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      06-23-2017, 07:35 PM   #1
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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.
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      06-23-2017, 07:43 PM   #2
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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.
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      06-23-2017, 07:59 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWApp View Post
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.
100% recommend it. You will have to wait about 30 days from your paint job to have it put on. This will not ruin the look of your car by any means. Most people will never notice it and those who do will need to get close enough. Definitely worth the protection and will look better than a chipped front end...
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      06-23-2017, 07:59 PM   #4
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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.
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      06-24-2017, 11:03 AM   #5
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Recommend 100%. All my cars since 2002 have had it. It's a must in New England.

My 435 has a full front wrap with Xpel. It's expensive but imo worth it.
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      06-26-2017, 02:42 PM   #6
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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~
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      06-26-2017, 03:35 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by xbnb1978x View Post
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~
I see your from mass. I went to B&G window tint in Springfield Mass. Typically they charge 600 for the bumper, hood, lights, and mirrors. A little while back they had a deal for $500 which I took advantage of. $600 is still on the cheaper side I would say, as many places were offering between $650-$1000.
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      06-26-2017, 03:38 PM   #8
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If the clear bra gets chipped will you have to replace it?
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      06-26-2017, 03:45 PM   #9
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If the clear bra gets chipped will you have to replace it?
Many places offer warranties. The place I went to offers a 5 year warranty for if it peels or warps, or any other imperfections.
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      06-26-2017, 07:28 PM   #10
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Check out Automotive Elegance in Andover.
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      06-28-2017, 04:10 PM   #11
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Totally worth it, I had the full front done on my car and its virtually invisible.
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      06-30-2017, 12:48 AM   #12
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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.
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      06-30-2017, 07:21 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWApp View Post
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.
If the car has been recently painted you need to wait few weeks or even months before applying clear bra over the painted area. To answer your question, yes it is worth the money, $450 just for the bumper seems high to me . I have it on my current F30 and my wife's sienna ( whole hood is covered = $$$$). You cant tell if the car has clear bra unless you walk up to the car within 3-5 feet distance. At this distance you can tell because of the edge of the clear bra, on my previous F30 I had the whole hood and fender wrapped so you couldn't tell I had clear bra. No lines to see !
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Last edited by 1N54E92; 06-30-2017 at 07:32 AM..
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      06-30-2017, 07:58 AM   #14
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Is this really worth $3000+ for a full car bra? Would it not be better to get the car repainted in the future at these prices?
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      07-25-2017, 01:18 PM   #15
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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.
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      07-25-2017, 01:24 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bimmer456 View Post
If the clear bra gets chipped will you have to replace it?
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.
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      08-12-2017, 10:06 PM   #17
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So I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the clear bra for my front bumper. I'm very glad I did. Big props to Brian at Exclusive Detail in Charlotte. He did a great job. Thanks everyone for your input.
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      08-22-2017, 11:02 AM   #18
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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.
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      09-06-2017, 08:39 PM   #19
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Got my whole front clear bra'd. My dealer has a lifetime warranty on it
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      10-25-2017, 09:14 AM   #20
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Just took ED of an F31 and looking into clear bra's as well as ceramic coatings...

Sure looks like the 3M Scotchgard Pro is top notch!

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      10-26-2017, 05:06 PM   #21
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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!
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      10-26-2017, 05:36 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mshu View Post
Just took ED of an F31 and looking into clear bra's as well as ceramic coatings...

Sure looks like the 3M Scotchgard Pro is top notch!

I go to 3M pro guard on my Lexus and FType and couldn't be happier. Expensive compared to the other two but totally worth it.

Cheers...
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