel the same thing? or does 3M make several clear bras?
How does the Venture shield compare? does it have the "clearcoat" people are talking about on the 3M?
thanks