Is there any final word on clear bras?

carl135i · 10-09-2008, 06:54 PM

I have heard that the BMW offered clear bra does not cover well. I am looking for all options out there. What do you have? I do not have a local guy that will do a custom one so I need to buy pre-cut. Let my know what pre-cut one you have and your experience with it. This is something I only want to do once so I want to get it right the 1st time. It is going on a AW car so clarity, transparency, and fit are all important. All comments welcome.

1Serious · 10-09-2008, 07:25 PM

Avoid VentureShield ... their product is junk and they don't fix their mistakes ...
http://picasaweb.google.com/Motoring2008/VentureShield#

twinturbo135i · 10-09-2008, 09:28 PM

My advice is do NOT attempt to do this yourself because I can almost guarantee you that you'll mess it up. I don't want to sound so negative but I've had $1100 worth of Clearshield installed on my 135i and the installation labor isn't for the non-experienced.

trust me. find someone that knows what they're doing so it gets done right the first time.

bman6074 · 10-10-2008, 07:00 AM

Yea +1 to not installing it yourself. Also most come with a 5 year warranty. At least mine did. Said I can bring it back for just about anything. And I have. Well worth the extra 100 or 2 especialy if the peice needs to be replaced.

Zoidberg · 10-10-2008, 09:36 AM

Assuming the bra lasts 5 to 7 years, what happens after that?

Is it easily removed without damaging the paint? I suppose you can install a new one after that?

bman6074 · 10-10-2008, 10:16 AM

Yea I believe it will come off with ease. I have heard of many others having it replaced after 5 years.

ChrisK · 10-10-2008, 10:27 AM

I have always used Xpel and the products have been top notch.

xpel.com

bman6074 · 10-10-2008, 10:32 AM

I have xpel on my car, so far so good except for some areas where its peeling but thats due to poor install. Will be taking it back to have it fixed before winter

pit1 · 10-10-2008, 11:47 AM

So I may be a minority here...

I explored the idea of clear bra, but personally can't get over the line and the difference in luster compare to the paint. Hood chips are annoying, but the bumper is far more frustrating and takes more abuse. After considering with each new car, I always come to the conclusion that if it gets that bad, I'll just have it repainted for the same cost as installing the bra from the start. That way I avoid the rippling, peeling, visible lines, and risk of irregular paint fade...and then it's back to new for the same price.

A relative just had one installed on a red CayenneGTS, had it redone a few times, still looks like crap. Maybe it's the installer, maybe it's the brand, but still confirmed my reservations.

To each his own, and certainly not judging those who swear by it. I'm all ears for difference in opinion.

bman6074 · 10-10-2008, 12:16 PM

mmm This is my first clear bra. I have had the same thoughts as you but when I had a friend ask me if i had the bra taken off cause I had mention i was going back to the instller. But it was still on there. I don't even notice it anymore. But def have to be a good installer so it looks practically invisible.

EspressoBoy · 10-10-2008, 12:19 PM

I have 3M product (so I am told no real documentation from Dealership, no warranty card, etc.). The product is ok. I do agree line is there. Yes the finish is not the same as the rest of the car. And it’s very $$$$ for a plastic coat. If I had never read about clearbra and someone asked me on the value... I would have said 40 bucks! I paid 20 x that!

Dealerships hire a 3rd party to install. If you have "issues" I think there are too many middle men to solve a simple problem.

I have the whistle at 120 km. I talked to the dealership guy who does the (clearbra arrangements, not the service dept). It was a disaster! They wanted to take off the piece that whistles and not protect the mirror. I consider that unacceptable. I also have a place where it is starting to peel. To go back and have them say nasty things to me, is not fun. (I have an email from the guy who insults me.)
That is my experience. If you drive where lots of rocks fly, then yes by all means get it done ASAP.
Everyone is different. In order of importance for me is...

1. roads you drive on
2. place that does it (warranty reasons, and reliability issues)
2. installer (experienced)
3. plastic they put on (if the first 2 are good, chances are they use good stuff)
4. price
5. time (do you have to leave it over night?)

EspressoBoy

bman6074 · 10-10-2008, 12:26 PM

Nice explanation Espressoboy, Those were the exact things i thought of before getting my bra. I got a hell of a deal, only cost me 300 (full price is 700). Full warranty with it and it is not thru the dealer so i can drop it off at the shop in the morning and pick it up after work. usualy can make an apt the day before.

stefan · 10-10-2008, 02:00 PM

From personal experience.. make sure it's 3M or nothing, and get it done by a local reputable shop, one with many customers and experience.

Misterted · 10-10-2008, 05:48 PM

I picked up my 135i Vert a month ago.
Last week I went to the dealer and asked about the BMW clear bra. They said it's crap and that they do the 3M product there so I booked it. It had to be done TWICE. The first time didn't come out right so they had me bring back the car and they did it again and threw in the side mirror covers for free. I had it done only on the front bumper and not on the hood or fenders. It looks great.
As far as I know the 3M product is the best and it should only be applied by a professional.

sturgis · 10-10-2008, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EspressoBoy

I have the whistle at 120 km.

EspressoBoy

I have the whistle to and it comes from my mirrors as well. Anyone else experiencing this or has found a solution? I Recently did a 2200mile road trip and found that sometimes smoothing the corner on the inside leading edge of the mirror with your finger can make the whistling stop, but it doesn't work every time.

Citizen Z · 10-13-2008, 09:17 PM

A shop locally who just did an awesome job on my tint quoted me $675 for the clear bra. I wasn't sure if this was a good deal or not.

Menace · 10-14-2008, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stefan

From personal experience.. make sure it's 3M or nothing, and get it done by a local reputable shop, one with many customers and experience.

I second that. The 3M film is alot more durable (thicker) than xpels film. And it doesnt fade or yellow.

bman6074 · 10-14-2008, 06:44 AM

I believe XPEL just designs the bra but uses 3M film. Now a dealer can use any other type of film if they have a plotter and just use XPEL's program to cut out the film.

EspressoBoy · 10-14-2008, 07:25 AM

I was just cleaning my 3M Stoneguard clearbra this weekend. Someone told me to clean the edges with a q-tip. (dirt likes to collect there)

Anyone got "tips" about this?

EspressoBoy

bman6074 · 10-14-2008, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EspressoBoy

I was just cleaning my 3M Stoneguard clearbra this weekend. Someone told me to clean the edges with a q-tip. (dirt likes to collect there)

Anyone got "tips" about this?

EspressoBoy

I wouldn't recommend q-tips or cotton towels. You would want to use something that is not going to shred. Otherwise you will get pieces of cotton under the bra if it peels as you are cleaning there. I just use my fingers and a cleaning solvent, haven’t found anything to use that won't shred and get caught in the glue (sticky back of the bra). Be sure to rinse thoroughly.

RobLS · 10-14-2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Serious

Avoid VentureShield ... their product is junk and they don't fix their mistakes ...
http://picasaweb.google.com/Motoring2008/VentureShield#

oh god thats horrible. you did get a new clear bra though right?

Menace · 10-16-2008, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EspressoBoy

I was just cleaning my 3M Stoneguard clearbra this weekend. Someone told me to clean the edges with a q-tip. (dirt likes to collect there)

Anyone got "tips" about this?

EspressoBoy

Just dip the qtip in alcohol and run it along the edges.

10-09-2008, 06:54 PM	#1
carl135i Enlisted Member 5 Rep 48 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	Is there any final word on clear bras? I have heard that the BMW offered clear bra does not cover well. I am looking for all options out there. What do you have? I do not have a local guy that will do a custom one so I need to buy pre-cut. Let my know what pre-cut one you have and your experience with it. This is something I only want to do once so I want to get it right the 1st time. It is going on a AW car so clarity, transparency, and fit are all important. All comments welcome. __________________ "mix it up a little" 135i Alpine White 2003 Mustang Cobra 460 RWHP 1984 Mustang GT 347 w/200 hp nitrous 1968 Chevelle(slow but looks cool) 1973 MGB 1999 S-10 Extreme
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10-09-2008, 07:25 PM	#2
1Serious New Member 0 Rep 25 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jun 2008 iTrader: (0)	Avoid VentureShield ... their product is junk and they don't fix their mistakes ... http://picasaweb.google.com/Motoring2008/VentureShield# __________________ 135i SGM \| Grey Poplar Trim \| Taupe Boston Leather \| 6MT \| Sunroof \| Sport Pedals \| ClearBra \| 35% Tint \| PremPackage \| Debadged \| iPod/USB \| Xenon \| Zaino Stable Mate: Morgan 4/4 \| 1969 \| 4MT \| 4-Seater \| Oxford Blue \| Oscelli Tuned More 135i at http://gallery.me.com/pguild8#100022
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10-09-2008, 09:28 PM	#3
twinturbo135i First Lieutenant 34 Rep 368 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (1)	My advice is do NOT attempt to do this yourself because I can almost guarantee you that you'll mess it up. I don't want to sound so negative but I've had $1100 worth of Clearshield installed on my 135i and the installation labor isn't for the non-experienced. trust me. find someone that knows what they're doing so it gets done right the first time. __________________ former 135i owner - ditched it for a new Camaro SS
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10-10-2008, 07:00 AM	#4
bman6074 Major 103 Rep 1,254 Posts Drives: 14 M235i and 07 Lotus Exige S Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	Yea +1 to not installing it yourself. Also most come with a 5 year warranty. At least mine did. Said I can bring it back for just about anything. And I have. Well worth the extra 100 or 2 especialy if the peice needs to be replaced. __________________
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10-10-2008, 09:36 AM	#5
Zoidberg New Member 9 Rep 21 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2008 iTrader: (0)	Assuming the bra lasts 5 to 7 years, what happens after that? Is it easily removed without damaging the paint? I suppose you can install a new one after that?
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10-10-2008, 10:16 AM	#6
bman6074 Major 103 Rep 1,254 Posts Drives: 14 M235i and 07 Lotus Exige S Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	Yea I believe it will come off with ease. I have heard of many others having it replaced after 5 years. __________________
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10-10-2008, 10:27 AM	#7
ChrisK Major General 4450 Rep 7,594 Posts Drives: '19 M2C Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Chicagoland iTrader: (7) Garage List 2019 BMW M2C [7.00] 2015 Porsche Macan S [0.00]	I have always used Xpel and the products have been top notch. xpel.com __________________ www.ReTuneTheDeTune.com 2019 M2 Competition (Sunset Orange)
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10-10-2008, 10:32 AM	#8
bman6074 Major 103 Rep 1,254 Posts Drives: 14 M235i and 07 Lotus Exige S Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	I have xpel on my car, so far so good except for some areas where its peeling but thats due to poor install. Will be taking it back to have it fixed before winter __________________
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10-10-2008, 11:47 AM	#9
pit1 Captain 239 Rep 790 Posts Drives: F87 M2 Join Date: May 2008 Location: It's always Sunny... iTrader: (1)	So I may be a minority here... I explored the idea of clear bra, but personally can't get over the line and the difference in luster compare to the paint. Hood chips are annoying, but the bumper is far more frustrating and takes more abuse. After considering with each new car, I always come to the conclusion that if it gets that bad, I'll just have it repainted for the same cost as installing the bra from the start. That way I avoid the rippling, peeling, visible lines, and risk of irregular paint fade...and then it's back to new for the same price. A relative just had one installed on a red CayenneGTS, had it redone a few times, still looks like crap. Maybe it's the installer, maybe it's the brand, but still confirmed my reservations. To each his own, and certainly not judging those who swear by it. I'm all ears for difference in opinion.
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10-10-2008, 12:16 PM	#10
bman6074 Major 103 Rep 1,254 Posts Drives: 14 M235i and 07 Lotus Exige S Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	mmm This is my first clear bra. I have had the same thoughts as you but when I had a friend ask me if i had the bra taken off cause I had mention i was going back to the instller. But it was still on there. I don't even notice it anymore. But def have to be a good installer so it looks practically invisible. __________________
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10-10-2008, 12:19 PM	#11
EspressoBoy 1addict, and proud 40 Rep 1,019 Posts Drives: BMW 135i 08 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	I have 3M product (so I am told no real documentation from Dealership, no warranty card, etc.). The product is ok. I do agree line is there. Yes the finish is not the same as the rest of the car. And it’s very $$$$ for a plastic coat. If I had never read about clearbra and someone asked me on the value... I would have said 40 bucks! I paid 20 x that! Dealerships hire a 3rd party to install. If you have "issues" I think there are too many middle men to solve a simple problem. I have the whistle at 120 km. I talked to the dealership guy who does the (clearbra arrangements, not the service dept). It was a disaster! They wanted to take off the piece that whistles and not protect the mirror. I consider that unacceptable. I also have a place where it is starting to peel. To go back and have them say nasty things to me, is not fun. (I have an email from the guy who insults me.) That is my experience. If you drive where lots of rocks fly, then yes by all means get it done ASAP. Everyone is different. In order of importance for me is... 1. roads you drive on 2. place that does it (warranty reasons, and reliability issues) 2. installer (experienced) 3. plastic they put on (if the first 2 are good, chances are they use good stuff) 4. price 5. time (do you have to leave it over night?) EspressoBoy
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10-10-2008, 12:26 PM	#12
bman6074 Major 103 Rep 1,254 Posts Drives: 14 M235i and 07 Lotus Exige S Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	Nice explanation Espressoboy, Those were the exact things i thought of before getting my bra. I got a hell of a deal, only cost me 300 (full price is 700). Full warranty with it and it is not thru the dealer so i can drop it off at the shop in the morning and pick it up after work. usualy can make an apt the day before. __________________
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10-10-2008, 02:00 PM	#13
stefan Brigadier General 2356 Rep 4,254 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: North iTrader: (2)	From personal experience.. make sure it's 3M or nothing, and get it done by a local reputable shop, one with many customers and experience. __________________ ///M Power
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10-10-2008, 05:48 PM	#14
Misterted Maniac with a BMW 13 Rep 185 Posts Drives: 2020 330 X-Drive Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Jersey Shore iTrader: (0)	I picked up my 135i Vert a month ago. Last week I went to the dealer and asked about the BMW clear bra. They said it's crap and that they do the 3M product there so I booked it. It had to be done TWICE. The first time didn't come out right so they had me bring back the car and they did it again and threw in the side mirror covers for free. I had it done only on the front bumper and not on the hood or fenders. It looks great. As far as I know the 3M product is the best and it should only be applied by a professional. __________________ 2021 330i X-Drive MSport 2019 X3 3.0 Phytonic Blue Metallic/Black 2020 228xi GC Black
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10-13-2008, 09:17 PM	#16
Citizen Z Alpine Master 111 Rep 1,310 Posts Drives: '08 135i AW Sport Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas iTrader: (1)	A shop locally who just did an awesome job on my tint quoted me $675 for the clear bra. I wasn't sure if this was a good deal or not. __________________ Alpine White with Taupe Leather 135i, Sports Package, Heated Seats, Comfort Access, iPod Adapter Fastness: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=252727
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10-14-2008, 06:44 AM	#18
bman6074 Major 103 Rep 1,254 Posts Drives: 14 M235i and 07 Lotus Exige S Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	I believe XPEL just designs the bra but uses 3M film. Now a dealer can use any other type of film if they have a plotter and just use XPEL's program to cut out the film. __________________
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10-14-2008, 07:25 AM	#19
EspressoBoy 1addict, and proud 40 Rep 1,019 Posts Drives: BMW 135i 08 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	I was just cleaning my 3M Stoneguard clearbra this weekend. Someone told me to clean the edges with a q-tip. (dirt likes to collect there) Anyone got "tips" about this? EspressoBoy
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