on delivery for my R56.

Is that way out of line? I would have thought $700 bucks, maybe $800 with the dealer premium. After I buy my extended warranty(it's a daily driver) and have the clear bra done, I'm looking at cutting a check of 3k above and beyond my MSRP car purchase(not counting my free floor mats and wheel locks, woopie)

Now I'm ok with paying a small premium (a hundred bucks or so) to have it done at delivery since it will save me and a few rolls of painters tape to get the car home and to another place without a rock chip (I live 40+ miles from the dealer).

What should It cost in NJ to do the bonnett, bumper and mirrors with 3M clear. And if this is way off ($200+ dollars or more) does anyone have a place to recommend not too far from the upper jersey shore (exit 117-114) area.

Thanks,
Corey...

 

I think that is a little steep. The clear bra from MINI is either 140 or 280, I can't remember (and I am not looking it up ). I got the bra and installation from the dealer before pick up @ $695, and I thought that was a bit steep.

So, yeah...1k plus tax is stupid nuts stealer mark up...

They are going to have to replace mine, since it came with a warranty, and the area around the fogs is already peelig up.

 

That is PRETTY steep. There are many after market places that can do it for MUCH cheaper. I'm not sure where you are located, but if you do a Google search, I'm sure you can find a place. Or simply ask your MA. They should be willing to give you some insight if they know of places other than the dealer.

Donna

 

DIY'd our clearbra for $40.00. $860.00 is a bit steep for about 3 hours of labor

 

My dealer wanted $750 for hood, fenders, bumper and lights.

I'll probably just wind up going for the hood for $300 since that's the only place I've really had any issues w/ pitting/chipping on my current or previous cars.

 

Ebay has the precut "kits" for pretty cheap $50 with shipping ... Ohio shops running a special any car installed for $199

 

Which Ohio shops?

I'd gladly save some cash and maybe get the whole front end covered if I felt I could find a competent installer.

 

It was a shop in Canton , Installer did two cars for me , one was a custom aftermarket front end so the programed precut won't work , I'll call him tonight and double check the special is still going ... regular price is $249, my custom one set me back $299

 

How long have you owned a MINI ? Even if it's only a couple months, it's hard to believe you haven't experienced stone chips on your bumper.

Getting only the bonnet covered on a MINI is akin to wearing half a condom, IMO. (that should get some interesting replies)

 

Also... for you bargain shoppers out there: Don't forget the old adage of, "You get what you pay for". It applies to Clearbras as much as anything.

Cheaper materials, installs by rookies... all could save you money but cost you in the long run. Buyer beware.

 

OK found a place for $750 total on the way back from the dealer, so I guess for $250 bucks I'll grab a roll or two of blue tape, and have my delivery scheduled for early morning, so I can have it done on the way home.

 

CR&PW&JB,

I've had my R53 a little over 2 years. Maybe I've been lucky, but I've had plenty of rocks, salt, etc. thrown into my MINI and the only place I have any noticeable stone chips is the front of the bonnet.

This is pretty much the same story as with my previously owned VWs (although less chips overall on my GTI & R32).

Bad Venge,

Are you satisfied with the install and materials of your Clear bra so far? If so, let me know where it was that you got your install done. I can justify driving to Canton if it'll save that much $. Should make break in go a bit quicker as well.

If anyone else has any suggestions for cheaper competent installers within a couple hundred miles of Greater Cincinnati, let me know.

 

This rooky's install matches anything recently observed on any showroom floor and after two years it hasn't cost this rooky a nickel in the long run.

 

Okay, "rooky"... get back to me in a couple years and we'll see how the film and install job is holding up.

If it still looks great, then I'll buy you a beer or three at the next MOTD we both attend.

 

Based on my experience with MINIs... and you can guess that it's considerable based on my name and sig, you should go buy a lottery ticket ASAP.

 

LOL, maybe so.

I'd gladly do the whole InvisiShield package at the dealer if money wasn't an object. Since it is, I figure half a condom is better than none (as long as it's the right half).

 

My dealer wanted $895 for installation of bonnet, front bumper. Then another $150 for mirror caps, door cups and $125 for rear bumper. They also went up on the tint from $250 to $325 because of the Clubman's extra 9 inches. At that point we told them no way and decided to have it done locally. They were upset that we were so unhappy with them as we have bought a lot of cars there. I think they were afraid of the followup survey. They ended up lowering it enough that I felt it was worthwhile to not take a chance with chips on the 130-mile drive home.
A professional installer in town looked it over and said it was a great job, so I'm happy in the end. I really try to stay back from other traffic as I have done with my other car. So far, lucky with the 6-year-old BMW with no bra of any sort and no chips. Buffy likes the au naturel feeling of not being encumbered with a bra.

 

 

Let's see. If I aka "rooky" purchase an inferior clearbra that rivals the competiton for $25.00 and DIY versus $1,000.00 for the "professional" superior installation-- and let's say my rooky install pukes in 4 years, that means that I would be able to purchase and install 40($1,000.00 divided by $25.00) inferior clearbras and get "160" years worth of protection. Works for me. PS--I will be most honored to buy you multiple malted beverages at the next MITM we both attend no matter how it appears.

 

Our Dealer quoted $895 before Delivery. I'm happy with that, it is going to be covering Front Bumper and lower, Half-way up Bonnet, the Rear Bumper (I may have to make sure of this), and Door Edges. I'm also going to have them do the Fog Lights to save Headaches later.

 

Well, I would hope it would stand up better than the week old "dealer installed" job I have. The bra is already lifted off in the vicinity of the fog lamps and dust is getting underneath.

So much for the "professional" installation.

 

If the dealer wants $1,000 for a clear bra, she better be REAL good looking!

 

Do you REALLY want to remove and reinstall a clear bra 40 times ??!!

 

Sue them. That's ridiculous !!

Seriously, report it to the dealership. If they get enough complaints, they'll find a different installer to do their work. That is, if they're worth their weight in salt.

 

Okay, I called two places in the DC Metro area/Maryland for quotes.

One place in Rockville (recommended by a friend) uses ClearShield and offers a lifetime warranty - $499 for hood, fender, bumper and mirrors. $50 extra for headlights. They seemed legit and very knowledgeable on the phone.

Another place in Ellicot City (recommended by a DCMM person) that uses ProForm charges about $1395 for the full kit with lifetime warranty. I already know this place will do a 110% professional job and stand by their work no matter what.

However, that is a huge price difference and I'm still undecided if the clear bra is even worth it.

CR&PW&JB - did you get yours done at an area dealer or shop? How important do you think the clearbra is for a car I plan on keeping for years?