Those of you with the 3M or similar clear stuff stuck on the front of your MINI, how does that work with waxing and such? Thinking of having it done to our white CM4 but I'm afraid it will look weird

 

I've had it on all 3 of my MINIs as well as my other cars. I love it. I have had so many people look at the cars and they couldn't even see it until I mentioned it. I have it on the lights, front and rear bumpers, door cups, backs of the mirrors, as well as the hood. It really makes you feel good when you find something hit it and the paint underneath is protected. I especially love it with the door cups. I didn't have the door cups done with my CUBE and I hate the small scratches that are on the paint there.
It doesn't interfere with waxing. Just treat the car like you would if it weren't on there.

My one caution would be that you have the best job possible done with it. I had MINI put mine on before I took any of the MINIs home so they wouldn't get a rock chip on the 100+ mile trip. They guarantee it and they use good quality materials. I would be leery about not using a top grade brand of it.

 

I agree 100% with cloud10
Don't skimp on this project..or you'll have issues down the road. I to have had it on all my Mini's (3). Was done through a 3rd party with the dealership. So it
was on prior to delivery. They used a 3M product and does take some effort and time to get it right. I only know that because back in November my countryman was broken into, vandalized while at the dealer's for service.
All is better now except for the clear bra. The shop that was authorized/certified to paint the hood and passenger side doors used some one different then the dealership. Took them (4) attempts to get it 95% right
They only guaranteed it for 3 years vs lifetime on the original and used a thinner mil. So, if your going to have it done do your homework..check your sources! Well worth the $ and effort if done correctly.

 

I wouldn't do it on a white car. The rock chips doesn't really show up lighter color cars. Also, the film will slowly turn yellow and looks awful and very noticiable especially on a white car.

 

I agree on the white car statement..but the newer 3M film won't yellow and if it starts to for some reason…call them, they'll redo it, it's guaranteed for the life of the vehicle, that's why they give you that lifetime warranty.

 

You will want to tape over the edge of the clearbra when you wax the car, as you would on a vinyl stripe, to prevent wax from building up, along the edge.

Dave

 

I have a white Countryman and the clear bra looks great. No problems with waxing and the 3M film definitely protects the paint. Mine still looks brand new, no chips even though I travel on a lot of gravel and sand laden roads.

It will not yellow over time. 3M film is of very high quality and protects the paint from both chips and UV damage.