[Ferret]

Hi, I'm a couple of weeks away from picking up my new f36 430d - the dealership have sent me a promotional video about BMW product x - paint and interior protection.

Bmw want to charge me £400 for this which sounds extreme but has anyone had this treatment done, is it worth it.

But my main question is what other brands would anyone recommend for protecting paintwork that doesn't cost £400

Thanks

[bacanski]

If it's new I would suggest go to pro detailer then polish (as usually it have some swirls from first dealer wash) and put some ceramic coat.

It might cost a few £ more but you won't regret that.

[chiefneil]

Personally for the exterior I'd rather put the money towards a clear bra (and I did). The leather doesn't really need protecting, it's already coated from the factory. If you really want extra protection there's a bazillion aftermarket leather products you could apply yourself, but really it's best to just get a leather cleaner and clean it up once in a while.

[Wires]

I had the paint protector done. Is it worth it? Not a clue.... Apparently it is a liquid that gets wiped on. If you google it, it's apparently good, but you still need to wax overtop to get that finish that beads.

As for interior protection, hit your local autoparts store, buy a couple cans of scotch guard for the carpet, and a bottle of leather protector, and vinyl protector. All that will set you back about $30 (15 pounds).

Interesting side note: EVERY dealership I've bought from (BMW, Acura, GM, Ford) all push the paint protection and interior protection. We just bought a new Audi SQ5, and they don't even offer it. They have a paint/interior warranty that covers fixing chips, replacing leather, etc, but no "magical" protection packages.


Should not that like chiefneil stated, the clear bra is work it. They apply it to the front facia, mirror backs and partial hood. Make sure to ask for the luggage protector as well (saves the top of the bumper when you drag stuff out of the trunk).

[Ferret]

Originally Posted by chiefneil

Personally for the exterior I'd rather put the money towards a clear bra (and I did). The leather doesn't really need protecting, it's already coated from the factory. If you really want extra protection there's a bazillion aftermarket leather products you could apply yourself, but really it's best to just get a leather cleaner and clean it up once in a while.

Many thanks, I hadn't heard of the clear bra stuff - but I've checked it out, would you advise/do you think it's possible to apply yourself or would you find a professional to do it?

[COKen]

Originally Posted by Ferret

Many thanks, I hadn't heard of the clear bra stuff - but I've checked it out, would you advise/do you think it's possible to apply yourself or would you find a professional to do it?

If you have never put it on before, I would suggest you not try it yourself. It looks easy to do, but there is a skill involved with getting it right.

[jeffc83]

I saved my money for mods (and watches lol) and I'm glad I did...

[chiefneil]

Originally Posted by Ferret

Many thanks, I hadn't heard of the clear bra stuff - but I've checked it out, would you advise/do you think it's possible to apply yourself or would you find a professional to do it?

Definitely a pro unless you have experience working with films like that. Also if you can afford it, do the full hood rather than partial in order to avoid having a line.

[Wires]

Definitely get the pro's to do it. It's like mudding drywall. Easy in theory, but you need skill.

I had the dealer do the front/mirrors, but never though about the top of the bumper (where you drag bags out of the trunk). Ended up buying it online (we are talking a 4"x24" piece). It was a bit painful to do with no experience, and I wouldn't want to do a hood, or bumpers/mirrors with a lot of contour.

[John in VA]

BMW Protect X appears to be a UK product offering. There are similar product "systems" here in USA but they are rarely worth the cost - these are offered by the finance & insurance guy to plump up the dealer's bottom line. There are superior products that offer better protection, whether you go with a clear bra to avoid rock chips/scratches or a ceramic coating that offers durable paint protection, excellent levels of gloss, surface slickness & swirl and chemical resistance.