Clear Bra - To Install or Not?

AlpineE90335i · 11-19-2011, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCwell3er

I'm thinking about getting on installed on mine when I get it as well. But question for you, was your car out in the sun quite a bit?

Garaged. It was only outside during work.

DCwell3er · 11-19-2011, 08:53 AM

Oh, ok. Thanks.

ccraig13 · 11-19-2011, 09:58 PM

I covered my front bumper and mirrors for less than $50 worth of that stuff. I buy it by the foot from XPel. I had to make my own design and cut it all myself, but it turned out great. I plan on covering other areas that get more wear and tear. They also sell some precut pieces for your headlights that can handle the heat but I'll just polish them when the time comes. On a side note, I also use it to cover other items like my iPhone and my computer.

mike5809 · 11-22-2011, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlpineE90335i

Garaged. It was only outside during work.

I really think there many factors that play into the yellowing of the bra.

I had a clear bra on my Z4 for about 4 years. The car was parked outside every day when I lived in San Diego. The bra was scratched, faded, and very discolored.

The clear bra on my 335i has been on for 3 years. I now live in PA and the car is garaged every day and night. The vehicle is washed often and no chemicals/soap are ever used on the bra. I used a better brand bra and the bra does not have a single mark, scratch, or any sign of coloring - as you can see in the previous pics.

I think it really depends on; what brand you choose, how the car is stored, where you live, and how you detail your car.

KnoxDawg · 11-28-2011, 06:32 PM

^^ This is the correct answer. Had a VentureShield clear bra on my G37 coupe for 2.5 years before I bought my new 335i. When I traded it in, no discoloration or two-tone effect. My car was meticulously cared for and was always garaged when not at work. My 335i coupe now has an XPEL clear bra which stays garaged at home, and I'm now lucky enough to have a parking garage at my job. Not worried about discoloration at all. Just my $.02.

jkrig · 11-29-2011, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlpineE90335i

The paint has to breathe. clear bra 600-1k
repaint 200-450

end result clear bra discoloration, painting- money saved but it will rock chip. but oh well paint again.

Im really picky with my vehicles. My theory is, if your as picky as me, you will need to repaint after removing the clear bra. just my 2cents

Not saying you are wrong...but lest than 500 for a quality re-spray sounds to good to be true...shortly after I bought my 335i I decided to sell my 05 Accord V6 coupe....it was red and had a ton of rock chips, dealers wanted to dock me between 1200 and 2000 because of it

I've only had my Ventureshield clear-bra for a year and change, still looks pristine, I'll never go without one again.

AlpineE90335i · 11-29-2011, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkrig

Not saying you are wrong...but lest than 500 for a quality re-spray sounds to good to be true...shortly after I bought my 335i I decided to sell my 05 Accord V6 coupe....it was red and had a ton of rock chips, dealers wanted to dock me between 1200 and 2000 because of it

I've only had my Ventureshield clear-bra for a year and change, still looks pristine, I'll never go without one again.

True, if the rock chips went all the way to the metal, maybe a little surface rust. Plus remember whenever a hood is painted you will need to blend the 2 fenders along with it.

AlpineE90335i · 11-29-2011, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlpineE90335i

True, if the rock chips went all the way to the metal, maybe a little surface rust. Plus remember whenever a hood is painted you will need to blend the 2 fenders along with it.

Thats why the price went so high, I think. I have an 07 335i with one rock chip. Stay away from the dual rear wheel vehicles, and corvettes, mustangs, etc.

stormtrooper7 · 02-22-2013, 11:56 AM

I have a partial clear bra on my hood and I hate it! The line and the different look/texture of the bra is ugly. The thing is I want to remove it but I have no idea how long the previous owner had it on.

It's riddled with nicks and such and just looks like crap. And now I have to worry about what will be "best", keep it on with the nicks or take it off and have the possibility of having a two tone hood.

SHEEDI · 02-22-2013, 01:18 PM

OP,
i watched some videos on youtube; I did PPF on my car myself to save money, If you dont want to do it yourself then get it done by pro. But..
If I was you i would do following.

1.Detail the entire car
2.Apply Carpro CQuartz paint coat http://www.autogeek.net/cquartz-kit.html
3.Put PPF "Clear bra" on after a month

11-19-2011, 08:53 AM	#24
DCwell3er Second Lieutenant 90 Rep 269 Posts Drives: 2020 G05 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Belleville, IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 G05 X5 40i Xdrive [0.00] 2011 E90 328xi [0.00]	Oh, ok. Thanks. __________________ Enjoying life! Missing the warmth of the 305.
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11-19-2011, 09:58 PM	#25
ccraig13 Lieutenant 54 Rep 484 Posts Drives: '07 E92 328xi 6MT Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I covered my front bumper and mirrors for less than $50 worth of that stuff. I buy it by the foot from XPel. I had to make my own design and cut it all myself, but it turned out great. I plan on covering other areas that get more wear and tear. They also sell some precut pieces for your headlights that can handle the heat but I'll just polish them when the time comes. On a side note, I also use it to cover other items like my iPhone and my computer. __________________ 2007 328xi E92 6MT Jet Black/Coral Red \| Tracks: NJMP
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-28-2011, 06:32 PM	#27
KnoxDawg First Lieutenant 14 Rep 396 Posts Drives: 2014 EBII 328i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Knoxville, TN iTrader: (3)	^^ This is the correct answer. Had a VentureShield clear bra on my G37 coupe for 2.5 years before I bought my new 335i. When I traded it in, no discoloration or two-tone effect. My car was meticulously cared for and was always garaged when not at work. My 335i coupe now has an XPEL clear bra which stays garaged at home, and I'm now lucky enough to have a parking garage at my job. Not worried about discoloration at all. Just my $.02. __________________ 2014 F30 M-Sport 328i, Estoril Blue, Sport Auto, Moonroof, Lighting Package, Navigation, Harman Kardon, Black Performance Grilles, Stainless Pedals.
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02-22-2013, 11:56 AM	#31
stormtrooper7 Private First Class 14 Rep 154 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Winnipeg, CANADA iTrader: (0)	I have a partial clear bra on my hood and I hate it! The line and the different look/texture of the bra is ugly. The thing is I want to remove it but I have no idea how long the previous owner had it on. It's riddled with nicks and such and just looks like crap. And now I have to worry about what will be "best", keep it on with the nicks or take it off and have the possibility of having a two tone hood.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-22-2013, 01:18 PM	#32
SHEEDI Banned 601 Rep 2,703 Posts Drives: 2009 335i - Sport PKG Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 335i [8.50]	OP, i watched some videos on youtube; I did PPF on my car myself to save money, If you dont want to do it yourself then get it done by pro. But.. If I was you i would do following. 1.Detail the entire car 2.Apply Carpro CQuartz paint coat http://www.autogeek.net/cquartz-kit.html 3.Put PPF "Clear bra" on after a month
	Appreciate 0 Quote