View Poll Results: If cost was not an issue, would you apply a clear bra?
Voters: 84. You may not vote on this poll
Clear Bra
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 90
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From: Southeast, USA
Originally Posted by nicknec' date='Nov 1 2005, 04:50 PM
In my opinion this one of the better investments you can do with for your car. My e39 was loaded with chips on the front end. After a year + with my 545 with the clear bra, my car looks like new. I have the front bumper, hood, mirrors, and head lights covered.
I have the X-Pel kit and am very pleased. You can find an installer in your area on thier site.
http://www.xpel.com/
I have the X-Pel kit and am very pleased. You can find an installer in your area on thier site.
http://www.xpel.com/
[snapback]192037[/snapback]
Excellant, these guys are right down the street from me, I call that destiny.
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 14
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From: Canada
My Ride: 530i Mystic Blue (2006) premium package
330i Mystic Blue (2004) premium package, sport package
Originally Posted by nicknec' date='Nov 1 2005, 04:50 PM
In my opinion this one of the better investments you can do with for your car. My e39 was loaded with chips on the front end. After a year + with my 545 with the clear bra, my car looks like new. I have the front bumper, hood, mirrors, and head lights covered.
I have the X-Pel kit and am very pleased. You can find an installer in your area on thier site.
http://www.xpel.com/
I have the X-Pel kit and am very pleased. You can find an installer in your area on thier site.
http://www.xpel.com/
[snapback]192037[/snapback]
Contributors
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
My Ride: 2002. W203. C230 Kompressor::SOLD!
2004. E60. 530i.
In my opinion, I think the clear bra is really really worth it and useful. 
I used autobahn 3M clear bra, the dealer installed it for me. Three days after I picked up my car, some one was backing up his car and hit my front bumper, luckily I had the clear bra, so I just have to change the plastic protection. It really protected from light hit in the bumpers and little rocks form the highway driving....
So, IMO, get it... It's really worth it.
I used autobahn 3M clear bra, the dealer installed it for me. Three days after I picked up my car, some one was backing up his car and hit my front bumper, luckily I had the clear bra, so I just have to change the plastic protection. It really protected from light hit in the bumpers and little rocks form the highway driving....
So, IMO, get it... It's really worth it.
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 109
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From: Dutchess Cty, NY
My Ride: 2006 530xiT, Sep. 2005 build, silver gray/gray/black anthracite, Steptronic, Premium, Premium Sound, NAV, PDC.
Model Year: 2006
Originally Posted by UUronL' date='Nov 1 2005, 03:07 PM
All kits are different, and the more coverage you get the more you pay.? Different markets can dictate higher costs as well - I'm sure that in Florida it's cheaper since a lot of tinting and stuff is done there for heat.
3M makes the only clearcoated film, which means you can wax it as you would paint.? The older generations of the film did fade, but this has improved quite a bit.? I went through a place that offers lifetime warranty on the work, and does the BMWs for several area dealerships.? They also do the film for Ferarri and Maserati of Washington which is close by.? The company they are affiliated with claims to be international - this is their website.
http://www.autobahndint.com/
They claim to have the only kit that wraps film under the front edge of the hood, where a lot of chips happen.? They removed the roundel on my hood when applying the film, so there is no cutout for it, the film is actually underneath.? I got the entire front, lights, mirrors, and edging for all four doors for $900 (they originally quoted me $1000).? That was the final cost, including tax.? I had researched and received quotes from about half a dozen places, and I couldn't do much better.? Plus the lifetime warranty that isn't tied to that specific shop was very compelling.
3M makes the only clearcoated film, which means you can wax it as you would paint.? The older generations of the film did fade, but this has improved quite a bit.? I went through a place that offers lifetime warranty on the work, and does the BMWs for several area dealerships.? They also do the film for Ferarri and Maserati of Washington which is close by.? The company they are affiliated with claims to be international - this is their website.
http://www.autobahndint.com/
They claim to have the only kit that wraps film under the front edge of the hood, where a lot of chips happen.? They removed the roundel on my hood when applying the film, so there is no cutout for it, the film is actually underneath.? I got the entire front, lights, mirrors, and edging for all four doors for $900 (they originally quoted me $1000).? That was the final cost, including tax.? I had researched and received quotes from about half a dozen places, and I couldn't do much better.? Plus the lifetime warranty that isn't tied to that specific shop was very compelling.
[snapback]191965[/snapback]
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,573
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My Ride: 2006 530i Sport
Silver Gray - Black Leather - Anthracite Maple
Manual Transmission
Premium Audio
Cold Weather Package
Rear sunshade
Sirius Radio
Autobahnd Roadblock (3M) film kit
Originally Posted by Mr.PC' date='Nov 1 2005, 05:18 PM
[quote name='UUronL' date='Nov 1 2005, 03:07 PM']All kits are different, and the more coverage you get the more you pay.? Different markets can dictate higher costs as well - I'm sure that in Florida it's cheaper since a lot of tinting and stuff is done there for heat.
3M makes the only clearcoated film, which means you can wax it as you would paint.? The older generations of the film did fade, but this has improved quite a bit.? I went through a place that offers lifetime warranty on the work, and does the BMWs for several area dealerships.? They also do the film for Ferarri and Maserati of Washington which is close by.? The company they are affiliated with claims to be international - this is their website.
http://www.autobahndint.com/
They claim to have the only kit that wraps film under the front edge of the hood, where a lot of chips happen.? They removed the roundel on my hood when applying the film, so there is no cutout for it, the film is actually underneath.? I got the entire front, lights, mirrors, and edging for all four doors for $900 (they originally quoted me $1000).? That was the final cost, including tax.? I had researched and received quotes from about half a dozen places, and I couldn't do much better.? Plus the lifetime warranty that isn't tied to that specific shop was very compelling.
3M makes the only clearcoated film, which means you can wax it as you would paint.? The older generations of the film did fade, but this has improved quite a bit.? I went through a place that offers lifetime warranty on the work, and does the BMWs for several area dealerships.? They also do the film for Ferarri and Maserati of Washington which is close by.? The company they are affiliated with claims to be international - this is their website.
http://www.autobahndint.com/
They claim to have the only kit that wraps film under the front edge of the hood, where a lot of chips happen.? They removed the roundel on my hood when applying the film, so there is no cutout for it, the film is actually underneath.? I got the entire front, lights, mirrors, and edging for all four doors for $900 (they originally quoted me $1000).? That was the final cost, including tax.? I had researched and received quotes from about half a dozen places, and I couldn't do much better.? Plus the lifetime warranty that isn't tied to that specific shop was very compelling.
[snapback]191965[/snapback]
[snapback]192058[/snapback]
[/quote]No, I'm not sure they have it listed there. I was directed to the global site by the local shop I used, kind of the reverse of what you're trying to do. Maybe an email could get you started?
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Richmond Va
My Ride: Numero Uno in Richmond Va 04 530 6 speed, jet black, black dakota leather, xenons, red rear reflectors, 545 front grill, cold weather package, premium package, staggered 19 inch BBS rxII/michelins, H&R coilovers and intergrated, R1 concept drilled an
Model Year: 2004
Engine: 530i
I wish i had installed one when i first got the car have a few ships now, I guess its too late now i do however have the head light and fog light covers that i am about to install. I think it may be cheaper to repaint the bonnet that to replace the head lights or covers.
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 80
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From: Cary, IL (Chicago)
My Ride: 2004 Silver Grey 545i, Steptronic, Black Leather, Poplar Trim, Sport Package, Logic7, Comfort Seats, Nav, PDC, Cold Weather Package, Sun Shades, X-pel clear bra
Originally Posted by buddy' date='Nov 1 2005, 04:25 PM
You can still get the bran installed over the few chips you have. In the week I bought the car before I was able to get the install done, I did get a small chip? or two. The installer said it was no problem installing over the chips.
I wish i had installed one when i first got the car have a few ships now, I guess its too late now i do however have the head light and fog light covers that i am about to install.? I think it may be cheaper to repaint the bonnet that to replace the head lights or covers.
I wish i had installed one when i first got the car have a few ships now, I guess its too late now i do however have the head light and fog light covers that i am about to install.? I think it may be cheaper to repaint the bonnet that to replace the head lights or covers.
[snapback]192065[/snapback]
Contributors
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 14,776
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From: So Cal, USA
My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Originally Posted by nicknec' date='Nov 1 2005, 02:50 PM
In my opinion this one of the better investments you can do with for your car. My e39 was loaded with chips on the front end. After a year + with my 545 with the clear bra, my car looks like new. I have the front bumper, hood, mirrors, and head lights covered.
I have the X-Pel kit and am very pleased. You can find an installer in your area on thier site.
http://www.xpel.com/
I have the X-Pel kit and am very pleased. You can find an installer in your area on thier site.
http://www.xpel.com/
[snapback]192037[/snapback]
Thats the site I used back in 2003 when i needed someone to isntall clear bra on my MINI...
Look for those that have more starrs and have their own Design machine. Meaning they can cut the pieces at their shop. So if they mess up they can easily cut another piece. Usually it means they do more installs hence more experience.
Contributors
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,432
Likes: 1
From: San Jose, CA
My Ride: E60 M5, F85 X5M
I'm about to get mine installed by Invisiguard. Jeremy from Invisiguard is giving a deal to the Silicon Valley Chapter of E60 forum members since he's in the Bay Area.
Senior Members
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,167
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From: Southern California
My Ride: 2006 550i SMG
I have it on my 330i and love it...defineatly will have it installed within the first couple of days of ownership. My tinter can do it. You can't see it unless your looking for it or the car is really dirty, then it sticks out like a sore thumb. 