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Does anyone have this done? if so, how do you like it? I am thinking about getting the whole front end and complete hood done (still searching for prior design hood).
I have the entire front bumper and hood covered. Been on since for about 3 years and it's holding up pretty good so far.
I'm putting on the facelift kit, which is being painted so I'll have to do some more research if it can only be used with oem paint. I don't see why it wouldn't work though when there are shops that can paint better than oem paint quality.
XPEL is a newer generation clear membrane. It has a high gloss, thinner seams, and is very clear with no hint of yellow. It's greatest asset is that it is self healing. Scratch it, pour hot water on it, and the finish is restored. There are a few XPEL installers around the country.
I had it on my M5. It was ugly and I hated it. It's very easy to tell that there is clear-bra on there. The seams are very easy to see, especially if you get any wax on them. It feels like vinyl and scratches very easily. Your car will never shine the same way as the uncovered surfaces.
Unless your car is constantly bombarded by flying rocks, I'd avoid having it done. Save the money for your next set of badges.
I would do the entire front end, whole hood, etc so there are no seams present. Rock chips are bad on 95 between NY and FL which is the route I frequent. :-(
I'm trying to figure out which badges you'd love to see next. I am thinking C63 AMG BLUETECH.
Havent had a chance to look in to the paint protection film further, but since I am going on a road trip this weekend, I'm going to do this until I get there, I'll remove it and then tape it again when I am headed home. I'll probably do 2-3 layers.
Leaves no residue, and comes right off easily.
I've seen cars like this on the road before and always wondered what it was for.
It might look stupid but I'll surely have no rockchips, bugs etc when I take it off. :-)
If I saw somebody in a nice Benz driving down the road with a bunch of masking tape all over the front end, I'd be laughing my *** off at that driver, along with everybody else on the road. Your car is 9 years old....it will get some chips here and there. Just live with it. It's not a multi-million dollar classic Ferrari you're driving.
Clearbra will make your car look worse. And with the way you are meticulous in keeping it shiny all the time, you will be disappointed that the Clearbra covered areas will no longer shine like the rest of the car. It is a soft vinyl type finish that scratches fairly easily.
You'd be better served having some Dr Colorchip around to fill in any paint chips that you happen to get.
Had a clear bra on mine. Was ok, but definitely with age, it will be more noticeable. One thing that isn't often mentioned is the pore size. Certain brands have larger pores which can trap micro particles or even tinted waxes, which contribute to discoloration. I've seen it applied and removed on aftermarket paint so that's not really an issue, as long as it's not the cheap quality paint/clear. You're on the right track with the full hood. The less lines you have going across panel parts the better because the edges will pick up dirt and you don't want an ugly dirt line going across your hood or side fenders.
As for should you Clear bra vs just touch up, it really depends on where you live/drive. If you have crap roads or commute constantly puts you behind construction trucks peppering you with chips, clear bra is the way to go as touch up paint is great for a few spots here and there, but not over a large swath.
Well, I drove to NYC and back and didnt get one rock chip! I stayed clear of tractor trailers and was going fast enough to stay clear of having anyone in front of me for the most part.
08-24-2015, 10:25 AM
