Clear 3M Bra Coating vs. Regular Detailing

[Larry_Legend]

I have read a lot about these 3M clear coatings that people are putting on their 1's to avoid paint chips. That sounds good to me, but I've also read about that they don't work or are hard to install. Even a professional installation can go badly, and then what, you are stuck with it.

That being said, if I get my car detailed 1-2 times per year, will the detailer be able to get rid of paint chips for me?

[buckwheat986]

Originally Posted by Larry_Legend

I have read a lot about these 3M clear coatings that people are putting on their 1's to avoid paint chips. That sounds good to me, but I've also read about that they don't work or are hard to install. Even a professional installation can go badly, and then what, you are stuck with it.

That being said, if I get my car detailed 1-2 times per year, will the detailer be able to get rid of paint chips for me?

depends on the depth and size...but for the most part...not complelety..although dr colorchip is pretty good...

if you go to a good bra installer you will have no problems...also, you are not stuck with it...

if you are keeping the car a long time I would get the bra...

[Dave]

i just got the bra and its worth it...
detailing twice a year with touch up/spraying and sanding will run you about 300 at lowest to 1000. where as a clear bra will cost the same range but protect your car for longer.

If you are interested make sure you get a good installer. I am in nyc/NNJ and had my clear bra done by a close friend who is amazing...he does Fred Zaino's cars (lambo and fer)

[Larry_Legend]

I am in Monmouth County. Send me the info and I'll take a look.

Thanks for all help guys. Any other comments are appreciated.

[Larry_Legend]

Can the film come off if the guy does a bad job? Will removal damage car/paint?

[AchtungF80]

Yes...I think the installer recommends to remove the bra after 5 years because it will yellow a long period of time. The Bra should come off cleanly but you will notice a slight color difference to the rest of the car. I think it just needs to be heated up with a heat gun to peel off.

I had mine on for 2 years before I sold that car and it still looked good as new.

[Hobdul]

Anyone have recommendations for bra installers in the SF Bay Area?

[Larry_Legend]

Who did yours Frank? NJ'er here

[Lax1bmw]

Izzo. Can you forward me your friend's contact information? I am looking for a trusted installer once the car gets in. Thanks.

[Dan203]

I've already told my CA to schedule me an appointment with their invisible bra installer as soon as the car comes in. Around here, with the high winds and the desert conditions, you're guaranteed to get chips in your front end without it.

Dan

[Spook]

A friend brought in his Mustang today to show me the clear bra. I was surprised at how transparent it is. You could see it if you looked but it was subtle. When it was installed originally they had trouble getting it right and had several 'do-overs'. The Mustang is a hard install and they got some manufacturing input finally that indicated the right way to proceed. Still, this indicates that it isn't too hard to take it off.

I'm torn on this. Paint chips aren't a huge deal to me but they do happen quite a bit and I am planning on keeping the car for quite awhile. We'll see..

-Spook

[AchtungF80]

Originally Posted by Larry_Legend

Who did yours Frank? NJ'er here

Man its been awhile, 2004 - I think its one of these 2 guys here...

Monster Coatings Inc. - Certified Installer
Phone: 888-395-1978
Certified Installer(s): Laszlo Keszthelyi
Rockaway, NJ 07866

Top of the Line Glass Tinting, Inc. - Certified Installer
Phone: 973-745-0400
Certified Installer(s): Phillip Chevasco
Lodi, NJ 07644

Give those guys a call...if he still does mobile to your door service - then its him.

I had him install it at my bodyshop right after I had a bumper resprayed from rock chips. Excellent work. Only stipulation is you have to provide a garage workspace for him and an electrical outllet for his equipment.
Offhand however, I think you can have this service done prior to taking delivery at your BMW dealer.

[WhiteOne]

This seems a little like the plastic seat covers old people put on their furniture. Instead of enjoying their new furniture they stress out over it. Just a thought. YOMV

[AchtungF80]

You'll eat your words if you own a black car and drive it on public roads after 2 years.

[asv]

I've had the bra installed for a month now, and its definitely worth it. Especially if you plan on doing all weather driving. Driving on the PA turnpike in the Spring, its full of getto SUV's and tractor trailors kicking up rocks. The clear bra is an extra line of defense.

[Dan203]

Originally Posted by WhiteOne

This seems a little like the plastic seat covers old people put on their furniture. Instead of enjoying their new furniture they stress out over it. Just a thought. YOMV

Not really the same thing. The bra does not take away from the enjoyment of the car. In fact you wont even be able to tell it's there unless you look really close. That plastic crap people put on couches totally ruins the feel of the couch and makes it less enjoyable to sit on.

Dan

[Larry_Legend]

I guess I'm torn because I don't love the idea of getting this done, since I have seen people post horror stories on this website when the clear plastic rips.

Prior to getting the 1, I had a 1999 323i in "Steel Blue" (the lighter blue that BMW apparently discontinued). I think I might have had 2 or 3 chips on that on 96,000 miles. Plus, isnt the bumper plastic?

All in all, I'm just on the fence about it. If I did get it done, I think I'd only want the front bumper and the mirrors, maybe the hood.

But still, eh...

New car is Monaco Blue, which is why I am thinking about getting it.

[Larry_Legend]

If you got this job done, please post photos.

If i did get it done, i was thinking front bumper, full hood, mirrors and fenders.

what am i looking at costwise?

[IDBMW]

I see it this way. The 3M costs about $300 two years ago when I checked. I can have rock chips touched up for about $150. So every two years I have my rock chips touched up and don’t have to deal with the 3M.

[Larry_Legend]

bmw usa website shows this:

http://accessories.bmwusa.com/ItemVi...productId=1034

Is this 3M? Doesnt seem that pricey to me and if BMW is doing it, I would figure it would be pretty mint.

[FleaDog]

It will probably cost around $500-700 to have the whole front end of the car done. This includes: hood, bumper, grills, headlights covers - those are usually plastic shells; not film, and fenders. It's extra if you want the 'dog legs' done - the areas behind wheels/wheel wells to protect against stones being thrown up (or get some discreet mud flaps).

The kit itself costs about that half of that, and the installers fee the other half. Well worth it.

Once the front end is protected, buy a random action polisher, like a porter-cable 7424, to care for the rest of the paint, and you're set.

If you want to treat chips as they come, which will eventually look like crap, I suggest using a product called langka.

Try to do your research when finding an installer. I've seen some disaster jobs where they 'trimmed' the bra after it was on the car/while being applied with a razor blade, cutting into the paint.

For anyone near New York, New Jersey I would highly recommend Lee Berrebi of applied film technologies, aka "Leeberb's tint": 973 477 6717.
He also does excellent window tinting, cuts all film by hand.

[Larry_Legend]

Any other recommendations for installers in central NJ? Preferrably monmouth county?

Would also love to see a car with the clear bra in person...