3M Clear bra after 3+ years

55 · 02-19-2009, 01:18 PM

Hello, I need to decide if I need a clear bra on my 3 that is coming in 8 weeks.
Let me try on this forum.

1. How do they hold after a few years of abuse? Does anyone have it for a long time?
2. Do you apply wax over clear bra when you wax a car?

Thank you

BMWNTHZST · 02-19-2009, 02:03 PM

On my previous M5 the clear film was still in great shape after 4 years of ownership.

I used to apply wax to the film at the same time I waxed the car.

I would definitely recommend the film for any car. Your car will thank you.

Cheers!

e92phreak · 02-19-2009, 02:05 PM

Is 3M your only option? What about VentureShield? I've had mine for a year and a half... still looks great!

BMW_TT · 02-19-2009, 02:06 PM

I just got my whole bumper clear bra'd.

The guy I went through uses this stuff.

http://www.ventureshield.com/

Lifetime warranty

2kaccordocoupe · 02-19-2009, 02:06 PM

I think 3M bought VentureShield.

e92phreak · 02-19-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2kaccordocoupe

I think 3M bought VentureShield.

That is correct. That is why I suggested VentureShield too. Members here have had great success with VentureShield.

XYR03 · 02-19-2009, 02:07 PM

I had a hit and run and a car rubbed all against my bumper and the 3m clear bra protected the paint... :-) it was awesome! All I did was peel the film off, but now half of my bumper doesn't have a clear bra on haha!

BMW_TT · 02-19-2009, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e92phreak

Is 3M your only option? What about VentureShield? I've had mine for a year and a half... still looks great!

BMW_TT · 02-19-2009, 02:09 PM

You guys care to share how much you paid for your clear bras?

e92phreak · 02-19-2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 55

Hello, I need to decide if I need a clear bra on my 3 that is coming in 8 weeks.
Let me try on this forum.

1. How do they hold after a few years of abuse? Does anyone have it for a long time?
2. Do you apply wax over clear bra when you wax a car?

Thank you

Let me answer your questions.
1) I haven't had it for a LONG time... but I've had mine for over year and a half. Practically looks like the day I got it.
2) You can apply wax over it but it takes too much work. I use a plastics cleaner that is recommended for clear bras called Plexus. You just spray on and wipe off. Since my entire front is clear bra'd, just imagine how easy it is for me to clean it when I wash my car. It also leaves a polished feel to it.

outofmoney · 02-19-2009, 02:11 PM

The chips in the hood of my 330i was one of the few things I did not like about my BMW. I plan on putting on a clear bra before I even start driving the 335 when it comes in.
cheers.

e92phreak · 02-19-2009, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW_TT

You guys care to share how much you paid for your clear bras?

I paid about 1k for:
Full hood
Full fenders
Front bumper
Front aero lip
Headlights
Foglights
Corner lamps
Both side mirrors
Both side pillars/columns

ZuerstBMW · 02-19-2009, 02:13 PM

They recommend that you have them replaced at least every 5 years.
I paid about 500.00 for half hood, fenders, mirrors, bumper, headlights, foglights and rocker panels.

BMW_TT · 02-19-2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e92phreak

I paid about 1k for:
Full hood
Full fenders
Front bumper
Front aero lip
Headlights
Foglights
Corner lamps
Both side mirrors
Both side pillars/columns

Wow you got everything done. I wish I had my hood, fenders, headlights and fog done when I first got it back from the collision center. Had a freeze in Dallas and there were sand everywhere and my whole front got chipped up. Collision center repainted the front bumper and lip for free and I clear bra'd that for 400.

55 · 02-19-2009, 02:15 PM

Great help. Thank you all

StephenNg · 02-19-2009, 02:31 PM

A custom job can get up to $2,000+. Again, the installer make a big different on the outcome of the clear bra. In California, I won't go with anybody esle except Premier

Kilgore Trout · 02-19-2009, 03:14 PM

Don't forget the main advantage of clear bra - it keeps your front end from sagging, and it makes your hood look more perky.

methodtim · 02-19-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout

Don't forget the main advantage of clear bra - it keeps your front end from sagging, and it makes your hood look more perky.

Joonsup · 02-19-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StephenNg

A custom job can get up to $2,000+. Again, the installer make a big different on the outcome of the clear bra. In California, I won't go with anybody esle except Premier

I'm sure they do great work, but i think they are overpriced. I went through omegawerks in pleasanton and Vincent offers a lifetime warranty on his work and on the product and costs a good amount less, so that's why I went to him. True his shop is not as fancy and can only do one car at a time, but he does all the work himself and I've had no problems with mine after a year.

Joonsup · 02-19-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 55

Hello, I need to decide if I need a clear bra on my 3 that is coming in 8 weeks.
Let me try on this forum.

1. How do they hold after a few years of abuse? Does anyone have it for a long time?
2. Do you apply wax over clear bra when you wax a car?

Thank you

I use Plexus to maintain the clearbra. Works great and the can lasts a very long time. I heard you can also wax it, but I'd be careful not to get any on the edge of the clearbra if you only get 1/3 or half the hood done.

spacedogg · 02-19-2009, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout

Don't forget the main advantage of clear bra - it keeps your front end from sagging, and it makes your hood look more perky.

Quote:

Originally Posted by methodtim

Is there a sport clear bra? I drive aggressively...and I want to get rid of front end sway if possible?

nmulax · 02-19-2009, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 55

Hello, I need to decide if I need a clear bra on my 3 that is coming in 8 weeks.
Let me try on this forum.

1. How do they hold after a few years of abuse? Does anyone have it for a long time?
2. Do you apply wax over clear bra when you wax a car?

Thank you

I had VentureShield done on my E90 when I first got it.
Cost me $675 for bumper, fogs, headlights, mirrors, and 18" up the hood and fenders. When I sold it after 2 years of daily driving it looked great. A few minor nicks from large/heavy stones, but I hate to think how bad it'd look without the film.

So happy with the film that when I got my M, I had the installer order VentureShield (normally works with 3M).
Cost me $550 for 24" up the hood/fenders, headlights, mirrors, and bumper.
Got a good rate because it was through a friend. Depending on where you live, $500-1k seems to be the norm - a custom job will obviously cost a bit more.

Yes, just treat the film like your normal paint.
Wash it, wax it. Just be careful around the seam.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2kaccordocoupe

I think 3M bought VentureShield.

They did, but I believe they've yet to mainstream their warranties (VentureShield's is better then 3M), and the film is still different.

VentureShield is supposedly a bit thicker.
But the big difference is that 3M has a clear-coat applied to the film. This obviously is better at protecting the film, but tends to give the 3M a bit more orange-peel. I figured since I am good about washing/waxing my cars, losing the clear-coat for no orange-peel and thicker film was worth it.

02-19-2009, 01:18 PM	#1
55 Private First Class 9 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 2016 F31 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	3M Clear bra after 3+ years Hello, I need to decide if I need a clear bra on my 3 that is coming in 8 weeks. Let me try on this forum. 1. How do they hold after a few years of abuse? Does anyone have it for a long time? 2. Do you apply wax over clear bra when you wax a car? Thank you
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02-19-2009, 02:03 PM	#2
BMWNTHZST Enthusiast 198 Rep 1,280 Posts Drives: 2015 F80 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (27) Garage List 2011 BMW E93 M3 [0.00] 2004 BMW M3 [9.50] 2015 BMW F80 M3 [0.00] 1997 BMW 840CI [9.50] 2011 BMW X5 M [10.00] 2008 BMW 335i Conve ... [8.40]	On my previous M5 the clear film was still in great shape after 4 years of ownership. I used to apply wax to the film at the same time I waxed the car. I would definitely recommend the film for any car. Your car will thank you. Cheers! __________________ 2017 Porsche 718 Boxster Carerra White / Garnet Red / Black 2013 Porsche 991.1 911 Carrera S Platinum Silver Metallic / Black and Yellow accents 2014 F31 328i xDrive Alpine White / Black 2013 F30 328i xDrive Imperial Blue Metallic / Everest Grey
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02-19-2009, 02:05 PM	#3
e92phreak General 396 Rep 21,745 Posts Drives: E92 335i TiAg/E46 323i TiAg Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [9.50] 2000 E46 323i [0.00]	Is 3M your only option? What about VentureShield? I've had mine for a year and a half... still looks great! __________________ 07 E92 335i \| TiAg \| Step \| Padl \| Cmft \| Alum Trm \| PDC \| Nav \| Assist \| Sat \| Lthr \| Prem \| Sprt \| Rear Splr \| RDSport Quads \| iPod \| V1 \| LT Refl \| VS Clear Bra \| OEM Lip \| KWV2 \| Mtec Sides \| BBS LM-R 00 E46 323i \| TiAg \| 5sp \| Sport \| Roof \| RDSport Cams \| RDSport tune \| RDSport Shift \| Volk LE37 \| M3 spoiler \| PSS9 \| SuperSprint \| Brembo
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02-19-2009, 02:06 PM	#4
BMW_TT Colonel 247 Rep 2,547 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (4)	I just got my whole bumper clear bra'd. The guy I went through uses this stuff. http://www.ventureshield.com/ Lifetime warranty
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02-19-2009, 02:06 PM	#5
2kaccordocoupe Brigadier General 1284 Rep 4,703 Posts Drives: Former ///M Driver Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The 6ix iTrader: (2)	I think 3M bought VentureShield.
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02-19-2009, 02:07 PM	#7
XYR03 Lieutenant Colonel 134 Rep 1,673 Posts Drives: Cayman S Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (6)	I had a hit and run and a car rubbed all against my bumper and the 3m clear bra protected the paint... :-) it was awesome! All I did was peel the film off, but now half of my bumper doesn't have a clear bra on haha! __________________ [SIGPIC]2015-Cayman S (Can't leave bimmerpost) 2009-E92 M3 2005-E46 M3 1998-E36 M3 2007-E92 328i[/SIGPIC]
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02-19-2009, 02:09 PM	#9
BMW_TT Colonel 247 Rep 2,547 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (4)	You guys care to share how much you paid for your clear bras?
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02-19-2009, 02:11 PM	#11
outofmoney New Member 7 Rep 24 Posts Drives: 335d on order Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	The chips in the hood of my 330i was one of the few things I did not like about my BMW. I plan on putting on a clear bra before I even start driving the 335 when it comes in. cheers.
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02-19-2009, 02:13 PM	#13
ZuerstBMW ¡Viva España! 404 Rep 7,803 Posts Drives: 24 G20 330i Skyscraper Gray Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tampa, FL. iTrader: (68)	They recommend that you have them replaced at least every 5 years. I paid about 500.00 for half hood, fenders, mirrors, bumper, headlights, foglights and rocker panels. __________________ 24 G20 330i Skyscraper Gray Metallic Black, Open Pore Fine Wood Oak Grain Interior Trim MODS Clear Guard, 15% Ceramic Tint, Floating Caps
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02-19-2009, 02:15 PM	#15
55 Private First Class 9 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 2016 F31 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Great help. Thank you all
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02-19-2009, 02:31 PM	#16
StephenNg Private First Class 3 Rep 140 Posts Drives: 335i coupe Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA iTrader: (0)	A custom job can get up to $2,000+. Again, the installer make a big different on the outcome of the clear bra. In California, I won't go with anybody esle except Premier
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02-19-2009, 03:14 PM	#17
Kilgore Trout Chicks dig wagons! 44 Rep 1,375 Posts Drives: 2009 E91 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Where you can see through the people, but not the air (i.e., Los Angeles!) iTrader: (0)	Don't forget the main advantage of clear bra - it keeps your front end from sagging, and it makes your hood look more perky. __________________ E91 Montego Blue gray leather burl walnut , Idrive, PDC, Logic7, CA, Sirius, xenons, 6FL, ZPP, heated seats, 17" tires. 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42
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