clear bra

TractionControl=OFF · 07-21-2014, 02:45 PM

is a clear bra a useful thing to buy? will it damage the paint? i am desperate to protect the front end from rock damage and bugs for when i travel soon. Any alternatives? I dont want to damage the paint

Fronzdan · 07-21-2014, 05:25 PM

When you say "clear bra" are you talking about the clear film? If so, it will not damage the paint and can be removed. I had a 3M one on my last car, a 2004. It looked like crap after a few years. It dulled over time. But it did protect the area it covered. Problem is, you have to cover a lot because rock chips can occur quite a ways up the hood.

XenaBimmer · 07-21-2014, 06:03 PM

I liken a clear bra to keeping a clear plastic cover on your couch to avoid stains, meaning I hate them! If you properly protect and maintain the paint, you can keep it looking great for years. A rock chip may happen now and then, but you can take care of those each time you do a full detail every 6-12 months depending on the sealant you use.

Steve33 · 07-21-2014, 06:05 PM

I use xpel ultimate and I LOVE it. Had it for 13 months now, still clear as new and looks absolutely pristine. People complain about rock chips on these CA highways... but I've had no problems

MickAv8r · 07-21-2014, 09:40 PM

Xpel ultimate. Not all clear bras are the same.

Blubaron79 · 07-22-2014, 12:43 PM

Clear bra is amazing. This is my 2nd BMW with it. My last one a E92 I had it on for 5 years. It never yellowed and the dealer pealed it off after trade in and the paint under it was like new.

Fronzdan · 07-22-2014, 01:33 PM

How far up the hood do these Xpel Ultimate bras go?

Steve33 · 07-22-2014, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fronzdan

How far up the hood do these Xpel Ultimate bras go?

As far as you want it to go. You can get a full hood (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED) or just a few feet of the front (looks like absolute shit)

Professor///M · 07-23-2014, 03:31 PM

I have had 1/4 clear bra for 2 out of 4 3 series. It was the only thing that kept rock chips away, and actually makes it easier to clean bugs off.

I have had full bumper with 1/4 fenders and hood. My older model was thick, and you could see it from many angles. My new one is thinner and less noticeable. You can only see it from certain angles.

I highly recommend. It keeps you free of rock chips. I have white so not too noticeable, but could be more noticeable on other car colors.

1N54E92 · 07-23-2014, 03:50 PM

I have clear bra on full hood, headlights, bumper, mirrors , and full fenders. There are no lines to be seen.
Well worth the money $$$$$$$$$$.

1N54E92 · 07-23-2014, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fronzdan

How far up the hood do these Xpel Ultimate bras go?

You can get the full hood. going rate for the full hood is $500-600

Steve33 · 07-23-2014, 07:13 PM

Also, just for reference, a custom installed full front (bumper, fenders, hood, mirrors) was $1700 installed. I recommend doing the black B-pillars as well as they're especially prone to swirl marks for some reason. These you can probably DIY and save some money as it's just a flat/smooth piece of plastic.

mtbnole · 07-24-2014, 11:41 AM

lets put it this way. I have a 2014 msport EBII, 8 months now, and I have at least 6 chips in the paint from rocks etc. on the front bumper, hood and one mirror cap. I don't follow trucks, I avoid following anything that might be throwing debris (sand, rocks, etc.) and the paint on this car has suffered the worst of my last 4 vehicles (2 acuras, Toyota, Nissan) when it comes to paint chips.

only thing I would do differently from the start with my f30 would be the clear bra from day 1.

TractionControl=OFF · 07-26-2014, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtbnole

lets put it this way. I have a 2014 msport EBII, 8 months now, and I have at least 6 chips in the paint from rocks etc. on the front bumper, hood and one mirror cap. I don't follow trucks, I avoid following anything that might be throwing debris (sand, rocks, etc.) and the paint on this car has suffered the worst of my last 4 vehicles (2 acuras, Toyota, Nissan) when it comes to paint chips.

only thing I would do differently from the start with my f30 would be the clear bra from day 1.

thats why im going to piss my pants when i drive down the west coast

Steve33 · 07-26-2014, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TractionControl=OFF

thats why im going to piss my pants when i drive down the west coast

Get it done before you take the drive. Otherwise you'll notice ANYTHING wrong on a brand new car.

Professor///M · 07-26-2014, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TractionControl=OFF

thats why im going to piss my pants when i drive down the west coast

No need to piss you pants. Google search Texas Catheter and just get one of those.

And if you like DIY things like a texas catheter to keep your pants dry, 3M just released a spray and remove clear bra that you can apply yourself. Sounds like a quick fix.

TractionControl=OFF · 07-26-2014, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSTDR1V

No need to piss you pants. Google search Texas Catheter and just get one of those.

And if you like DIY things like a texas catheter to keep your pants dry, 3M just released a spray and remove clear bra that you can apply yourself. Sounds like a quick fix.

im going on a trip in a couple days. i ordered the car bra to arrive at my house by then, which it has, but its not pre cut, and they didnt send me enough film or the squeegee i ordered.... what store can i buy the spray on stuff?

Professor///M · 07-26-2014, 08:25 PM

My name here is JSTDR1V, not google. Try him. Bing is also helpful

TractionControl=OFF · 07-26-2014, 09:16 PM

success; i found the spray on stuff at canadian tire.

thank you guys ill let you know how it turned out

TractionControl=OFF · 07-26-2014, 09:21 PM

what i would really like to know is how to protect my beige leather from my dirty punk ass friends throwing their shoes all around in my car ????

MickAv8r · 07-27-2014, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TractionControl=OFF

what i would really like to know is how to protect my beige leather from my dirty punk ass friends throwing their shoes all around in my car ????

get new friends.

bcornwellatl · 07-27-2014, 02:57 PM

I had the 3m clear bra on my 08 black E90 and there were three times where it saved me... 1. somebody backed into my front bumper and left their paint... (fuckers), 2. wife backing out of the garage trying to move the car so she could clean rubbed against the front of the garage (white paint) (wasn't happy) 3. When some crap from the road hit my car - left a small scratch above the 3m film, but in the film itself, it protected from the scratch.

The only thing I didn't really like is when you wax the car... if you have a half bra like mine had, you see this white line in the middle of your car...

My new F30 has the bra and covered the mirrors and the door handles (and under the handles) and the side panels... so far it's been like the first - works as it should.

I agree with others that quality makes a differences... I've seen other cars with faded or discolored bra's on their car in parking lots and they look like total crap...

07-21-2014, 02:45 PM	#1
TractionControl=OFF Banned 11 Rep 87 Posts Drives: XP-38 (F30) Landspeeder Join Date: May 2014 Location: Mos Eisley, Tatooine iTrader: (0)	clear bra is a clear bra a useful thing to buy? will it damage the paint? i am desperate to protect the front end from rock damage and bugs for when i travel soon. Any alternatives? I dont want to damage the paint
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07-21-2014, 05:25 PM	#2
Fronzdan Lieutenant Colonel 303 Rep 1,738 Posts Drives: '24 M240 xDrive Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	When you say "clear bra" are you talking about the clear film? If so, it will not damage the paint and can be removed. I had a 3M one on my last car, a 2004. It looked like crap after a few years. It dulled over time. But it did protect the area it covered. Problem is, you have to cover a lot because rock chips can occur quite a ways up the hood.
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07-21-2014, 06:03 PM	#3
XenaBimmer Captain 61 Rep 702 Posts Drives: '14 328i, '14 320i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Sarasota, FL iTrader: (0)	I liken a clear bra to keeping a clear plastic cover on your couch to avoid stains, meaning I hate them! If you properly protect and maintain the paint, you can keep it looking great for years. A rock chip may happen now and then, but you can take care of those each time you do a full detail every 6-12 months depending on the sealant you use. __________________ 2014 BMW 328i Sportline--Arctic White/Black, 8 speed
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07-21-2014, 06:05 PM	#4
Steve33 Captain 50 Rep 808 Posts Drives: 2018 SQ5 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	I use xpel ultimate and I LOVE it. Had it for 13 months now, still clear as new and looks absolutely pristine. People complain about rock chips on these CA highways... but I've had no problems
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07-21-2014, 09:40 PM	#5
MickAv8r Captain 175 Rep 766 Posts Drives: 2014 EBII 328ix Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: New Hampster iTrader: (0)	Xpel ultimate. Not all clear bras are the same. __________________ Well weathered leather, hot metal and oil, the scented country air. Sunlight on chrome, the blur of the landscape, every nerve aware! 2014 328ix EBII - Sport AT, Light Pkg, Blk Dakota, Moonroof, Navigation, Heated Seats, HK Audio, Driver Assist, Sport Pedals, Dinan Springs, Bilstein B8s, M-Performance BBK
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07-22-2014, 12:43 PM	#6
Blubaron79 Brigadier General 1432 Rep 4,724 Posts Drives: 2021 M340i xDrive Join Date: May 2009 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	Clear bra is amazing. This is my 2nd BMW with it. My last one a E92 I had it on for 5 years. It never yellowed and the dealer pealed it off after trade in and the paint under it was like new. __________________ Current: 2021 M340i xDrive Previous: '18 340i xDrive; '15 335 xDrive; '14 435i xDrive; '09 335 E92 xDrive
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07-22-2014, 01:33 PM	#7
Fronzdan Lieutenant Colonel 303 Rep 1,738 Posts Drives: '24 M240 xDrive Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	How far up the hood do these Xpel Ultimate bras go?
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07-23-2014, 03:31 PM	#9
Professor///M Brigadier General 819 Rep 3,341 Posts Drives: 2022 M3, 2022 X5 40i; Join Date: May 2007 Location: Northeast iTrader: (5) Garage List 2022 BMW M3 Comp. [0.00] 2016 BMW X5 35i [10.00]	I have had 1/4 clear bra for 2 out of 4 3 series. It was the only thing that kept rock chips away, and actually makes it easier to clean bugs off. I have had full bumper with 1/4 fenders and hood. My older model was thick, and you could see it from many angles. My new one is thinner and less noticeable. You can only see it from certain angles. I highly recommend. It keeps you free of rock chips. I have white so not too noticeable, but could be more noticeable on other car colors.
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07-23-2014, 03:50 PM	#10
1N54E92 Colonel 81 Rep 2,046 Posts Drives: BSM F30 M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Mid-Atlantic, USA iTrader: (4)	I have clear bra on full hood, headlights, bumper, mirrors , and full fenders. There are no lines to be seen. Well worth the money $$$$$$$$$$. __________________ *"Join the BMWCCA today! referral member # is 423910"* F30 328i M-Sport (current), F30 328i Luxury (retired), E92 335i Sports ( retired), E30 325 ( retired) Last edited by 1N54E92; 07-23-2014 at 06:47 PM..
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07-23-2014, 07:13 PM	#12
Steve33 Captain 50 Rep 808 Posts Drives: 2018 SQ5 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Also, just for reference, a custom installed full front (bumper, fenders, hood, mirrors) was $1700 installed. I recommend doing the black B-pillars as well as they're especially prone to swirl marks for some reason. These you can probably DIY and save some money as it's just a flat/smooth piece of plastic.
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07-24-2014, 11:41 AM	#13
mtbnole Second Lieutenant 54 Rep 290 Posts Drives: 2014 328i Msport Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: SO FL iTrader: (0)	lets put it this way. I have a 2014 msport EBII, 8 months now, and I have at least 6 chips in the paint from rocks etc. on the front bumper, hood and one mirror cap. I don't follow trucks, I avoid following anything that might be throwing debris (sand, rocks, etc.) and the paint on this car has suffered the worst of my last 4 vehicles (2 acuras, Toyota, Nissan) when it comes to paint chips. only thing I would do differently from the start with my f30 would be the clear bra from day 1. __________________ 2014 328i Msport - EBII, premium, sport auto.
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07-26-2014, 08:25 PM	#18
Professor///M Brigadier General 819 Rep 3,341 Posts Drives: 2022 M3, 2022 X5 40i; Join Date: May 2007 Location: Northeast iTrader: (5) Garage List 2022 BMW M3 Comp. [0.00] 2016 BMW X5 35i [10.00]	My name here is JSTDR1V, not google. Try him. Bing is also helpful
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07-26-2014, 09:16 PM	#19
TractionControl=OFF Banned 11 Rep 87 Posts Drives: XP-38 (F30) Landspeeder Join Date: May 2014 Location: Mos Eisley, Tatooine iTrader: (0)	success; i found the spray on stuff at canadian tire. thank you guys ill let you know how it turned out
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07-26-2014, 09:21 PM	#20
TractionControl=OFF Banned 11 Rep 87 Posts Drives: XP-38 (F30) Landspeeder Join Date: May 2014 Location: Mos Eisley, Tatooine iTrader: (0)	what i would really like to know is how to protect my beige leather from my dirty punk ass friends throwing their shoes all around in my car ????
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07-27-2014, 02:57 PM	#22
bcornwellatl Second Lieutenant 32 Rep 297 Posts Drives: 2013 F30 328i Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Suwanee, GA iTrader: (0)	I had the 3m clear bra on my 08 black E90 and there were three times where it saved me... 1. somebody backed into my front bumper and left their paint... (fuckers), 2. wife backing out of the garage trying to move the car so she could clean rubbed against the front of the garage (white paint) (wasn't happy) 3. When some crap from the road hit my car - left a small scratch above the 3m film, but in the film itself, it protected from the scratch. The only thing I didn't really like is when you wax the car... if you have a half bra like mine had, you see this white line in the middle of your car... My new F30 has the bra and covered the mirrors and the door handles (and under the handles) and the side panels... so far it's been like the first - works as it should. I agree with others that quality makes a differences... I've seen other cars with faded or discolored bra's on their car in parking lots and they look like total crap...
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