I am considering buying BMW Clear Bra for my 07' 550i. Does anyone have this installed? Is it worth it? Any problems?

 

I am assuming you mean the clear bra. I have the Llumar brand, and am extremely happy with it. If anyone is looking for a contact to instal in Sonoma County, feel free to PM me.

 

Yes that is what I am talking about. What other brands are there and which one is the best? What parts did you use it on? Are the expensive?

 

Yes, fortunately!

I had installed on my new 530xiT at about 135 miles. (see: http://www.armorglove.com/ )

Two days later, as I was driving south on I-95 I was passing a trash hauling 18-wheeler, when a piece of junk flew from the top of the trailer. It looked like a 6 inch by 3 foot canvas tube. :'(

I could only think of a snake as it billowed its way down and into the front of the car. When it hit my NEW CAR, the tube gave off a puff of white powder - perhaps it had contained plaster. At that point the car had only 225 miles on the odometer.

When I stopped, I could see that the only harm to my baby was a slight ding in the DuPont plastic ? the car's paint was OK.

I would certainly recommend the stuff.

EDIT 5/10/06: The Armor Glove folks repaced my front film, under warranty, due to an unrelated problem. When I looked at the front of my car, after the repair had been completed - I saw NO chip or scratch from the flying tube. The Armor Glove had protected the paint!

 

The Armorglove folks say that the DuPont film does not yellow from UV light, but that the 3M stuff does.

I have no personal knowledge either way.

BTW I would recommend that you have a pro install the suff on an E60/E61. From my observation, it was not a job for an amateur.

 

Yes, definately have a pro do it...generally NOT the dealer. It will run you $600-$1000...mine came with a lifetime warranty against yellowing, cracking, peeling off, etc.

 

All the various brands of clear bra are made by the same handful of manufacturers, such as 3M and Dupont. Are you refering to a BMW-branded version that's installed at the dealer? If so, I assume it'd be more expensive, just due to the renaming. All the exotic car owners I know use the original 3M. Also, make sure you get it installed by an independent shop who specializes in clear bra. Some installers are good, some are bad, some can do custom jobs, some can hide the seams to make it 99% invisible.

Clear bra does really help against rock chips. Get it.

FYI: I have heard from one of the best detailers on the East Coast that the next generation clear bra is now available. It is sprayed on, and hardens to become a film. I have not seen it myself yet, but its supposed to allow even more complex custom jobs to be done.

 

Thanks. OK I am sold and will get clear bra. Now the next question is which brand is the best 3M, Dupont, ..anyone else? Who makes the next generation clear bra? Does anyone have recommendation for dealers in Illinois ( Naperville, Oakbrook, Westmont, etc..)

 

If that is the case.... why not have a new car sprayed in its entirety before taking delivery? Seems like it could keep the paint in factory condition much longer?

 

Some owners do indeed have their new cars trucked to the detailer for the film before they take 1st drive it.