Hi all-

I just ordered a Surf Blue CM and while I am waiting for delivery I am looking into paint protection films (3M or XPEL).

I love how SB subtly changes color depending on the light but am worried that the film will affect the color shift.

Do any surf blue owners out there have the film on their CM and have they noticed any affect on the color shift?

On another note, this is my first Mini. I have been a 20+ year Saab owner and have decided to jump ship to Mini. I am terribly excited as this will also be my first new car. Not mention my first new car with outstanding resale value.

Chris

 

I have the 3m, can't say I've noticed a color shift difference

 

I haven't seen any color variance on my Pure Red either. Definitely go for the film--it's worth not having to look at a rock-chipped front bumper.

 

No color variance for me on SB either.

 

Have 3M on the hood - no issues.

 

I have xpel on mine, I have had it for a couple of weeks. It's on white. Looks great!

My wife has 3m on her Lexus, which is white also. Its been on for about 5 years and always kept in a garage with only 45k miles, it shows quite a bit of yellowing, it has also always had pretty bad orange peal. The xpel is clearer than the 3m ever was and has no orange peal.

The xpel is so clear that it's easy to see the tiniest little spec of dust that may be underneath while being installed. The 3m having orange peal hides "trash" like this better....but you have a bunch of orange peal to look at. I don't think there is any way to install one without a few specks of dust getting underneath and being on white it shows more than it would on another color.

I highly recommend getting a clear bra to anyone who is at all ocd about their cars (which I am). Even though my wife's has yellow somewhat (not noticeable that much in the sunlight) I'm still glad it's on there and couldn't imagine what the front would look like if she didn't have it. There isn't a single chip of any kind on the front of the car.

I couldn't find a reputable installer that did custom installs so my Mini has a kit that I watched the installer cut with a plotter before he installed it (done with a computer program). It's nice but not as nice as the custom cut done on my wife's car. Hers has all the edges rolled, which have not "unrolled" at all. But again, being on white the edges on the pre-cut kit aren't that noticeable.

Here is a video of the front of the car in my garage. You can see the line across the hood (exaggerated in the video compared to what you see outside). Please excuse the video, I made it to show someone my wax job :-)

http://youtu.be/CD73Zyi-8do

 

where did you get the clear bra put on? I just ordered my CM and the dealer says they don't do it there, but I can get it done at some aftermarket body shop. Any recommendations on how to search for this and find a good shop?

 

3M and Xpel both have installer locators on their website. The dealer wanted about double what the installer I used charges.....and it's the same guy. I waited till I got the car and had the same guy do it, he works out of a van but also has a shop he uses that has a lift. He put my CM up on the lift so he could do a good job on the bumper. He's also been doing it for 8 years. It took him about 2.5 hours from start to finish.

His van is set up nicely. He has the plotter, laptop and all sorts of product in the van. He cuts the kits with the plotter on the spot.

 

I was quoted $495 to have a 3M clearbra installed on my CM. Is that pretty much the going rate?

 

yea paid 750 for mine throug the dealer but they garanteed it for life against any yellowing so they told me if it yellows they will replace it free of charge!

also from what i hear 3M has changed their material so the yellowing is not bad or non exsistant for todays films. but either way way better than those nasty vinal ones and even if i have to replace it, its better than having to respray.

shoot i would hope it yellows then they can replace the old rock chipped film with new shiny fresh film~

as even the film will age with roadrash over time so maybe it yellowing isnt all that bad if it gets replaced! lol

 

I paid around 650. For the front bumper including around fogs, up about a 1/3 of the hood, over the xenon lenses. Opted out on covering the chrome caps, so they wrapped the four door edges. Had them apply a clear strip on the top of the rear bumper as that's starting to show its age, $100. Third party through my dealership, awesome job.
Recently my mini was vandalized, part of the damage was to front passenger side of the hood which included the 3M Bra. Protected everything but the creases caused by the kicking. When the bra was removed for prep and paint, no marring or markings were evident from the bra being on for almost a year. Obviously, a new 3M will be applied soon as the paint cures.... Nothing but good things to say about this product!

 

Wow! Super helpful. Thanks, I found one Xpel and one 3M dealer in my area, so once its closer to coming in I will get some pricing and info from both!

 

I was quoted $1200 for installation of the following XPEL kits and window tinting. The dealer indicated all could be done in one day.

Installation of 35% VTL window tint on all windows
Installation of Hood and Mirror Kit (P4708)
Installation of Bumper Kit (P4708E)
Installation of Rear Bumper Kit (P4708G)
Installation of Headlamp and Fog Lamp Kit (H4708A)

I think it is a fair price considering the amount of work involved. Once my car comes in at the end of February I will have the work done.

Chris

 

Hi everyone, just thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Scott and I own Blackout Window Service in Milwaukee, WI. We do PPF and tint for International Autos Mini and we have a retail shop just a few blocks away. If anyone needs questions answered or would like pricing on either service, just give us a call or visit our website. We have been in business for 25 years tinting and we have been installing PPF for 8 years now. Visit www.blackoutwindowservice.com or call 414-329-4000. I am looking forward to hearing from you all, Scott.

 

This is my second vehicle with the 3M installed. First was an Audi A3 (kept for 5 years, had 3M installed right after purchase).


No issue with either car. No yellowing whatsoever on either.

 

We have XPEL installed on the front bumper, halfway up the hood, the lights and foglights and the top of the rear bumper. We have 35% 3M tint installed on the car, cost was about $1000 for the work