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      03-28-2014, 09:10 AM   #1
a_newbie
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Paint Protection Film

I have placed an order for a EB m235, and will be having it in a month. I am leasing it with a 39 months term (not sure if I 'll keep it after the lease expires). I am contemplating having a shop to install Paint Protection Film on 24" of the hood & front fenders and mirrors for C$300. I wonder if it is a good idea? There is a good installer in my area uses 3M VentureShield. I saw some forum suggesting XPel Ultimate, but the nearest installer is 2-3 hours away. Any suggestion is welcome. Tks in advance.
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      03-28-2014, 12:35 PM   #2
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that's a good price. in northern california, I've paid anywhere from $600-$1000 depending on coverage. ($1000 was on my old mini and it covered the whole front end plus the hood) $600 was for e90 335d front end and hood 24"
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      03-28-2014, 12:39 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by a_newbie View Post
I have placed an order for a EB m235, and will be having it in a month. I am leasing it with a 39 months term (not sure if I 'll keep it after the lease expires). I am contemplating having a shop to install Paint Protection Film on 24" of the hood & front fenders and mirrors for C$300. I wonder if it is a good idea? There is a good installer in my area uses 3M VentureShield. I saw some forum suggesting XPel Ultimate, but the nearest installer is 2-3 hours away. Any suggestion is welcome. Tks in advance.
I have had this protection done on several of my cars, including my current 135i. The price of $300 is very good, I paid more than that for my 135i. The 3M is fine, and the key is to use a good installer. I would do it.
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      03-28-2014, 03:50 PM   #4
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Just a thot on this. I highly recco' it. Had it done on the 128Msport and our Z4 and its great. BUT:
If you go with any good film...and only go for 24" up on the bonnet, you will always see the line where stops and so will everyone else. May be no issue for you. BUT it also catches wax and you have generally keep that line clean or it builds a "shadow" of dark if you have a lighter color shade--which we will on the AW. Mine is scheduled for a full front clip and bonnet. Not much extra cost really and looks IMO a whole lot better. Just a thot.
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      03-28-2014, 04:05 PM   #5
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Like the post above, you need to do more around the car to hide the film lines. If you just want chip protection and don't mind seeing the film line then go for it. I have been using a professional detailer for the last two years on my cars who uses a sealer and protective finish on the paint. Once a year seems to work just fine in my area. Anything that gets hit my guy can buff out and redo the treatment. I just like having the car look as it was delivered without worrying about yellowing, embedded wax lines, and such. Did you check with your leasing dealership to see if they will allow it to remain on for turn in?
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      03-28-2014, 04:28 PM   #6
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Just hang back and don't tailgate ever. That's what causes all those rock chips on the front end.
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      03-28-2014, 05:52 PM   #7
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Just hang back and don't tailgate ever. That's what causes all those rock chips on the front end.
If you live anywhere that you have to drive mountain roads in the winter, even hanging back won't help you. You will get stones from others passing you (very common), and even stones flying from the other lanes of oncoming traffic.
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      03-29-2014, 04:36 AM   #8
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My car has collected more than a dozen of chips now so my next will probably got to have that film protection. Now my question is, does the film affect in anyways the paint? can i be taken off later on after let's say a year or 2 and have the paint unaffected colour wise?
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      03-29-2014, 09:31 AM   #9
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Is it really necessary to pay $1000 to cover the hood? If you lease and at the end of your term you could get any shop to repaint it for less than $1000

I would protect it but no way if it cost more than $600
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      03-29-2014, 12:24 PM   #10
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In my case it wasn't a lease and it was a custom fit. You could not see any seams because the bra was over cut by hand and all edges were tucked in between body gaps. So the extra cost wasn't for material, it was for labor.
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      03-29-2014, 02:43 PM   #11
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I'm not a detailing expert, and suggest you consult with one first before doing anything! That being said, my neighbour has a Porsche 911 Carrera w the protective film on say first foot of the edge of the front hood, and the film line isn't that noticeable on his grey car and looks fine. However, I also like having the car look as it was delivered, figure stones can penetrate such films too, and it is much easier to fill stone chips and apply protective finishes than to try to repair chips that have penetrated the film. There is also the added cost of film. Avoid tailgating, especially behind trucks to reduce the odds of stone chips, albeit inevitably u'll get some on the front bumper and windshield.
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      03-29-2014, 04:28 PM   #12
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I considered this for my m235 but decided against it as it will be a lease. As a bought car I would for sure though.
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      03-31-2014, 06:58 AM   #13
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Tks alot for everyone's responses. I 'll check with my dealer about that. One more question, should I install the protective film on the front bumper as well?
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      03-31-2014, 07:59 AM   #14
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Originally Posted by a_newbie View Post
Tks alot for everyone's responses. I 'll check with my dealer about that. One more question, should I install the protective film on the front bumper as well?
I have had the 3M on 4 of my previous cars. Each time there has been a standard package which covers the front bumper, hood and quarter panel to 24" and mirrors. From there you can option to extend, add door edges, headlights, stone guards, etc. I definitely recommend the front bumper as well as hood/quarter panel treatment because that is where the rocks, as well as insects, hit a majority of the time.

A good detailer, which can be hard to find, will tape off striping and clear protective film to avoid the collection of wax or sealants. If you do your own detail work it takes just a few extra minutes but is worth it if you care about it.
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      03-31-2014, 10:14 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by a_newbie View Post
Tks alot for everyone's responses. I 'll check with my dealer about that. One more question, should I install the protective film on the front bumper as well?
Yes.
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      04-03-2014, 09:18 AM   #16
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also suntek is a good film
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Last edited by ska///235i; 05-11-2014 at 01:31 AM..
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      05-20-2014, 12:50 AM   #17
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I'm getting Llumar film installed on my entire hood, front bumper, quarter panels, mirrors and door edges on Friday.

Will let you guys know how it turns out.

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      05-20-2014, 02:27 AM   #18
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I went with Xpel Ultimate... that thing is really amazing

Scratches disappear with heat

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      06-29-2014, 03:06 PM   #19
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Anyone got pictures that they can share with the 24 inch versus whole hood and different materials on white.
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