I've thought about 3M's products. These are available for lights, fog lights, bonnet, lower bumper etc, but do not protect vulnerable plastic wheel arches. The thought of a 'Bra' makes me turn purple.

Any pros and cons from folks with experience with both. I like the bra option because when spring comes, my Mini can run naked again. The 3M product sounds great, albeit expensive, but stays on the car. I know I can remove it and re-install new...just wondering?

 

Over the course of many years of car ownership I have owned both vinyl clamp-on bras (high quality ones, by the way) and the last 5-6 years I have used Xpel (3M) clear film. IMO, the clear film is far and away the better way to go. It is in place 24-7. You do not have to worry about the rain, which can cloud the paint under a bra. Or installing it and scratching the car. The minute you forget to install a vinyl bra is the day you get a chip! Clear film is virtually invisible from a foot away. You quickly forget it is on the car.

Film is not something you remove annually simply because it's too expensive to do so. But you could. But why? I have had it on cars as long as 5 years with no change in looks, yellowing, etc. You treat it just like paint by cleaning it, waxing it, etc. Piece of cake to maintain.

I have it on my headlights, front facia and hood. You can custom make pieces for any part of the car. On my Porsche Carrera I have pieces on the wheel well openings behind the wheels because this is prone to chipping. I also have it on the door sills where people kick it when getting in.

But on the Mini I see no need for it on the black plastic arches. Plastic doesn't chip. I have never had any issues at least. And shiny film would look odd there anyway. Of course of you have that painted then you could cover it.

 

I've been using 3M invisible-bra for more than a year now and I should have done it from day 1...

It is almost invisible and it's a great thing for winter driving and highways.

I've got the whole front bumper done, a 12" on the hood and a 6" on the roof. Since it is custom, I've paid 250.00$can. for it and it is great. No bubbles, no cracks, and no more chips!

For my next car, which will probably be a MINI , I'll do it before taking delivery for sure... It gives peace of mind and it really protects.

So now, log off NAM and go get your MINI 3M'ed!

 

Okay, 3M it is. Thanks for the reply guys...gals?

 

Where does one go about getting this 3M product? Can the dealer install it? I have the Aero kit and I just want to put it over the front apron. Thanks.

Also, based on your comments, it is true that 3m is superior to "invisishield"?

mb

 

The plastic wheel arches can chip if a stone hits them with enough force in the right angle. Fortunately these black plastic pieces are cheap and easy to replace if need be.


If I upgrade to a new '05 MCS, I will do things a little better this time around and order the Armourfend clear bra which based on my research appears to offer the best coverage possible in the bonnet area and the thickest 3M film paper of all the other brands in the market, without affecting the looks of the car. Seems weel worth it to me.

 

I got the film installed the weekend I got my MINI (a year ago). It's gotten a few dings itself, so I'm happy to have the film. I also put the film in the door handle recesses and on the back boot lid.

It's very expensive at the dealer. I'd be surprised if you couldn't find someone to do the same installation for less in your area.

One thing I've observed w/ the film on my HLs is that snow / slush from the road tends to stay on them. I have Xenons, compared to prior experience w/ halogens that were "hot" and melted the snow. Some have suggested putting RainX on 'em to make the slush slide off. Note that the HL washers may or may not help, but this is also the very dirty slush from the road. But, I'm still happy to have the film.

 

So what type of store should I look for to sell me and install a 3m film to my aero kit front bumper since the dealer will be too expensive? Where did you all get yours? Thanks!

mb

 

Go to the Xpel website and search for an installer. Ultrashield is the same film, just a different set of patterns. Check for local installers there also.

 

The Ultrashield site is all but totally down!!!

 

Try http://www.rockblocker.com/store/26457.htm

This is the same 3M material as the highly-regarded Stongard (at a fraction of the price). Chad is a great guy.

He can sell you the kit mail-order. You can then fit it yourself (not recommended for a first-timer) or maybe find a local installer who will do it for you.

 

That's my question...what's the DIY Install like? I had the dealer install the clear bra on the bonnet..but I'm now thinking about the bumper and headlights.


Anybody have experience with this?

Peter...in Colorado...the birthplace of stones

 

The bonnet is the most difficult part of the install. Lot's of complex curves-much "working" of the film is needed to get it to lay properly.

The bumper is fairly flat and not a lot of stretching is needed. It's more of a realistic DIY. The headlights are a piece of cake. (but remember headlight film -you get foglights as well- is thicker so you need a hairdryer to make it more workable.)