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      04-09-2019, 07:24 AM   #1
Speedytriple
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Bra's & Muffs

Hi Guys,

New to the forum, thought i'd pop in qith a quick question and introduce myself.

Recently bought myself the below Estoril Blue 340i

I'm soon going on a few thouand mile trip to Holland and back amd thought a Bra would be a good way to keep the stone chips at bay whilst on the motorway.
However i'm struggling to find anyone who actually makes one for this model. Anyone know? Ideally Colgan, but i cant find any details to contact Colgan direct.

Also, i love the sound of the car but it definately needs a bit more sound releasing.
I spoke to the dealer i bought it from and apparently they arent offering the M Performance exhaust any more for this model.

Any ideas who does a reasonably priced rear silencer that will release a bit more sound?

Thanks in advance,
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      04-09-2019, 08:22 AM   #2
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I would never do a bra. It clouds the paint, and scratches the crap out of it.

Get the clear "bra" which is a self-adhesive film. Any tint shop will do it, and it is worth it's weight in gold. They "full bra" version does the front bumper, part of the hood and mirror backs. Have them do the small piece on the top of the rear bumper or you get scratches from unloading the trunk.

BMW has 2 different exhaust options: MPPSK and MPE, both are available at the BMW parts department, so I'm not sure why they'd be saying otherwise. People have installed AWE which is quick aggressive as well.
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      04-09-2019, 09:08 AM   #3
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+ 1 on the clear bra.

Are we still talking about cars here? :P
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      04-09-2019, 11:59 AM   #4
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If you plan on keeping the car any decent amount of time 3-4 years go with Xpel on the hood and front bumper and forget the bra. it's like going into battle and covering only your nipples in armor.
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      04-09-2019, 12:25 PM   #5
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I had not seen a bra on a car in years. Until last week in Scottsdale I saw this mid 80s 300zx turbo. Very period 80s. I recall having a bras on a few of my cars from that era.

+2 on clear bra. I put it on all my cars. Also known as rock guard, 3M, etc.
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      04-09-2019, 12:29 PM   #6
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I'd recommend getting them on the headlights as well. My 2014 has them and they still look very good. Clear protective film does a very good job protecting from rock chips. I'd recommend getting the whole front bumper done as well as the mirror caps. It's also not a bad idea to do the hood as well, though I don't think it's nearly as important as the front bumper.

If you're willing to risk it, maybe you can import an American M Performance exhaust for your car. Supposedly it's louder than the one offered in the EU and Canada. I'm not sure how strict they are with car inspections in the UK, though.
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      04-09-2019, 12:31 PM   #7
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Clearbra is a good investment for your new car.
especially when the car is EB colored, a chip will be white and prominent. I'd spend a thousand dollars just to protect the paint. However, just make sure the installer had some experience or certifications, as I see some installers scratch the paint while installing it ( I dont even know how).

Unless ofcourse, you do not care about the paintchips but if you dont you wouldn't be making this thread
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      04-09-2019, 01:14 PM   #8
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3m Paint protection film probably run you about £450.00 done correctly by any competent vehicle wrap firm.

As for the exhaust have a wee look at Borla or go to a custom place they can make you one that will do what you want as a cat-back for about £550>600 in lovely shiny stainless steel
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      04-09-2019, 01:31 PM   #9
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Xpel paint protection film works really well, both by defending against stone chips, but also self heals, so the surface stays glossy and doesn't pick up swirl marks.
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      04-09-2019, 04:08 PM   #10
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Thanks for all the advice guys. I don't do many motorway miles so stone chips are not a huge problem , however I'm doing a long trip to Holland this summer. I only really wanted the bra for that trip then I could remove it.

Do the bras damage the paint immediately or just if left on for some time?
Thanks.
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      04-09-2019, 04:10 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel View Post
If you're willing to risk it, maybe you can import an American M Performance exhaust for your car. Supposedly it's louder than the one offered in the EU and Canada. I'm not sure how strict they are with car inspections in the UK, though.
Any idea where I could import one of these from?

Thanks.
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      04-09-2019, 04:17 PM   #12
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A the old style bra wont damage the paint if you keep the inside clean. I can remember pulling the bras off my car (with one hand in the dark!) and washing them when I washed the car. PITA but it kept the paint in good shape. That said, I dont know that any one even makes bras any more???
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      04-09-2019, 04:34 PM   #13
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I solve any long highway or freeway trips by using my wife's 2016 CX-5.
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      04-09-2019, 05:17 PM   #14
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I've used a vinyl bra on my '74 2002tii (& the now-gone E30) for decades with no damage to the paint. I use it for the trip, remove it if it starts to rain & make sure the flannel side of it & my paint are both clean before putting it on. The 2002 doesn't have as much paint in the airflow as modern cars, so I've not contemplated the paint protection film for it
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      04-09-2019, 05:43 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Speedytriple View Post
Any idea where I could import one of these from?

Thanks.
I'm thinking en eBay seller willing to ship overseas.
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      04-10-2019, 04:33 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Speedytriple View Post
Thanks for all the advice guys. I don't do many motorway miles so stone chips are not a huge problem , however I'm doing a long trip to Holland this summer. I only really wanted the bra for that trip then I could remove it.

Do the bras damage the paint immediately or just if left on for some time?
Thanks.
By there nature anything that contacts the paint will abrade it the dust vibration and weather over a couple of weeks will probably leave you needing a correction on the bonnet / front clip
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      04-11-2019, 08:16 AM   #17
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Thanks again guys.

I think I the bra thing is a moot point anyway now as nobody (and I've even emailed Covercraft who seem to be the leading Colgan supplier.) Seems to be able to supply one for the UK spec 340i sport.

They said they could and then when I sent a front end pic they said they couldn't do it.

Oh well, clear it is. Didn't really want to go with the clear option as its permanent, bra can be sold after trip if necessary and will also stop dents that the clear bra wont.

Thanks again
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      04-11-2019, 06:54 PM   #18
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How about some temporary spray-on paint protection?
https://www.thecarconnection.com/new...rotection-work

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_NG/company-...4061402&rt=rud
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      04-12-2019, 07:08 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Speedytriple View Post
Thanks again guys.

... Didn't really want to go with the clear option as its permanent, bra can be sold after trip if necessary …

Thanks again
Who would want to buy one, even secondhand? Its about 25 years since I saw one in the UK .

Just keep a bigger distance between you and the car in front and the chunks of stone that they throw up will be back on the ground before you get there. Enjoy your 340i!
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      04-12-2019, 07:37 PM   #20
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Not sure why you think the "clear bra is permanent". Perhaps you don't know what we are talking about. It's a clear film that is installed like window tint with water and a squeegee. It can be removed just as easy as it was installed, and just works. You put it on, forget about it, and your paint perpetually looks great. Why would you want to remove and sell it after a trip? I'm confused as crap here....
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      04-12-2019, 10:03 PM   #21
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I have over 20 years on my 4X4 truck & it runs on & off road. No film, no spray, no bra & the paint is still in excellent condition.



It lives outdoor gets & washed maybe every six weeks at the gas station car wash. This picture was taken a few weeks ago when we were having some remodeling done on the house. Truck has a fresh wash in the picture but right now its green from the pollen.

Think the whole paint issue is a major first world problem.
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      04-13-2019, 08:31 AM   #22
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Move further north where the dump crushed pea gravel and sand all over the roads for traction in the winter, and then come back an comment after the winter season is done.
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