I'm gioing to be picking up my ED 545 in a few weeks, and I am going to have it tinted. One option I've been offered is to go with a clear bra. I've seen a few of them, but didn't get one for my 2001 Audi 2.7T. If I look at my Audi, after 4 years and almost 60,000 miles the paint still looks great, and no major chips in the front. I've heard the E60 is more susceptible to chips because of the aluminum hood.

What are your experiences out there with chips and clear bra's? Should I get one?

 

Chips normally occur for me on the lower bumper portion. Our poor roads in the US with unswept gravel, etc is what we get on the west coast as projectiles into our bumpers.

My current Z4 doesn't have one and it needs about 20 touch ups (1.5 years old). My previous E46 M3 had one and I had NO damage over the same period.

 

I have one on my 323Ci and it has prevented much damage over the past 5 years. I had the bra replaced once about 2 1/2 years ago and I am about to have a 3rd one re-applied (after I get the car completely waxed & detailed).

I wouldn't get another BMW without it.

R.R.

 

RichReg; agree. I'm getting one on my E60. What color is your 3 series?

 

Any suggestions of good brand names and where to find them on the Net?

Thanks

 

I beleive 3m makes a good one

 

For the 3M Paint Protection Film Info, see: http://cms.3m.com/cms/US/en/2-168/clelFFC/view.jhtml

 

Those with the most clear bra experience in the local Lone Star CCA club recommended staying away from 3M because of fading. Based on their recommendations, I went with a Venture kit since 3M supplies the BMW kit.

With that said, the local high dollar installer who has an impeccable reputation, uses 3M film and customizes each job. His rate was $1000 usd versus the $575 usd I paid for the Venture kit installed.

Here is a post from an experienced person with 3M history:

The Voice of Experience

For more info on Venture kits:

Venture Film Info

 

Nick;
My 323Ci is Tit Silver;;but I think that new Silver-Grey color is HOT!!!!
I bought the BMW version which is the same as X-Pel (they manufacture it for them, just cut a little differently if you buy it from BMW).

The hood & bumper kit I just ordered from Pacific BMW in California only cost $160.92 combined plus shipping. You can get others, though, like Dynashield, which is supposedly the best, but also the most expensive.

R.R.

 

Has anyone gotten a clear bra on a darker color car (e.g. Oriental Blue, Black, Mystic Blue, etc)... I have to get a clear bra on my car due to roads here being horrendous (bay area - CA, USA). However if the thing is going to look it's not binding on a darker car I want to avoid such a color... Pics would be nice as well.

Thx