Ok, so 11days into MINI ownership & the clear bra stands up & takes the proverbial bullet for the front end. The result is the paint is fine, but the shield itself is torn & scrunched up in an area about the size of a dime right under the port side headlight. Unfortunately, the damaged vinyl looks white-ish and is pretty visible.

The bra (not sure if it is 3M) was dealer installed a couple of days after purchase. I have not contacted them for options yet. I first hoped to get opinions from NAM.

What are my options here? Have that whole section of clear bra replaced? Somehow touch up the damaged area - like a patch? Live with it?

 

see if the dealer will replace but don't patch. I would guess that would look worse than the damage.

 

I have a couple of divots in mine and live with it... only option for me was replacing the whole section, which is $$$....

 

Yeah, I was going to contact the dealership after this weekend's road trip to ask about options. The MINI is going in for other warranty work in a couple of weeks anyway, so we'll see if they have any recommendations short of dishing out a bunch more $$.

I also thought I'd see if I have any luck smoothing out the material & getting it to re-adhere. Just to reduce the visibility.

 

You can hit the affected area with a heat gun (on low) or hair dryer to warm it just a bit (or just park it in the sun for a while), then smooth over it with the back side of a spoon (the round smooth side) to work it down and work air out, etc... not sure what you're working with damage-wise... but that may help you.

 

Great idea, thanks. I don't own a heat gun, but I live in greater Phoenix area so sunshine is not a problem.

 

Watched the clear bra installer do that to some imperfections on mine... have done it myself since then with good results...

 

Follow-up:
So I finally got around to visiting the dealership and I pointed this out to my SA. Turns out best they could offer was to remove & replace the damaged section. It was a little pricey, but looks pretty good.