I am currently debating on my new roadster whether to go with the traditional 3 M Clear Bra or the newer method of putting on a spray bra that covers the front bumper and entire bonnet. Anyone have the spray on model and what do you think?

 

Interested to head more about the spray bra...

 

FWIW, I have the Mini-applied 3M clear bra on my front bumper, bonnet, door edges, handle recesses, side mirrors, and the top of the rear bumper.

A couple edges are just starting to show signs of lifting, these are right where the bra meets the seam of a panel. It's not overhung or anything, and only in a couple trickier spots. I can see a spray on bra solving that problem.

The other issue is it seems very prone to scuffing, which is because it's a softer material to help absorb something contact that would otherwise dig into the paint. The piece that is on the top of the rear bumper is very swirled from me sitting on it. I was wearing dress slacks, so you'd think it'd be ok, but guess not. I'm not sure if the spray on would be better or worse here.

The advantage to the traditional bra "stickers" are that they can be easily peeled off. When the lifting edges get real bad, I can make them fix/replace it under their warranty, and they have to do it "for the life of the car".

 

Was bra install at the dealer particularly expensive, do you recall?

I'm not a fan of the visibility of the seams... but on the other hand, I'm just a bit wary of the spray-on concept, just from lack of exposure to it. Anyone have experience with the spray?

 

It was.... It cost me about $900, but they gave me the sales pitch about how it's done at Mini, warrantied by Mini, etc etc etc. I got alternative quotes for the same protection areas with 3M film and it was about $150-200 less. I do feel a bit better knowing that the guy who did mine has probably done hundreds of Minis by now.

The seams are not very noticeable until the car is dirty, but they wash up nicely without any fuss.

 

I had an Xpel clear bra installed that covers the entire bonnet, front bumper, top of rear bumper and door handle recesses. It is not showing signs of wear and is self healing if damaged. Price was around $700. I have had 3M bra's in the past. Overall they have performed well but I think the Xpel is notably better and has an excellent warranty. The spray clear paint protectant seems interesting but I question whether it would protect the car as well.

 

I had the clear bra installed when I got the JCW and it has worn well for me. Even saved a neighborhood kid from getting killed by me when he and his buddy thought it would be great fun to gravel rocks at cars. Mine happened to be the first. It skipped on the good, and at first you could see the mark, but when I used some wax for vinyl, it disappeared. I did get a spot when I rubbed very hard to get a squashed bug mark off. It also disappeared in time.

I'm in quandry this time, as it is expensive, to me that is. $1000 is the cost, but in behave of the guy that does it, he has done hundreds of Minis in two years, and before that had done Lexus, Jaguars, Range Rovers, Cadillacs and Infinities. They sell high end cars at that dealer who is also the Mini dealer, not the BMW dealer that is across the road. Tell you something about most BMW dealers? Especial Lithia.

 

We opted for the spray-on bra on our car from Chip Magic here in Denver. It is really awesome - covers the entire bonnet, mirrors, finders, bumper, and running boards. It has a shine depth that is truly amazing and after almost a year of driving here there is one small nick right on the edge of the bonnet where a film bra wouldn't be. Next time I'm close to the shop I'll have them touch it up and I'll never see it again. I wish I could get the entire car done! Cost was about $1200 I think. The best part is that it can be buffed over and over and is so shiny. My complaint with the films is that they get so dull and just don't buff well. Also, most places will cut on the car and that slices the paint. Our other car has those slices all over it :(

A big thumbs up for the spray on!

Franny

 

wish i had known about the spray-on and heard your good review. I would have spent the extra $200 to do that.