3M Clear Bra * Price Reference Thread *

[M5 Meeyatch]

For ease of research, I would like to have one thread where information is listed showing price paid for the 3M Clear Bra install, where it was done, overall rating of the product and installer (1 is low and 10 is excellent), car used, and what parts were protected. Please keep the posts to this topic only so that we can more effectively use this thread as a reference and not another simply discussion thread. Here is an example of what I am looking for here:

(**Information below is for example purposes to show format wanted. **)

Installer: Neverland Motorsports

Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana

Car: 2002 BMW M5

Price: $395

Product Rating: 10

Installer Rating: 10

Protected: Hood, front bumper, front fenders, both mirrors

[PCUT]

Did you ever get any responses?? I'm a soon to be new owner who is wondering about exactly this topic. We have tough winters with salt on the roads so I think, absent any strong negative feedback, that I will install the clear bra.

Dave

Originally Posted by M5 Meeyatch

For ease of research, I would like to have one thread where information is listed showing price paid for the 3M Clear Bra install, where it was done, overall rating of the product and installer (1 is low and 10 is excellent), car used, and what parts were protected. Please keep the posts to this topic only so that we can more effectively use this thread as a reference and not another simply discussion thread. Here is an example of what I am looking for here:

(**Information below is for example purposes to show format wanted. **)

Installer: Neverland Motorsports

Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana

Car: 2002 BMW M5

Price: $395

Product Rating: 10

Installer Rating: 10

Protected: Hood, front bumper, front fenders, both mirrors

[ALEV8]

I have been quoted 1200 dollars here in Dallas by top-end installers who do a "full wrap" on your car, meaning custom cut and installed rather than a kit that is 3d party. Price is steep but many friends recommend these guys do it. From what they say, the custom cut/install "fits" the car better, thus better protection. I personally only care to have the bumper and hood done where most impact takes place.$1,200 sounds ludicrous.......

[Keith97M3turbo]

Most all clear bra installers (and main stream catalogs)are on a software program from Xpel, they constantly design and redesign kits daily.
They are BMW,L/Rover ,Porsche approved and supply to the manufacturer.
I know these guys personally, Tim actually went to Stutgart to train the porsche factory installers last year. If you go to your BMW or L/Rover dealer your buying thier kit. You can get 3M or Avery film.
All the kits are true to fit, full wraps are usually not done correctly because many don't know how to do it properly, to wrap all the edges when the seams of the hood and fender inside aren't perfectly flat lend it to pull away and collect dirt...IT WILL!
If interested just look at www.xpel.com
I agree 1200.00 is way to high.
If and when you get chips you can find a reconditioning company that services the dealers in your area for much less (100-150 a bumper).

I used to install the kits a few years ago but stoped except for friends and family. Why stop?
1.Well the learning curve..we were eating alot of kits,2.the dealerships were slow to except it here.
3.The only cars that seemed to be wanting it done were mercedes and porches,two of the most difficult to do.
And besides the PCA people want everything for free for thier babies and were anal as all get out. "Well they were from the PCA of course"
4. We got busier pinstriping!!!
If any members want to get together I could look into putting a small G/Buy together or just give me a email and I can see if I can help out.
You'd just have to find a installer in your area, or a window tinter you trust.
Keith

[MAH]

I would first need to have my hood and mirrors respayed before having this done. That being said, it would be a good investment with the paint that comes from the factory.

What would be the real cost to do this right including the kit?

Thanks,

Mark

[Lincoln]

Originally Posted by ALEV8

I have been quoted 1200 dollars here in Dallas by top-end installers who do a "full wrap" on your car, meaning custom cut and installed rather than a kit that is 3d party. Price is steep but many friends recommend these guys do it. From what they say, the custom cut/install "fits" the car better, thus better protection. I personally only care to have the bumper and hood done where most impact takes place.$1,200 sounds ludicrous.......

Sounds like you talked to the guy who does the work for Stuarts Paint and body. He quoted me $1100 for my 2002 M5 and I talked him down to $900. I ended paying under $600 for a custom Venture kit. The Venture film is much better then 3M film used by both great Dallas installers but it's still not the best film. The new "best" film is the Llumar film and it's clarity is impressive. Call John at Artech on Foch St in Fort Worth...he did my M5 in Venture but now is using Llumar...he can get any of the 3 brands, he's an excellent installer and cheap!!!

[ALEV8]

Hey Lincoln, I know Stuart and his crew fairly well. They do artful work and my car is probably the cheapest one on his floor when it's there! What is the price on the Llumar and does anyone in DALLAS install it?

[PCUT]

My local guy is saing that Avery is the latest greatest and that he doesn't do Llumar anymore. He still does Llumar window tint, but has gone to Avery for clarity and texture (he says it stays the smoothest). Any other input?

PCUT

[Nolift911]

I had this installed on my car and took it off after two attempts of getting it installed correctly. It was the 3M stuff. It never really looked right. Cost was about $800. I figure for $800 I can easily get the bumper repainted when it gets chipped up. This stuff is not quite "evolved" yet IMO.

Others may have better experiences but I got tired of looking at it as it was an eyesore. Good thing is it comes off easily.

-Jeff
nolift911@hotmail.com

[PCUT]

Jeff; Is 3m and Avery the same?? I've heard about 3m, but thought 3m was a different product than Avery.

Dave

Originally Posted by Nolift911

I had this installed on my car and took it off after two attempts of getting it installed correctly. It was the 3M stuff. It never really looked right. Cost was about $800. I figure for $800 I can easily get the bumper repainted when it gets chipped up. This stuff is not quite "evolved" yet IMO.

Others may have better experiences but I got tired of looking at it as it was an eyesore. Good thing is it comes off easily.

-Jeff
nolift911@hotmail.com

[Keith97M3turbo]

As for the best film, 3m is at this time, today. As for tomorrow?
Avery and 3m keep updateing the clears and adhesives continually.
The Avery is SMOOOOTH, and easier to install ,but the shine doesn't last as long. This is per useing the film from last year about this time on a friends A4.
We took it of and reinstalled new 3m.

It is easier to just repaint the bumpercovers and fender corners vs. what some people are paying for the kits

It won't look colorless on pure white! The adhesive shows in all brands
On most all colors it's great

Remember it's a film, a film on your car, which can not look exactly like the paint...there will be a leading egde where the film stops.

Jeff, either it was never installed right, the installer had the old 3m film.
If it was on a porsche, it probably was not installed right.
Doing a p car is like wrapping fi