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      08-03-2014, 04:21 PM   #1
rottjr
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Talked/Scared into the Clear Bra

After going back and forth as to getting the clear bra or not, I decided to get it. It's going to be waste of cash if nothing happens. I'm going to think myself a genius if it saves the paint down the road.

I ended up going with the XPEL over the Suntek. Mainly due to the more persuasive sales pitch of the XPEL SA. Hopefully I'm getting at least 30% more protection and quality for the extra price.
In the end I'll be getting:
-1/3 hood
-front fenders
-head lights (haven't heard of that before)
-front and rear bumper
-mirrors
-rocker panels

The cost is $1100.00. I know someone will say that's too much, but people always say they could do better.
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      08-03-2014, 04:25 PM   #2
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Dude you could have the bumper re sprayed 3 times for 1100. Waste of money don't bother.
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      08-03-2014, 04:27 PM   #3
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Well its your car so your choice. But I would never spend $1100 on a clear bra.

Maybe just do the front and be fine with it.
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      08-03-2014, 04:42 PM   #4
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Not even a full hood for that.
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      08-03-2014, 04:46 PM   #5
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If you're already spending $1100, why not go for the extra mile and get full-hood coverage? The line where the bra stops on the hood would drive me nuts which will only get worse when you clean/wax your car. Over time, you will start to see crud under where the line is, which will only make it more visible and noticeable.

Just my 2c.
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      08-03-2014, 04:50 PM   #6
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which film were you quoted with that? is it their ultimate?
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      08-03-2014, 04:55 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rottjr View Post
After going back and forth as to getting the clear bra or not, I decided to get it. It's going to be waste of cash if nothing happens. I'm going to think myself a genius if it saves the paint down the road.

I ended up going with the XPEL over the Suntek. Mainly due to the more persuasive sales pitch of the XPEL SA. Hopefully I'm getting at least 30% more protection and quality for the extra price.
In the end I'll be getting:
-1/3 hood
-front fenders
-head lights (haven't heard of that before)
-front and rear bumper
-mirrors
-rocker panels

The cost is $1100.00. I know someone will say that's too much, but people always say they could do better.
2 things:

1. DO NOT only get 1/3 hood. Get the entire hood done.
2. Contact Raja Ventureshield (another member on here) for a quote. He is in NorVA and did my E92.
(http://www.m3post.com/forums/member.php?u=23094)

Quote:
Originally Posted by volkl23 View Post
If you're already spending $1100, why not go for the extra mile and get full-hood coverage? The line where the bra stops on the hood would drive me nuts which will only get worse when you clean/wax your car. Over time, you will start to see crud under where the line is, which will only make it more visible and noticeable.

Just my 2c.
THIS.
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      08-03-2014, 05:13 PM   #8
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what happens if you want to take off your bra?
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      08-03-2014, 05:14 PM   #9
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Do full hood. Otherwise you will get wax build up at the seam and it will be very obvious.
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      08-03-2014, 05:16 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tisme View Post
what happens if you want to take off your bra?
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      08-03-2014, 05:49 PM   #11
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That price actually isn't too bad. A local installer near me charges $995 for full front bumper, 18" of hood from leading edge, and partial fenders. His work is custom and all cut by hand with rolled/tucked edges, no computer kits using SunTek film.

If you do partial hood its ok when it comes to waxing just use common sense. When you are waxing stand in front of the car wax towards the rear of the car so it doesn't apply the wax into the crease of the film. If you get some in there accidentally just use a small toothbrush and work it out.

If its in your budget then get the full hood, but if you are not bothered by line then go partial. You should barely see the line if the film is good quality and you take care of it correctly such as waxing the film with a wax without petroleum ingredients regularly. Also try to use a wax that is white as the yellow wax over time will cause the bra to yellow. I personally use a spray wax that is clear/light pink and it makes it very easy to apply each time I wash my car. Also bugs!! They are a disaster to clear bras if left on there for too long their juices are acidic and will etch the bra. Clean them off whenever you get a chance. I personally check my car after I come home after driving it and look for any big hits, small ones should be ok but I would rather not take any chances.

All film yellows, it is just a matter of time. The good quality films will take longer than the cheaper ones. You can prolong this by taking care of the film as mentioned above.

This is all the stuff my installer went over with me and I'm just passing it along to you guys. SunTek and XPEL are both self healing films also.
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      08-03-2014, 05:57 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GNALUZU View Post
Do full hood. Otherwise you will get wax build up at the seam and it will be very obvious.
And the paint will show swirl makes where the Xpel will be smooth. I did my whole hood front bumper front fenders and mirrors. Best money spent. The last thing you want to do is paint your car. Any part!.
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      08-03-2014, 06:10 PM   #13
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Don't know how much extra it will be to get the full hood, but will pay the extra and get the full hood done.
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      08-03-2014, 08:51 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maz335i
Quote:
Originally Posted by tisme View Post
what happens if you want to take off your bra?
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      08-03-2014, 09:24 PM   #15
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do full hood.
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      08-03-2014, 10:14 PM   #16
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Is this a lease with an intent to trade out in a few years? If so, don't waste the money.

If you own the car, like everyone said, it's your call. I just think it's an overkill both in terms of the $ and the logistics..You're paying $1,100 now and you'll have to pay a similar amount in 4-5 years when you need to redo the whole thing.

Most of the car parts up front (except the hood) are plastic anyways right? Wax jobs, bug&tar remover for the soft stuff....paint chip repair for the rock chips...costs far less than what you are paying now.

Also, except for the hood, none of your front parts should really chip from rocks because they're plastic.
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      08-03-2014, 11:47 PM   #17
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      08-13-2014, 01:35 PM   #18
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I have done it on my two previous M3's and my current S2000 and 911's. If it is a white car skip it but anything else (including silver) I feel it is a must have if you hate stone chips and live in a bug prone area. Could you get the bumper resprayed for $1000 sure but the clear bra protects and allows you to scrub the crap out of the car to remove the bugs. I also got hit by someone pulling into the spot in front of me and the clearbra was scratched but the paint underneath was perfect.... to each his own but for me it is required- full hood of course...

Don't waste your time w the dealer sealant just get this. http://store.carcareonline.com/menze...2ozbottle.aspx

It is the slickest paint you will ever feel in your life.
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      08-25-2014, 04:11 PM   #19
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i didn't get the bra... seems like people are 50-50 on it... that said; got a chip on my BSM...Mid-hood. Still unsure.
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      08-27-2014, 03:02 PM   #20
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I just had it installed full front all around each corner so its not visible. and rear bumper and rockers. My cars black I've had a black car before. Why would you want to respray your car every so often? You will get rock chips. Its worth every penny i would do my entire car in it if it wasn't so expensive. If someone taps your car when your parallel parked it'll save your ass you won't even know it happened. if you didn't have the xpel your paint would get messed up

Then again i live in Mass where the cover roads in salt and sand and even in the summer that sand is still on the streets flying all over the highway when cars are in front of you. People that are against it might have different road quality
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