Looking for some some real observations- I had my 2007 until last week and well it was a rock catcher-- trying to do the right thing this time and saw a youtube on how they did a full wrap on the bonnet and bumper.

are there any draw backs?

and the age old question if it is all that and a bag of chips-- anyone know where to go in the Phoenix area.

Thanks in advance

 

You will never spend smarter money on your MINI than you will on a clear bra.

Check with the dealership. Most have a certified installer and use the best film.... 3M.

 

I was thinking of the whole front bonnet not just a thin swath over the hood (it leaves a dirt line on a black car). Any feedback on that?

 

I had bumper and half-bonnet and had one tiny stone chip above the clear bra. The line on my Chili Red was barely noticeable, even from 10 feet away. I'd prefer full-bonnet on my next one.

 

Yeah best money you will ever spend on your MINI. Depending on your color depends on whether that 'dirt line' is an issue. If you are like most of us who obsessively clean their Coupe, dirt is not an issue.

 

I wrapped my whole front hood and bumper. It's a great piece of mind since my 2002 Cooper had a massive amount of rock chips after the 2nd year or so. I also do like that there is no line on the hood like the half hood installs. I went with the 3M material through the dealership. I feel it is money well spent!

 

I will be picking up my Mini Justa next week. I have already scheduled the install of a clear bra, it will be installed prior to delivery. The work is done by an independent at the dealer. He is doing 24 inches up the hood, front bumper, mirrors, top of rear bumper, bottom of doors and just in front of the rear wheel wells. The price $600, also based on previous experience I think a good idea. The issue comes with the bonnet strips, the material will be visible across the strips. Approximately an additional $300 for the entire hood, material would need to be ordered and I really want it done prior to delivery. If I have a problem I can always change it later. Question, do I really want to do the doors?

 

I got a quote for my soon-to-be-picked-up JCW coupe for $500 which included the entire front bumper, headlights, foglights, mirror caps, and 14" up the bonnet. You can go further up the bonnet for additional $$$. Luckily for me, when I contacted the dealer to get a quote from them as well, they mentioned it already had one installed . BONUS!!

There are a lot of things to consider though. What material they use (3M, StoneX, etc..) as well as how that material is maintained when washing your car (eg. Can you use certain waxes on it, does it fade, etc..) Also if looking outside of the dealership for install, make sure they have a shop you can bring it to that is clean and indoors. Some dealerships have it done outside on the lot which can contaminate the bra when installed.

It is worth it IMO though, especially down there in Phoenix with all the desert rock/dust. I am up in Vegas and I can't imagine not having one.

-Z

 

wow that is cheap...they quoted me $1000 for the entire hood, fenders, bumpers and side mirrors. but it is guaranteed for life ... and its done through the dealer....

My color is Black so I really need it.

 

anyone? should I tell the dealer to pound sand or is this the average price?

 

pw baker -- I would say no to the doors.. But I know a mini accessory which are black magnetic gurads that go infront of the rear wheels.

doors you can touch up .. and with dings .. it may cost you more replacing the film and fixing the door rather then one or the other.

I would say get the entire hood done and especially the side mirrors ... those are rock catchers. Other thing I would get is Windshield insurance, here in AZ its about $5.00 per month and it is unlimited with no deductible. On my 2007 I think I got my windscreen replaced at least 12 times all with factory Mini glass.

-K

 

They are a bit high, even for using 3m film. Try to negotiate down to $600 and be willing to pay $750. That would be my plan.

 

Thanks, I think I'am going to pass on the doors, price will not change, as there is nobody else locally, and when say local, he is traveling 70 miles. My Mini is pepper white, so I would prefer the area in front of rear wheel wells. I also have 100% glass coverage, so that has not been an issue.

 

Langka, Glass insurance, and green slime -- the trifecta for Mini's

 

I would go up the bonnet to the top of the headlights. I don't have any dings above that.

 

You've been lucky.

 

Same here. Never had a ding on my bonnet higher than an inch or two from the lip on my 2008 clubman. Most of dings are are around the fog lights and below the upper grill. More like pits than dings though. And I have a lot of gravel trucks around me.

 

While it's done, 24 inches up the hood, full front bumper, mirrors, door handle cups, lower 6 inches of rocker panels and top of rear bumper. It will all stay for the winter, will pass judgement until spring.

 

ya since our color is black ... Putting it up only half way up the bonnet will show the seam most of the time due to the dust. So my thought was to do the entire bonnet.

 

We had our new Highgate done before we picked it up, went with with the Xpel Ultimate film it has a better look than the 3m film IMO. Price was $1000.00 for the full front,door cups,mirror caps,door edge and top of rear bumper. Watch the video of it being done if you like the link is: http://autoarmornw.com/?p=1690

 

Interesting. how does it look different than 3M ? And it would have to look substantially better for me to switch from the one with the best reputation for protection and durability.

 

I also went with Xpel ultimate, had little option, couldn't find anyone else, they came recommended by the dealer. It looks great, but have nothing to compare it to. I had asked the installer about 3M, he feels Xpel is a superior product.

 

Has more gloss to it than the 3M film no "orange peel look also is self healing, and it does seem to work also a little better warranty. Check out there web site, we have been very happy with it.

 

All I know is my 3M film never orange peeled, was so clear nobody ever noticed it was there, never even got a mark on it thru 4 years, and was the film of choice of my dealership, several local installers, and the guy who trains installers up and down the eastern seaboard.

But like MINIs, to each their own.

 

Not knocking the 3M film I am glad you have had good luck with it. The MINI's I have seen with it are darker colors and it just didn't look good IMO. The lighter the color is it is hard to tell. I was leaning towards the 3M but I read some good reviews on the Xpel film, so I went with it and so far no regrets. Good luck to you didn't meen to offend