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BMW 5-Series (G30) Forum 2017+ BMW 5 Series (G30) General Discussions To clear bra or not to clear bra...

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      05-10-2019, 08:12 AM   #1
wheresmy5
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Just picked up a new 540 and I'm going back and forth on whether to add clear bra protection to the front bumper.

I drive a lot of highway miles and I've seen what 10k miles of high speed driving does to the front bumper. At the same time, the car is a lease so this isn't about maintaining resale value.

A few questions-
1. Is it worth doing at all if I'm only interested in doing the front bumper? Entire hood is out of the question and I don't like the line visible when doing just the lower part of the hood.

2. Is there is a visible difference in sheen/color where the film is applied? On a dark color will this be more, or less, visible?

3. I have the carbon black which responds to light more than other colors. Will applying film take away any of this?

4. What is a fair cost for front bumper alone? I'm on the east coast.

TIA
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      05-10-2019, 08:32 AM   #2
CLABRO
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First- congrats on your car!

If I drove a lot of highway miles then I'd consider the front bumper as well so I think it would be worth doing if that's what you want.

From what I've seen in person, dark colors do tend to show where the bra starts/stops slightly more and especially if the car is dirty/dusty. You can't spot it from a mile away, but I think if you're looking for it then you can spot it from a few feet away if at the perfect angle.

As far as cost, I've been quoted $4-5k for the entire car so maybe someone who has had it done can better help you on that. I'd guess no more than $600 (and probably less) for just the bumper. I'm sure they'll try to talk you into the headlights/fog lights, side mirrors, rocker panels, behind the wheels, etc. lol.
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      05-10-2019, 09:26 AM   #3
Skyrider01
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Getting my M550i done today.

I had my F10 done about 8 years ago and I think it's definitely worth it.

There is no noticeable difference in color or sheen. My F10 is Dark Graphite. The film is still holding up and looks like it did the first day it was installed.

I think doing just the bumper is better than nothing at all. It will protect against chips, bugs, and scratches.

I have film on the bumper, headlights, full hood, mirrors, a thin strip above the windshield, and top of the rear bumper. I did have partial fenders, but I removed it because there was a visible line where the film ended.

I am going with the same coverage on my M550. My installer is charging me $1200 total.
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      05-10-2019, 09:50 AM   #4
clee1982
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I have imperial blue and front wrap with XPEL, not the whole hood, can't really see a line
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      05-10-2019, 10:40 AM   #5
Bimmertrashjr
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San Marino Blue med/dark. Full front, mirrors and inside door handles. If you look for it you can see the lines for door handles. Other than that there is no visible distinction. As long as you don't split fender or hood you won't notice. Color and sheen the same, although I ceramic coated as well.
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      05-10-2019, 04:34 PM   #6
Joelc
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I have leased my last 3 BMW ad have put clear on the front bumper of all of them...I think it is well worth as I like my car to look as new as possible and the clear bra on the front bumper certainly helps...I live in Canada and believe I paid roughly CAD 750 to have the front bumper and first 13" on the hood covered...I hope this helps!
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      05-10-2019, 04:51 PM   #7
hlothery
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Dealer offered this as an option with the purchase, and I had it done. No visible difference, unless you really look closely, you can (of course) feel the margins when you wash/wax. I like the option.
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      05-10-2019, 11:28 PM   #8
1gkek
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XPEL'd my wife's '17 X5 and it was the best decision ever. Did the whole front end - bumper, hood, mirrors, and headlights. X5 is silver and with the full panels covered you can't see the film at all. Film is doing it's job great and holding up well 35K miles in.

Every new car I get will have the same treatment.
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      05-11-2019, 09:08 AM   #9
wheresmy5
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Thanks everyone... setting up an appointment.
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      05-15-2019, 07:09 AM   #10
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Clear bra

Got it on the last three bimmers (535,540,X5). Full hood, front bumper, fenders, A pillar, rockers, handle cups and rear bumper. Around 2 to $2,500 in FL. XPel, and 3M. Only one stone chip made it to the paint so far.
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