X-Pel Clear Bra
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Orlando, FL
2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sports Coupe
X-Pel Clear Bra
After some research I decided to go ahead with the X-Pel Clear Bra (http://www.xpel.com/) for my C230. The biggest reason was that it was the only brand that had an installer nearby (Tampa). The next closest was StonGard with a dealer in Boca Raton.
I made an appointment and the guy is coming out to my house next wednesday to install it. He estimates it will take around two hours, worse case three. I'm paying him extra for driving out here, but he's not charging me for the actual installation (included in price of material).
Total for the pre-cut material comes to $460 + tax, this before the extra I'm paying him for the long drive. I'll post pictures of the install and the results once it's done.
I made an appointment and the guy is coming out to my house next wednesday to install it. He estimates it will take around two hours, worse case three. I'm paying him extra for driving out here, but he's not charging me for the actual installation (included in price of material).
Total for the pre-cut material comes to $460 + tax, this before the extra I'm paying him for the long drive. I'll post pictures of the install and the results once it's done.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
What parts did you get?
It must be nice to be in an area that's warm enough so that you can do these installs now.
Great post about Timmy and the orphans, btw.
You're not going to be really able to see any big difference, so I don't know how post-install pics are going to help anyone out, to tell you the truth, but it's your camera.
It must be nice to be in an area that's warm enough so that you can do these installs now.
Great post about Timmy and the orphans, btw.
You're not going to be really able to see any big difference, so I don't know how post-install pics are going to help anyone out, to tell you the truth, but it's your camera.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Orlando, FL
2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sports Coupe
I got all three "paint protection" pieces. The bumper, the grill, and hood. I didn't bother with the headlight protection.
Here are some other cool links I found on the XPel product:
(great article and pictures)
http://www.mz3.net/articles/134.html
(so-so article/pics)
http://www.ackthud.net/z3/2001/Fixit/fixit-05.shtml
I don't know why you think the weather is so great here. We had rain 5-6am this morning and last week it was actually in the 60's... Today was a nice 79 most of the day. :p
Here are some other cool links I found on the XPel product:
(great article and pictures)
http://www.mz3.net/articles/134.html
(so-so article/pics)
http://www.ackthud.net/z3/2001/Fixit/fixit-05.shtml
I don't know why you think the weather is so great here. We had rain 5-6am this morning and last week it was actually in the 60's... Today was a nice 79 most of the day. :p
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Los Angeles
GL450, Sienna SE
There was a C Class with it on the 3/9 meet. It is very interesting and seems to work very well. He said it has been on his car for about a year already and he has no chips. Tell us how yours go. 
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From: Houston,TX-moving to The Woodlands,TX SOON!!!
Toyota Tacoma & Lexus IS250
Flash - why did you decide against the headlight protection ?
Besides - they should have thrown it in for free !!
I read the headlight protection is now $1000 for breakage....and will sustain a 120MPH 1 inch rock strike!!!!
Besides - they should have thrown it in for free !!
I read the headlight protection is now $1000 for breakage....and will sustain a 120MPH 1 inch rock strike!!!!
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From: Orlando, FL
2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sports Coupe
I have never in my life ever run into a headlight breaking due to road debris. Have you? I guess if such a rare event happens, I'll replace the light. I'm more worried about the paint finish. BTW, he's throwing the install in for free, eventhough this is one of the single most complicated kits they make.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Obama Land
K Car
Originally posted by Flashman
I have never in my life ever run into a headlight breaking due to road debris. Have you? I guess if such a rare event happens, I'll replace the light. I'm more worried about the paint finish.
I have never in my life ever run into a headlight breaking due to road debris. Have you? I guess if such a rare event happens, I'll replace the light. I'm more worried about the paint finish.
I'm paying him extra for driving out here, but he's not charging me for the actual installation (included in price of material)..
BTW, he's throwing the install in for free, eventhough this is one of the single most complicated kits they make.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Houston,TX-moving to The Woodlands,TX SOON!!!
Toyota Tacoma & Lexus IS250
never had a broken headlight ? Oh...I forgot you don't live in the 24/365 construction hell of Houston, TX.
I've had multiple broken headlights and foglights.....my friend had his 330i for about one month before he noticed a foglight lens was cracked. He said its approx $150 for lens (part only)!!!
so for $50 - I feel a lot safer......I'd be pissed to walk out to find my car with a cracked lens !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've had multiple broken headlights and foglights.....my friend had his 330i for about one month before he noticed a foglight lens was cracked. He said its approx $150 for lens (part only)!!!
so for $50 - I feel a lot safer......I'd be pissed to walk out to find my car with a cracked lens !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
My brother-in-law had a foglight on his Mustang break (I let my sister marry him, even though he can't pick a car); it was something like 200-300 for a new OEM one.
I got the kit, but more for the fogs than the headlights - the fogs are pretty close to the ground (more if you drop it), and thought it was worth the $ for the peace of mind.
I got the kit, but more for the fogs than the headlights - the fogs are pretty close to the ground (more if you drop it), and thought it was worth the $ for the peace of mind.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Orlando, FL
2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sports Coupe
No, the materials cost he's charging me is the manufacture's selling price directly to individuals, just as if I bought it myself. He's throwing the install in for free for buying it through him.
Their insurance is kind of useless. It pays AFTER you report it to you insurance and it only pays the deductible. If I went around reporting ever 'rock ding' and a cracked headlight to my insurance, my premium would go through the clouds. Repainting a bumper isn't THAT bad (~$500 for a good job), so this is really a pay now or pay later thing.
I'd rather pay now and keep it looking good.
Their insurance is kind of useless. It pays AFTER you report it to you insurance and it only pays the deductible. If I went around reporting ever 'rock ding' and a cracked headlight to my insurance, my premium would go through the clouds. Repainting a bumper isn't THAT bad (~$500 for a good job), so this is really a pay now or pay later thing.
I'd rather pay now and keep it looking good.
