06-23-2017, 07:35 PM | #1 |
First Lieutenant
222
Rep 326
Posts |
Clear bra worth it?
So I just got my 2015 320i back from the repair shop today (thanks to a deer) and want to get some opinions on clear bras. I've had the car for a little over two years now and will have it for a long time to come. Before the accident, the front bumper (but not the hood or mirrors) had accumulated a decent amount of dings where the paint was chipped off. I used touch up paint which helped but I could still see the dings.
So now that I have the car back with a new front bumper that has a perfect paint job, I am seriously considering getting a clear bra for it since I will have the car long term. Have any of you put clear bras on your F30s and if so, what are your thoughts? Are you satisfied? I've got a quote for $450 (again front bumper only) and feel like that isn't too bad to protect the paint job. Also, once it has been on a while, is it easy to tell there is a clear bra on the car or can you not tell? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. |
06-23-2017, 07:43 PM | #2 |
Major
451
Rep 1,425
Posts |
Personally, I absolutely recommend it. Had my bumper re sprayed and clear bra'd it as soon as the paint cured (few weeks after spray). It's not rock proof but it prevented 95% or more of the rock chips I would have normally gotten. If you have a good installed, you'll never know it's there unless you're within inches of the edges.
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-23-2017, 07:59 PM | #3 | |
Private First Class
31
Rep 182
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-23-2017, 07:59 PM | #4 |
First Lieutenant
222
Rep 326
Posts |
Thanks for your input. I'm glad to hear that you think it is worth it. I got that feeling after talking with a couple of installers but always want to hear a true customer's opinion instead of just someone trying to get my business.
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-26-2017, 02:42 PM | #6 |
Lieutenant
159
Rep 482
Posts
Drives: 2014 Glacier Silver F30 328i
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Attleboro, Massacusetts
|
This is a great call out. I've only had my car for about 2 months and taken it on the highway a handful of times thus far and I can't believe the amount of rock chips I've gotten within the 2 months . I'm planning on respraying my hood next Spring and then adding the clear bra. Does anyone know what a fair estimated price would be for both. Thanks~
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-26-2017, 03:35 PM | #7 | |
Private First Class
31
Rep 182
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-26-2017, 03:45 PM | #9 |
Private First Class
31
Rep 182
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-30-2017, 12:48 AM | #12 |
Private First Class
76
Rep 145
Posts
Drives: 2016 F30 340i
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Lisboa, Portugal
|
Yes, it is worth every penny! Here in AZ we have a rock problem, clear bra keeps my car from looking like its been bead blasted.
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-30-2017, 07:21 AM | #13 | |
Colonel
81
Rep 2,046
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
Last edited by 1N54E92; 06-30-2017 at 07:32 AM.. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-25-2017, 01:18 PM | #15 |
Captain
344
Rep 906
Posts |
Cost me $700 cash for the 1/4 hood & fenders, full bumper & mirrors. Xpel Ultimate with lifetime guarantee.
Was it worth it? Maybe... ABSOLUTELY if I owned the car, but I probably won't do it again because I always lease. Just make sure you get your money's worth - as in how long are you going to keep the car and then make sure you can add that coverage to your insurance. I had a tree damage my car and needed new film. I had to argue with the insurance to cover it.
__________________
2016 X3 35i M-Sport
2019 440i Coupe M-Sport - Retired 2018 330i Sedan M-Sport - Retired 2015 428i Gran Coupe M-Sport - Retired |
Appreciate
0
|
07-25-2017, 01:24 PM | #16 |
Lieutenant General
8170
Rep 15,964
Posts |
If it's chipped so bad that it no longer protects the car replace it, but otherwise leave it in place until you're ready to sell the car. Then remove it, leaving a pretty much like new paint job that would only require minor detailing to look like new.
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-22-2017, 11:02 AM | #18 |
New Member
32
Rep 12
Posts |
I have a clear bra on my current car and it's bubbling pretty bad a few years down the road. I also still have plenty of rock chips farther up the hood. I personally don't think a clear bra is worthwhile unless you're going to cover the entire hood. Otherwise, I'd rather save the money and use it to fix any rock chips down the road. I can understand why people use them, though.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-26-2017, 05:06 PM | #21 |
Colonel
96
Rep 2,415
Posts |
Agree with everyone who said it's 100% worth it. I personally can't stand seeing rock chips on my car. I've had clear bra installed on my past four cars. The upfront cost is always hard to swallow, but well worth it in the end. I usually do front bumper, fenders, 1/3 hood, headlights, side lights, and rear bumper luggage area. Have used X-pel primarily. The F30 currently has X-pel Ultimate shield. 10 year warranty.
I have hit a large piece of tire before on the fwy. The tire tore the clear bra up, but left the front bumper undamaged and unblemished. The expense is what you pay for piece of mind IMO. Do it!
__________________
'16 f30 AW 340i M-sport 8-speed Auto BMW ///M Performance Power and Sound Kit with Carbon Tips / Gloss Black Performance grilles |
Appreciate
0
|
10-26-2017, 05:36 PM | #22 | |
Lieutenant Colonel
813
Rep 1,986
Posts
Drives: 2014 335i xdrive, 2014 X5 3.5d
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Owen sound, Ontario, canada
|
Quote:
Cheers... |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|