BMW Clear Bra

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BMW Clear Bra Does anyone have Clear Bra?

#1 ACEE

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Posted 15 April 2006 - 09:59 PM

I am considering buying BMW Clear Bra for my 07' 550i. Does anyone have this installed? Is it worth it? Any problems?

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#2 Stoley

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Posted 15 April 2006 - 10:36 PM

I am assuming you mean the clear bra. I have the Llumar brand, and am extremely happy with it. If anyone is looking for a contact to instal in Sonoma County, feel free to PM me.

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#3 ACEE

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Posted 15 April 2006 - 10:39 PM

Stoley, on Apr 15 2006, 10:36 PM, said:

I am assuming you mean the clear bra. I have the Llumar brand, and am extremely happy with it. If anyone is looking for a contact to instal in Sonoma County, feel free to PM me.

Yes that is what I am talking about. What other brands are there and which one is the best? What parts did you use it on? Are the expensive?

#4 Hopco

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Posted 15 April 2006 - 10:43 PM

Yes, fortunately!

I had installed on my new 530xiT at about 135 miles. (see: http://www.armorglove.com/ )

Two days later, as I was driving south on I-95 I was passing a trash hauling 18-wheeler, when a piece of junk flew from the top of the trailer. It looked like a 6 inch by 3 foot canvas tube. :'(

I could only think of a snake as it billowed its way down and into the front of the car. When it hit my NEW CAR, the tube gave off a puff of white powder - perhaps it had contained plaster. At that point the car had only 225 miles on the odometer. :wow:

When I stopped, I could see that the only harm to my baby was a slight ding in the DuPont plastic � the car's paint was OK.

I would certainly recommend the stuff.

EDIT 5/10/06: The Armor Glove folks repaced my front film, under warranty, due to an unrelated problem. When I looked at the front of my car, after the repair had been completed - I saw NO chip or scratch from the flying tube. The Armor Glove had protected the paint!

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#5 Hopco

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Posted 15 April 2006 - 10:49 PM

The Armorglove folks say that the DuPont film does not yellow from UV light, but that the 3M stuff does.

I have no personal knowledge either way.

BTW I would recommend that you have a pro install the suff on an E60/E61. From my observation, it was not a job for an amateur.

#6 Stoley

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Posted 15 April 2006 - 11:00 PM

Yes, definately have a pro do it...generally NOT the dealer. It will run you $600-$1000...mine came with a lifetime warranty against yellowing, cracking, peeling off, etc.

#7 jet190rs

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Posted 16 April 2006 - 12:33 AM

All the various brands of clear bra are made by the same handful of manufacturers, such as 3M and Dupont. Are you refering to a BMW-branded version that's installed at the dealer? If so, I assume it'd be more expensive, just due to the renaming. All the exotic car owners I know use the original 3M. Also, make sure you get it installed by an independent shop who specializes in clear bra. Some installers are good, some are bad, some can do custom jobs, some can hide the seams to make it 99% invisible.

Clear bra does really help against rock chips. Get it.

FYI: I have heard from one of the best detailers on the East Coast that the next generation clear bra is now available. It is sprayed on, and hardens to become a film. I have not seen it myself yet, but its supposed to allow even more complex custom jobs to be done.

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#8 ACEE

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Posted 16 April 2006 - 12:41 AM

jet190rs, on Apr 16 2006, 12:33 AM, said:

Thanks. OK I am sold and will get clear bra. Now the next question is which brand is the best 3M, Dupont, ..anyone else? Who makes the next generation clear bra? Does anyone have recommendation for dealers in Illinois ( Naperville, Oakbrook, Westmont, etc..)

#9 subterFUSE

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Posted 16 April 2006 - 06:57 AM

Quote

FYI: I have heard from one of the best detailers on the East Coast that the next generation clear bra is now available. It is sprayed on, and hardens to become a film. I have not seen it myself yet, but its supposed to allow even more complex custom jobs to be done.

If that is the case.... why not have a new car sprayed in its entirety before taking delivery? Seems like it could keep the paint in factory condition much longer?

My E60
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#10 jet190rs

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Posted 16 April 2006 - 10:13 AM

subterFUSE, on Apr 16 2006, 07:57 AM, said:

If that is the case.... why not have a new car sprayed in its entirety before taking delivery? Seems like it could keep the paint in factory condition much longer?

Some owners do indeed have their new cars trucked to the detailer for the film before they take 1st drive it.

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#11 EBMCS03

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Posted 16 April 2006 - 01:25 PM

I hightly recommend it! the clear bra has saved my car several times from rock chips... and has saved the MINI countless times... too bad there isnt a clear bra for the windshield! I've gotten 3 windshelds so far!

My clear bra is made by Avery. You know, the office supply brand. My MINI's clear bra is the original 3M brand and I think I prefer that one. It seems to be more sturdy and has held up really well for being 3 years old. Looks just like a couple months old. I'm not saying that the Avery one hasnt held up, it has too. Both design cuts are designed by Xpel. I think they have a really good pre-cut design coverage compared to some of the other ones i've seen like Armourfend, Invinca-Shield. StonGuard is good too! It would be between X-Pel cut and StonGuard.

As for film wise... I dont have personal expereince with Llumar or the other brands so I cant comment but 3M is good.

#12 E60VTA

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Posted 16 April 2006 - 01:52 PM

Have it. Like it. Would do it again. Recommend it.

#13 Trev550i

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Posted 16 April 2006 - 02:28 PM

anyone have experience with the 3M brand yellowing?

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#14 UUronL

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Posted 16 April 2006 - 05:04 PM

Trev550i, on Apr 16 2006, 03:28 PM, said:

anyone have experience with the 3M brand yellowing?

Yes, my install is nearly a year old and is starting to get ever so slightly yellow. I had it done by the place that Ferrari of Washington uses. My car is never in the sun so I am a bit surprised. I am actually pleased since this means they will be replacing it soon. FWIW the 3M is the only material with clearcoat.

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#15 EBMCS03

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Posted 16 April 2006 - 05:14 PM

Trev550i, on Apr 16 2006, 12:28 PM, said:

anyone have experience with the 3M brand yellowing?

After 3 years its a little yellow. you dont notice it unless you're looking for it in certain angles and light. It also helps being on a light car. I think on white or dark cars it'll show more.

This car gets beat in the CA hot sun tho... and its a 3 year old clear bra technology. I think they would have improved it a bit by now.