Protective laminated plastic near Rear wheels?

pesh · 12-05-2014, 11:40 PM

I was at my local dealership today and looking at a few new M4 coupes and convertibles and noticed a clear plastic "skin" just behind the door and in front of rear wheel. Is this standard on all M4's? What is the purpose? It seemed a little tacky to me.

Thoughts? comments?

SakhirM4 · 12-05-2014, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pesh

I was at my local dealership today and looking at a few new M4 coupes and convertibles and noticed a clear plastic "skin" just behind the door and in front of rear wheel. Is this standard on all M4's? What is the purpose? It seemed a little tacky to me.

Thoughts? comments?

Yes, this is standard on M4s. It is to protect the fenders from road rash. It is not tacky and is a great touch by BMW to protect the paint.

ES_TRADER · 12-05-2014, 11:54 PM

Yes I noticed this too on my f80 when I was peeling all the shipping plastics off. Car must have shipped that way

About to put some polish on the car and annoyed I can't get underneath though

Green///Hell · 12-05-2014, 11:59 PM

I've always liked it on Porsches and was really happy to see it make it to BMW....not tacky for Pcar good enough for me

Vectors2final · 12-06-2014, 12:46 AM

I've had it son several lower end cars as well. It's a nice touch for a performance car that tends to pick up more than your standard tires.

Lynchmob6 · 12-06-2014, 06:45 AM

The installer that did my XPel clear bra said that it is a similar product, just thicker. The XPel is 8mm, and he said that film is 10-12mm. He said it looked like a good application and will be important for rock chip protection back there.

Wah · 12-06-2014, 06:49 AM

I would like to hear from those that have peeled it off.... any rock chips yet? I don't like how the edges catch dirt. Also, I park next to an older porsche that has this, and the ones on that car really look like shit now.

Steve B. · 12-06-2014, 08:22 AM

It's easily removable if you don't like it...

fitmaster · 12-06-2014, 12:59 PM

Have it on my M3. I went a little further and added a piece on the front and rear rocker panel. Not noticeable but it saves a lot of debris flying up. Had a big piece of truck tire piece flying on the turnpike and that little piece of plastic saved me. Just peeled it off and apply a new piece, no marks.

GrussGott · 12-06-2014, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wah

I would like to hear from those that have peeled it off.... any rock chips yet? I don't like how the edges catch dirt. Also, I park next to an older porsche that has this, and the ones on that car really look like shit now.

sedan clan removed it with a heat gun, no problems yet, he's in the LA area

sherm · 12-06-2014, 08:12 PM

I have an AW F82 and dirt got trapped in it easily even after washing so I removed mine with a heat gun. Very easy DIY but take your time with it.

idocm4 · 12-07-2014, 05:02 PM

Just picked up my F82 this weekend and I noticed it came with a clear film in front of the rear fender from the factory. Are you guys removing this film or just leaving it alone?

SakhirM4 · 12-07-2014, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idocm4

Just picked up my F82 this weekend and I noticed it came with a clear film in front of the rear fender from the factory. Are you guys removing this film or just leaving it alone?

Here is another thread on the subject:
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1066255

Just leave it on. It is good free protection and can only be seen from about a foot away.

idocm4 · 12-07-2014, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

Just leave it on. It is good free protection and can only be seen from about a foot away.

Thanks for the link.

I'll probably just leave it on for now. I agree about the added protection to the paint. Once it starts looking like crap then I will peel it off.

robbys3m3 · 12-07-2014, 07:38 PM

I actually took mine off, but only to add a much larger piece of expel there...maybe it's the spacers adding to it, but after 300 miles I was already accumulating rock chips around the oem film area

Aralan · 12-11-2014, 11:29 PM

My feeling is those pieces should have actually been a bit larger. Last time I washed the car I noticed some rock chips above the protected area and that was with less than 1000 miles on the car.

robbys3m3 · 12-12-2014, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aralan

My feeling is those pieces should have actually been a bit larger. Last time I washed the car I noticed some rock chips above the protected area and that was with less than 1000 miles on the car.

Agreed..I had multiple chips the first few weeks. I touched them up and swapped to a larger expel section there

Detailers Domain · 12-14-2014, 05:52 PM

don't take it off unless you plan on replacing it, in less than 100 miles it's going to chip up and look really bad.

NorCal f80 · 12-14-2014, 06:15 PM

Looks ugly but I may have to live with it. hahahahaa

pesh · 12-15-2014, 10:23 AM

I wonder if this is like an XPel type plastic product?

GOLFFRR · 12-15-2014, 10:33 AM

looks like mine has saved me a few times from road hazards. Im glad I have it!

RocketBoots · 12-15-2014, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DetailersDomain

don't take it off unless you plan on replacing it, in less than 100 miles it's going to chip up and look really bad.

I'd take the advice of a pro detailer

I almost wish they offered an option with it in black; never seen it that way before, but I liked the way it looked on some colors of P-cars. In any case, I welcome the added protection.

12-05-2014, 11:40 PM	#67
pesh First Lieutenant 122 Rep 303 Posts Drives: 2024 Black M4 Convertible Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW M4 Convert ... [0.00]	Protective laminated plastic near Rear wheels? I was at my local dealership today and looking at a few new M4 coupes and convertibles and noticed a clear plastic "skin" just behind the door and in front of rear wheel. Is this standard on all M4's? What is the purpose? It seemed a little tacky to me. Thoughts? comments?
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12-05-2014, 11:54 PM	#69
ES_TRADER Colonel 344 Rep 2,928 Posts Drives: 328i, 335i, M3, 535i, X5, 36M Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: OC iTrader: (3) Garage List 2014 Ford Raptor [0.00] 2012 328i E92 [10.00] 2013 X5 [0.00] 2013 335i F30 [8.00] 1990 Toyota Previa [0.00] 1997 E36 M3 [10.00] 2011 E92 M3 [0.00] 2011 535i [0.00]	Yes I noticed this too on my f80 when I was peeling all the shipping plastics off. Car must have shipped that way About to put some polish on the car and annoyed I can't get underneath though
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12-05-2014, 11:59 PM	#70
Green///Hell Colonel 183 Rep 2,872 Posts Drives: 991 GT3, F15 X5, 1199S Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Chicago iTrader: (5)	I've always liked it on Porsches and was really happy to see it make it to BMW....not tacky for Pcar good enough for me
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12-06-2014, 12:46 AM	#71
Vectors2final Brigadier General 1357 Rep 3,349 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 YMB/SS ZCP Join Date: May 2011 Location: Austin, Tx iTrader: (0)	I've had it son several lower end cars as well. It's a nice touch for a performance car that tends to pick up more than your standard tires. __________________ 2019 Ruby GT350 - Gen 5 Whipple on corn making 855RWHP. Sold: 2018 F80 Part Deux /DCT /YMB /Full SS /CF Trim /ZCP /ZEC w/Black 666M Sold: 2015 F80 /DCT /YMB /Full SS /CF Trim /ZEC /ZLP /HK /S&TVC- 18''///M
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12-06-2014, 06:45 AM	#72
Lynchmob6 Major 368 Rep 1,175 Posts Drives: 2015 SO/SO F80 & 135 M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Central Florida iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 128i Conve ... [0.00] 2015 BMW M3 [0.00]	The installer that did my XPel clear bra said that it is a similar product, just thicker. The XPel is 8mm, and he said that film is 10-12mm. He said it looked like a good application and will be important for rock chip protection back there. __________________ ///M3 SO/SO / MT / 19" Black Alloys / Executive Pkg. / Lighting Pkg. / Adaptive Suspension / Enhanced USB / HK / Full Front XPEL / 35 Tint / MODS: Custom painted engine cover and grill surrounds, Pedal Haus Kit, M-Performance Alcantara shifter/boot & e-brake boot, carbon e-brake handle, wrapped seat shells/rear headrests, M-Performance Spoiler with CRT Stripe.
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12-06-2014, 06:49 AM	#73
Wah IG@i.am.wah 2779 Rep 3,815 Posts Drives: M2 CS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NJ iTrader: (4) Garage List 2022 Tesla Model Y ... [0.00] 1974 BMW 2002 [0.00] 2020 BMW M2 CS [0.00]	I would like to hear from those that have peeled it off.... any rock chips yet? I don't like how the edges catch dirt. Also, I park next to an older porsche that has this, and the ones on that car really look like shit now.
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12-06-2014, 08:22 AM	#74
Steve B. Private First Class 37 Rep 145 Posts Drives: 2017 F80 M3 Comp Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Portsmouth NH iTrader: (2)	It's easily removable if you don't like it... __________________ 2017 BMW M3 6MT Comp 2002 Porsche 911 Turbo 6MT 1972 Corvette Stingray
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12-06-2014, 12:59 PM	#75
fitmaster Private First Class 30 Rep 127 Posts Drives: 2013 M6 Convert / 2015 M3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	Have it on my M3. I went a little further and added a piece on the front and rear rocker panel. Not noticeable but it saves a lot of debris flying up. Had a big piece of truck tire piece flying on the turnpike and that little piece of plastic saved me. Just peeled it off and apply a new piece, no marks.
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12-06-2014, 08:12 PM	#77
sherm First Lieutenant 28 Rep 326 Posts Drives: '15 BMW M4 Join Date: May 2014 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (0)	I have an AW F82 and dirt got trapped in it easily even after washing so I removed mine with a heat gun. Very easy DIY but take your time with it.
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12-07-2014, 05:02 PM	#78
idocm4 Lieutenant 190 Rep 570 Posts Drives: MG F82 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Baton Rouge, LA. iTrader: (3)	Clear film in front of the rear fender Just picked up my F82 this weekend and I noticed it came with a clear film in front of the rear fender from the factory. Are you guys removing this film or just leaving it alone?
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12-07-2014, 07:38 PM	#81
robbys3m3 Lieutenant Colonel 1941 Rep 1,552 Posts Drives: M3's Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tulsa, OK iTrader: (1)	I actually took mine off, but only to add a much larger piece of expel there...maybe it's the spacers adding to it, but after 300 miles I was already accumulating rock chips around the oem film area __________________ 2020 M2 CS, 2018 M3 CS, 2016 M4 GTS, 2013 M3 LRP, 2011 1M, 2011 M3 GTRS3, 2004 M3, 2002 M3, 2000 M Coupe, 2002 M5, 1997 M3, 1988 M3, 2022 STO, 2020 Urus, 2022 TRX, 2022 392, 2021 SVJ, 2018 Performante, 2013 Gallardo 550-2, 2012 Gallardo STS, 2018 R8 RWS, 2012 R8, 2017 G550 4X4^2, 2015 GT3, 2015 Continental GT3R, 1971 Bronco
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12-11-2014, 11:29 PM	#82
Aralan Private First Class 10 Rep 105 Posts Drives: F80 M3 SO/SO Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Long Island iTrader: (0)	My feeling is those pieces should have actually been a bit larger. Last time I washed the car I noticed some rock chips above the protected area and that was with less than 1000 miles on the car.
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12-14-2014, 05:52 PM	#84
Detailers Domain BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 1997 Rep 6,916 Posts Drives: 20 M2C / 22 X3MC Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (24)	don't take it off unless you plan on replacing it, in less than 100 miles it's going to chip up and look really bad.
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12-14-2014, 06:15 PM	#85
NorCal f80 Lieutenant Colonel 346 Rep 1,656 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Nor Cal iTrader: (0)	Looks ugly but I may have to live with it. hahahahaa
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12-15-2014, 10:23 AM	#86
pesh First Lieutenant 122 Rep 303 Posts Drives: 2024 Black M4 Convertible Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW M4 Convert ... [0.00]	I wonder if this is like an XPel type plastic product?
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12-15-2014, 10:33 AM	#87
GOLFFRR 10817 Rep 27,600 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	looks like mine has saved me a few times from road hazards. Im glad I have it! __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
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