rock chips

dreddy335 · 04-13-2007, 04:44 PM

is it me or is the front bumper really susceptible rock chips. had the car for about a week and i already have a couple of minute ones. i stay 2-3 lengths behind cars but i just cant avoid them. what can i do? i think i am getting paranoid.

TTG · 04-13-2007, 04:46 PM

The paint quality is crap on these cars.... This is the 1st car I've ever gotten a clear bra after having a very similar expereince to yours. (had a chip without even going on the freway.....) My 10 year old Volvo's bumper had no chips on it at the time I sold it......

So get a clear bra ASAP!

STE92VE · 04-13-2007, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreddy335

i i stay 2-3 lengths behind cars but i just cant avoid them. what can i do? i think i am getting paranoid.

There's your problem.....keep out in front of traffic and let the ones behind you worry about the rock chips!
You have a BMW...we don't follow, we lead! :rocks:

TiAg335i · 04-13-2007, 06:28 PM

If you drive the car, you will have rock chips. You CAN'T avoid it. Ways to prevent them are...less high way driving and keeping your distance from trucks and cars with lot of exposed tire.

AndrewAZ · 04-13-2007, 06:29 PM

Its just a car... Use it and enjoy it dont worry about the little specks of dirt or you will go crazy.

valeram · 04-13-2007, 09:49 PM

I used to worry a lot about the stone chip that it makes me crazy. I got one after driving back home from the PDC in SC to OH. It still bothers me but not that much because I am enjoying my drive. At least I know how I got it not unlike those door dings that it was even your fault. Those door dings is the one that drives me crazy.

cal99_99 · 04-13-2007, 09:52 PM

clear bra is the only way to avoid it. it is all worthy.

bimdaddy · 04-13-2007, 09:59 PM

I agree. I think the paint quality is crap and so susceptible to chipping. I drive the same hiway everyday and alternate between the 335 and my Honda. After 1000 miles, chips everywhere. Honda has hardly any. Hmmm...

Driver72 · 04-13-2007, 10:04 PM

+3 on the Clearbra.

I've gotten it on my last 4 cars.
Worth every penny of the $400-500 it costs.

If/when you go to sell the car, it'll EASILY pay for itself in resale value
when someone shopping for a car compares a Clearbra car to a non-Clearbra car.

CALIF65GM · 04-13-2007, 10:15 PM

I learned my lesson after 2-mths, so I got the clear bra. I'm going to get it immediately on my cars from now on.

Jay_328 · 04-13-2007, 10:17 PM

I took delivery of my car on Jan 6th and I have no paint chips. I'm lucky I suppose. But yeah, get the clear bra if it bothers you that much.

e92sam · 04-13-2007, 10:39 PM

Any recommendations for installation in Southern California (preferably San Diego)? I would guess you could mess up an installation or end up with an inferior product, not sure what to look for.

thanks!

DrewKo · 04-13-2007, 11:06 PM

Funny, I noticed a few chips just this past weekend. I guess I'm getting the bra too. I haven't searched yet, but anyone know of link to a photo of a 335 with the clear bra on it? I just wonder if it will screw up the look of my Montego Blue.

picus · 04-13-2007, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e92sam

Any recommendations for installation in Southern California (preferably San Diego)? I would guess you could mess up an installation or end up with an inferior product, not sure what to look for.

thanks!

http://www.premiermobilegroup.com/

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrewKo

Funny, I noticed a few chips just this past weekend. I guess I'm getting the bra too. I haven't searched yet, but anyone know of link to a photo of a 335 with the clear bra on it? I just wonder if it will screw up the look of my Montego Blue.

The amount it screws up the look depends ~10% on the product and 90% on the installer. A bad install looks like ass, a good one is hard to see from 6 inches away. I have a front bumper wrap and 18" up the hood...

http://****************/fp/335i/kevin/wheels/3.jpg

DrewKo · 04-13-2007, 11:53 PM

The amount it screws up the look depends ~10% on the product and 90% on the installer. A bad install looks like ass, a good one is hard to see from 6 inches away. I have a front bumper wrap and 18" up the hood...

http://****************/fp/335i/kevin/wheels/3.jpg[/QUOTE]

Nice, I can't see it at all. I was planning on doing it at the dealership...that a bad idea?

P.S., ur car is beautful

gonzo · 04-14-2007, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrewKo

The amount it screws up the look depends ~10% on the product and 90% on the installer. A bad install looks like ass, a good one is hard to see from 6 inches away. I have a front bumper wrap and 18" up the hood...

http://****************/fp/335i/kevin/wheels/3.jpg

Nice, I can't see it at all. I was planning on doing it at the dealership...that a bad idea?

P.S., ur car is beautful[/QUOTE]
No shit.

LEDZEP · 04-14-2007, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by picus

http://www.premiermobilegroup.com/

The amount it screws up the look depends ~10% on the product and 90% on the installer. A bad install looks like ass, a good one is hard to see from 6 inches away. I have a front bumper wrap and 18" up the hood...

http://****************/fp/335i/kevin/wheels/3.jpg

That's a gorgeous car! Nice job on the clear bra too. What brand is it?

picus · 04-14-2007, 08:53 AM

The bra is venture shield. I went with it because it's a bit more clear than 3M. It really comes down to the installer though; the kits are pre-cut, so the installer can choose to stretch them to fit into some spots, or cut some custom pieces. It's better not to stretch, but a lot of guys do it anyway since it's easier.

The dealership will just third party it out, find out who they send it to them research them.

LEDZEP · 04-14-2007, 08:55 AM

Thanks picus!

Josh49 · 04-14-2007, 09:35 AM

Clear bra FTW..

panzer948 · 04-14-2007, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by picus

http://www.premiermobilegroup.com/

The amount it screws up the look depends ~10% on the product and 90% on the installer. A bad install looks like ass, a good one is hard to see from 6 inches away. I have a front bumper wrap and 18" up the hood...

http://****************/fp/335i/kevin/wheels/3.jpg

Picus, I see you have the front aero kit lip spoiler. I do as well. But you also said the clear bra comes pre cut. What about for the spoiler. Do you have it there too? If so, how did they attach it there?

Looks good by the way

I have a co-worker that did his white 350Z. I don't like it cause you can easily see the edges from a few feet back
. So I was against it till I read this post. Based on your photo, I can't see your bra edges, but I wonder how it would look in person.

picus · 04-14-2007, 01:34 PM

Oh, ya, the aero lip. I put that on after the bra, so no bra on it. The car seems to primarily get hit on the hood though. I am sure a good installer could custom make a bra for the lip for you.

From the front you can't see the bra at all, even from >< that close. From behind you can, because you can see the texture of the paint change, like this:

[img]http://****************/fp/335i/kevin/tintcb/8.jpg[/img]

But from the front, nothing...

[img]http://****************/fp/335i/kevin/tintcb/9.jpg[/img]

04-13-2007, 04:44 PM	#1
dreddy335 Private 74 Rep 95 Posts Drives: Bmw M3 Competition Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	rock chips is it me or is the front bumper really susceptible rock chips. had the car for about a week and i already have a couple of minute ones. i stay 2-3 lengths behind cars but i just cant avoid them. what can i do? i think i am getting paranoid.
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04-13-2007, 04:46 PM	#2
TTG ... 936 Rep 4,326 Posts Drives: M340 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [7.84] 2007 335 Coupe (ret ... [9.00]	The paint quality is crap on these cars.... This is the 1st car I've ever gotten a clear bra after having a very similar expereince to yours. (had a chip without even going on the freway.....) My 10 year old Volvo's bumper had no chips on it at the time I sold it...... So get a clear bra ASAP! __________________ 2020 G20 M340 xDrive - Portimao Blue - ZDA\|ZPP\|ZPX\|1CR\|1PE\|6NW\|6WD 2016 F10 535i xDrive - AW - Retired 2011 E92 M3 - AW……………....ED April 29th, 2010 - Retired 2007 E92 335i -Space Gray.....ED Oct 19th, 2006 - Retired
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04-13-2007, 06:28 PM	#4
TiAg335i Trance Life 315 Rep 4,706 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 335i Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (4)	If you drive the car, you will have rock chips. You CAN'T avoid it. Ways to prevent them are...less high way driving and keeping your distance from trucks and cars with lot of exposed tire.
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04-13-2007, 06:29 PM	#5
AndrewAZ Major 137 Rep 1,243 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Its just a car... Use it and enjoy it dont worry about the little specks of dirt or you will go crazy.
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04-13-2007, 09:49 PM	#6
valeram Major 37 Rep 1,413 Posts Drives: 992 TTS, 991.2 GT3 T, F80 M3 C Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dublin, OH iTrader: (0)	I used to worry a lot about the stone chip that it makes me crazy. I got one after driving back home from the PDC in SC to OH. It still bothers me but not that much because I am enjoying my drive. At least I know how I got it not unlike those door dings that it was even your fault. Those door dings is the one that drives me crazy.
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04-13-2007, 09:52 PM	#7
cal99_99 Second Lieutenant 29 Rep 257 Posts Drives: 2007 328i coupe Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	clear bra is the only way to avoid it. it is all worthy. __________________ TiAg 328i coupe with zsp, nav, ca, rearshade, power seats, black leatherette with burl walnut trim. Placed order:9-16-06 production started:10-18-06 Production finished:10-24-06 waited at port of exit:10-25-06 Shipped: 11-01-06 Arrived:11-16-06 At VPC:11-21-06 At dealer:11-25-06 delivery: 11-27-06
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04-13-2007, 09:59 PM	#8
bimdaddy Major 37 Rep 1,165 Posts Drives: 911 Carrera & G01 X3 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: MD iTrader: (10)	I agree. I think the paint quality is crap and so susceptible to chipping. I drive the same hiway everyday and alternate between the 335 and my Honda. After 1000 miles, chips everywhere. Honda has hardly any. Hmmm...
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04-13-2007, 10:04 PM	#9
Driver72 Brigadier General 327 Rep 4,484 Posts Drives: 335i - to new owners now. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: California iTrader: (0)	+3 on the Clearbra. I've gotten it on my last 4 cars. Worth every penny of the $400-500 it costs. If/when you go to sell the car, it'll EASILY pay for itself in resale value when someone shopping for a car compares a Clearbra car to a non-Clearbra car.
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04-13-2007, 10:15 PM	#10
CALIF65GM Colonel 97 Rep 2,041 Posts Drives: e93-35 May08 ED Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: SF, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 06 - Oct. 05 build ... [0.00]	I learned my lesson after 2-mths, so I got the clear bra. I'm going to get it immediately on my cars from now on. __________________ 5-2-08 e93-35 ED Montego w/Jade Grey, Step w/Paddles, PP, SP, CA, hot seats and iPod.Awaing re-delivery soon. Debadged 330xi ED 11/14/05 Auto/Mystic Blue/Gray leather with Alum/PP/SP/CA/Fold-down rear seats/Alarm. Sold to Carmax on 6/7/08 with 50,624 miles on clock
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04-13-2007, 10:17 PM	#11
Jay_328 Lieutenant Colonel 119 Rep 1,595 Posts Drives: 07 e92 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 07 E92 328 [0.00]	I took delivery of my car on Jan 6th and I have no paint chips. I'm lucky I suppose. But yeah, get the clear bra if it bothers you that much. __________________
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04-13-2007, 10:39 PM	#12
e92sam Private First Class 2 Rep 115 Posts Drives: e92 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: southern california iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 e92 [0.00]	Any recommendations for installation in Southern California (preferably San Diego)? I would guess you could mess up an installation or end up with an inferior product, not sure what to look for. thanks! __________________ Ordered: 4/1/07, Picked up 5/20, e92/328i, Deep Green, Saddle, Lt. Poplar, ZSP, ZPP, Step, Nav, Logic 7, CA, PRS, PDC, 6FL Ipod, Sirius
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04-13-2007, 11:06 PM	#13
DrewKo Lieutenant Colonel 44 Rep 1,568 Posts Drives: 335i Montego Blue Saddle Brown Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	Funny, I noticed a few chips just this past weekend. I guess I'm getting the bra too. I haven't searched yet, but anyone know of link to a photo of a 335 with the clear bra on it? I just wonder if it will screw up the look of my Montego Blue.
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04-13-2007, 11:53 PM	#15
DrewKo Lieutenant Colonel 44 Rep 1,568 Posts Drives: 335i Montego Blue Saddle Brown Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	The amount it screws up the look depends ~10% on the product and 90% on the installer. A bad install looks like ass, a good one is hard to see from 6 inches away. I have a front bumper wrap and 18" up the hood... http://****************/fp/335i/kevin/wheels/3.jpg[/QUOTE] Nice, I can't see it at all. I was planning on doing it at the dealership...that a bad idea? P.S., ur car is beautful
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04-14-2007, 08:53 AM	#18
picus Brigadier General 125 Rep 4,172 Posts Drives: e92 SG 335i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	The bra is venture shield. I went with it because it's a bit more clear than 3M. It really comes down to the installer though; the kits are pre-cut, so the installer can choose to stretch them to fit into some spots, or cut some custom pieces. It's better not to stretch, but a lot of guys do it anyway since it's easier. The dealership will just third party it out, find out who they send it to them research them.
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04-14-2007, 08:55 AM	#19
LEDZEP Lieutenant General 418 Rep 12,276 Posts Drives: 2009 E70 & 2011 F25 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Area 51 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 X3 35i M Sport [7.62] 2009 X5 M Sport [0.00] 2007 328xi E90 [0.00] 2006 325xiT E91 [0.00]	Thanks picus! __________________ I think it is bad luck to be superstitious
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04-14-2007, 09:35 AM	#20
Josh49 Major General 252 Rep 6,664 Posts Drives: E90 325xi Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (33)	Clear bra FTW.. __________________ E90 325XI, MYSTIC BLUE ON BLACK/ALUM, STEP, NAV, PDC, CWP, XENON, SIRIUS, ALARM, MUD GUARDS, CLEARBRA, CHROME GRILLS AND TIPS, VALENTINE 1 (HARDWIRED), HO CERAMIC 40%, 161'S, REAR FOG MOD, LUX 4.0, BLACKLINES, OEM PEDALS, MTEC FOGS, GRUPPE-M REP INTAKE. 156'S AND RUBBER MATS FOR THE WINTER.
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04-14-2007, 01:34 PM	#22
picus Brigadier General 125 Rep 4,172 Posts Drives: e92 SG 335i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto, ON iTrader: (0)	Oh, ya, the aero lip. I put that on after the bra, so no bra on it. The car seems to primarily get hit on the hood though. I am sure a good installer could custom make a bra for the lip for you. From the front you can't see the bra at all, even from >< that close. From behind you can, because you can see the texture of the paint change, like this: [img]http://**************/fp/335i/kevin/tintcb/8.jpg[/img] But from the front, nothing... [img]http://**************/fp/335i/kevin/tintcb/9.jpg[/img]
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