[MPort13]

Hey Everyone,

Just got my '11 335i E90 a few weeks ago.. Wanted to get peeps opinions on this clear bra. I was quoted approx $600 for a portion of the hood, bumper and a part of the fender. If I wanted the whole hood (to eliminate the fine edge of the bra), it would be easily $1500.

Would you consider this or just saving up the $$$ for a paint job at a later time? Reason I am considering this is I drive up once in a while up the 5-freeway (from SoCal to NorCal) and afraid of all the rock chips, especially since my car is white.

Also, if you've done so in your car, can you post pics? Thanks all!

[hogbmw]

Never had one on mine. got it about 6 months ago and its an 07. Ton of chips, wish it had one from the beginning. shop around I've heard of getting them cheaper. I don't think the fine line is very visible though.

[n e x u s]

$600 for a portion of the hood (very enough), bumper is the right price. I have installed clear bra the next day of delivery and never scare to drive fast on highway. Very recommended.

[MPort13]

Thanks hogbmw. Yeah, just worried about the film eventually turning yellow if I do decide to have it installed. I mean if I do wait for a few years and get a paint job, I'd have to deal with the hassle of leaving at a body shop, etc.

[MPort13]

n e x u s, That's the kind of pic I was looking for. So you think that price is reasonable huh? What kind of film do you have on it?

If ever I do decide to do this, I'll have to decide if I want to shell out for the whole hood or live with that faint line on the hood. Thanks for the upload!

[n e x u s]

You are welcome.

Yeah I paid $400 for the bumper only and the rest is $225, so your price is right. It's a 3M's film and they guarantee lifetime if it turned to yellow or unstick.

[rakimb17]

whatever you decide, do it ASAP.
My gear came in the mail today and on the way home from work a semi kicked a rock into my fender.
I doubt my bra would have protected me in the spot I got hit, but when I install i'm going to be furious if it would have saved me.

[cvc 22349a]

I've had it on my car for 4 yrs and it still looks great! It's ventureshield which has since been purchased by 3m. It was $650 for the front bumber and part of the hood. If you can afford it, I'd do the whole hood and fenders too.

[mike5809]

The previous owner of my 335i had one installed.

It is a Ventureshield 3M Bra, installed on: Front Bumper, Hood, Rocker Panels/Side moldings, Side Mirrors, A-Pillar, and Rear Bumper (sides and right by the trunk) for a cost of a little over $1,000.

Been on the car a few years and it has no discoloration or scratches.

You can hardly see it in the pics.

[MPort13]

Thanks for the upload Mike5809! Dang, that does look nice. I can't tell though, is it on the whole hood/fenders? The 2nd pic sorta shows a line...

BTW, I love the poker table!

[MPort13]

cvc 22349a thanks for that side shot. It does show the lines but it's very faint. I really want to get the whole hood, but over $1200 hurts. Appreciate the pics!

Guys, when you wash it and/or wax it, do you have trouble getting the residue off the edges?

[black 335xi]

Previous owner had 3m installed on front portion of hood, leading edges of mirrors and top of rear bumper. I'm going to have the front bumper and fenders done as well - I was quoted $350 for ventureshield on the bumper from local shop. Wish the entire hood was covered honestly, as I've picked up chips above where the clear bra stops. The line is hardly noticeable.
And--you should see some of the hits that the clear bra absorbed on the front of the hood that would have been massive chips in the paint. It's well worth the money, and it doesn't detract from the car's appearance. Use the rubber eraser thing on a detail brush to hit the edge with after you wax it. If you have gravel on your roads, you'll be sorry if you don't do it.

[MPort13]

Originally Posted by black 335xi

Previous owner had 3m installed on front portion of hood, leading edges of mirrors and top of rear bumper. I'm going to have the front bumper and fenders done as well - I was quoted $350 for ventureshield on the bumper from local shop. Wish the entire hood was covered honestly, as I've picked up chips above where the clear bra stops. The line is hardly noticeable.
And--you should see some of the hits that the clear bra absorbed on the front of the hood that would have been massive chips in the paint. It's well worth the money, and it doesn't detract from the car's appearance. Use the rubber eraser thing on a detail brush to hit the edge with after you wax it. If you have gravel on your roads, you'll be sorry if you don't do it.

Good to know Black! I'm seriously now considering it. Just wish someone with a WHITE E9X would post pics of their cars with it so I can feel better about my decision. Thanks!

[mike5809]

Originally Posted by MPort13

Thanks for the upload Mike5809! Dang, that does look nice. I can't tell though, is it on the whole hood/fenders? The 2nd pic sorta shows a line...

BTW, I love the poker table!

The clear bra is only on the front of the hood and fender. The 2nd pic shows the line where the clear bra stops.

It is not very noticable unless you are looking for it.

Overall I am extreamly pleased with the clear bra.

[AlpineE90335i]

I had the clear bra on for 3 years, and when I had to take it off, my car was 2 tone. I am not trying to bash clears bra's, but this is true.

[AlpineE90335i]

Think about all the sun beating on the paint and the clear bra. It WILL discolor. You have to know the good and bad. It got better with a buffing, in the end I got it painted.

[DC_driver]

MPort13, I have an Alpine White e90. I would definitely do the clear bra. You're front end will paint will chip over time. I wouldn't do the entire hood. There is no point to it unless you tailgate salt trucks.

The line isn't bad to live with. If you stand back 5 feet, you can't see the clear bra at all. The bra will yellow in the sun no matter how much wax/sealant you apply. It shows the most on white cars, but I would rather have the slight discoloration than a chipped front end.

[MPort13]

Originally Posted by DC_driver

MPort13, I have an Alpine White e90. I would definitely do the clear bra. You're front end will paint will chip over time. I wouldn't do the entire hood. There is no point to it unless you tailgate salt trucks.

The line isn't bad to live with. If you stand back 5 feet, you can't see the clear bra at all. The bra will yellow in the sun no matter how much wax/sealant you apply. It shows the most on white cars, but I would rather have the slight discoloration than a chipped front end.

Thanks DC Driver. That's what I'm afraid of since the car is white. Either spend $600 now or just save it up for a paint job later on. Oh such a dilemma..... Thanks again!

[MPort13]

Originally Posted by AlpineE90335i

Think about all the sun beating on the paint and the clear bra. It WILL discolor. You have to know the good and bad. It got better with a buffing, in the end I got it painted.

Thanks for the tip. BTW, why did you take it off??

[AlpineE90335i]

A little girl was learning to ride a bike, and she slammed into my fender and came across my hood. My vehicle was in my driveway, and nobody was hurt. Had some surface scratches that required a buff, close to the area of the clear bra.

[AlpineE90335i]

The paint has to breathe. clear bra 600-1k
repaint 200-450

end result clear bra discoloration, painting- money saved but it will rock chip. but oh well paint again.

Im really picky with my vehicles. My theory is, if your as picky as me, you will need to repaint after removing the clear bra. just my 2cents

[DCwell3er]

Originally Posted by AlpineE90335i

Think about all the sun beating on the paint and the clear bra. It WILL discolor. You have to know the good and bad. It got better with a buffing, in the end I got it painted.

I'm thinking about getting on installed on mine when I get it as well. But question for you, was your car out in the sun quite a bit?