Clear bra worth it?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 430
Likes: 2
From: Boston, MA
C350
Clear bra worth it?
How much is the OEM clear bra (and by OEM I mean the one offered at the dealer, which I doubt it is an original MB part)?
Is it worth it?
The reason I ask is because I have seen it on most w204 out there and with all the ice flying on the road lately I think it will come in handy.
I’m taking the car to the dealer for some paint treatment (my hood got stained from lime that filters through the ceiling above my parking space
) so I thought this would be a good time to consider the bra.
I appreciate your comments.
Is it worth it?
The reason I ask is because I have seen it on most w204 out there and with all the ice flying on the road lately I think it will come in handy.
I’m taking the car to the dealer for some paint treatment (my hood got stained from lime that filters through the ceiling above my parking space
) so I thought this would be a good time to consider the bra. I appreciate your comments.
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How long are you keeping it? I live in New england and drove my 05 red c230for 30,000 miles. I bought it brand new, and it was waxed every other month...washed after every snow storm (almost every weekend)
You will still get chips, in the hood/front fascia, no matter how much wax is on there...from behind vehicles on the highway etc.
I drive like a freak...avoid puddles, keep distance etc.
Here's what I'm thinking...how will it look in a few years? I hope it still looks clear with proper maint. I doubt it will look as good. I'm wondering if they will replace it after say 3 years. (rip it off, and say it started peeling!)
I'm having it done on my 08 c300 btw.
You will still get chips, in the hood/front fascia, no matter how much wax is on there...from behind vehicles on the highway etc.
I drive like a freak...avoid puddles, keep distance etc.
Here's what I'm thinking...how will it look in a few years? I hope it still looks clear with proper maint. I doubt it will look as good. I'm wondering if they will replace it after say 3 years. (rip it off, and say it started peeling!)
I'm having it done on my 08 c300 btw.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 430
Likes: 2
From: Boston, MA
C350
How long are you keeping it? I live in New england and drove my 05 red c230for 30,000 miles. I bought it brand new, and it was waxed every other month...washed after every snow storm (almost every weekend)
You will still get chips, in the hood/front fascia, no matter how much wax is on there...from behind vehicles on the highway etc.
I drive like a freak...avoid puddles, keep distance etc.
Here's what I'm thinking...how will it look in a few years? I hope it still looks clear with proper maint. I doubt it will look as good. I'm wondering if they will replace it after say 3 years. (rip it off, and say it started peeling!)
I'm having it done on my 08 c300 btw.
You will still get chips, in the hood/front fascia, no matter how much wax is on there...from behind vehicles on the highway etc.
I drive like a freak...avoid puddles, keep distance etc.
Here's what I'm thinking...how will it look in a few years? I hope it still looks clear with proper maint. I doubt it will look as good. I'm wondering if they will replace it after say 3 years. (rip it off, and say it started peeling!)
I'm having it done on my 08 c300 btw.
I also live in New England. Brighton MA to be more precise. Where are you having it done and how much is it going to cost you?
I plan to keep my car for 5+ years (till the new generation of IS, 3 Series, C class, etc comes out).
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 139
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From: SE Penna, USA
2008 C350, 2014 E350, 2015 BMW S1000RR
I had the same problem years ago and removed the lime stains by soaking a rag in vinegar and rubbing/wiping. Came off without a problem (vinegar's weak acetic acid). Just be sure to rinse with clear water and then re-wax.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 648
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From: Seattle
C-300, XC70, Wrangler
When I decided to put the clear bra on my C-300, all I had to do was compare the two cars in my garage. The XC70 with clear bra had no rock chips, the Accord without had too many to count. Some on the Accord had rusted (my fault for not using touchup paint) and one was the size of a quarter.
One look and the decision was easy.
Today's clear bra can be taken off and replaced (did that early on with the XC70). The color stays clear over time (4 years now).
Living in Washington State means living with rock on the road. It's used in place of salt for better winter traction. But it means that we get constant spray of debris on the cars. Most cars seem to need new windshields within a few years, and the C-300 already has a chip in the windshield.
One look and the decision was easy.
Today's clear bra can be taken off and replaced (did that early on with the XC70). The color stays clear over time (4 years now).
Living in Washington State means living with rock on the road. It's used in place of salt for better winter traction. But it means that we get constant spray of debris on the cars. Most cars seem to need new windshields within a few years, and the C-300 already has a chip in the windshield.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Phoenix, AZ
2014 Ghibli S Q4 & 2008 C350
Price depends an what you want covered. I did my share of looking in to this and I found prices as low as $200 for just the 12-18" of hood or as high as $1400 for the entire nose (bumper, entire hood, headlights, A pillars, mirrors, roof line)
I found here in the Twin Cites, MN the average, if you will, seemed to be about $350 for hood, front portion of fenders, and mirrors. If you want the bumper it's about another $350.
I finally decided to go with the dealer which for $400 they are doing the hood, front fenders (to their widest point), mirrors and a little courtesy strip on the doors. I had the opportunity to check out several of their installs on SLK's and Boxsters and was impressed with the quality of their work.
I found here in the Twin Cites, MN the average, if you will, seemed to be about $350 for hood, front portion of fenders, and mirrors. If you want the bumper it's about another $350.
I finally decided to go with the dealer which for $400 they are doing the hood, front fenders (to their widest point), mirrors and a little courtesy strip on the doors. I had the opportunity to check out several of their installs on SLK's and Boxsters and was impressed with the quality of their work.
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Joined: Sep 2003
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'08 C300
My guy is quoting $795 for VentureShield on all of front bumper and air dam, lights, mirrors and front of hood. I looked at a dark gray Aston Martin he had just finished and it looked really nice. He showed me his 2 year old silver BMW and it looked really nice too. I'm trying to get him down on price but he says in order to do that I need to drop the headlights so he is pretty firm.
He works at a very high end dealership group - MB, Aston Martin, Lotus. He has been there for 12 years. He said he did 3M for years and VentureShield won him over.
I think I'm going to go ahead and do it.
He works at a very high end dealership group - MB, Aston Martin, Lotus. He has been there for 12 years. He said he did 3M for years and VentureShield won him over.
I think I'm going to go ahead and do it.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 430
Likes: 2
From: Boston, MA
C350
$800 is not worth it IMO. You could paint several car parts with that money (I think... I'm not really familiar with the pait job prices in the US). Also, the slightest frontal bump with another car or a wall/parking pillar and it is gone.
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From: Phoenix, AZ
2014 Ghibli S Q4 & 2008 C350
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,424
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From: Ohio
X3 and 2012 C coming soon
Two words...HE77 YES!!!!
Buy it on ebay. There is company that sells true 3M clear bra kit for the entire front of the C for about $200.00 It takes a bit of coaxing to install it. I jumped in on my Passat with absolutely no training and no one knew it was there until I pointed it out. Someone said you can paint several cars for $800. No way. Well, maybe with finger paints. It's cheap insurance to protect your ceramic particle paint. I bought a pre-cut Passat kit right from x-pel (their kit is too much for the C). I even put it on my Zender front spoiler on and the painted lowers on my Passat. I bought raw clear bra and made templates with painter's tape, stuck it on the clear bra backing, cut the pattern and installed it. I had it on the headlights too. It's a 2003, and now in 2008, there are no chips in the front end and the headlights look new. No hazing or scratches. My girlfriend now owns it and it is her daily. After two months in an Ohio winter, there is not a scratch on the front of the car. Do it, Do it, Do it!
Buy it on ebay. There is company that sells true 3M clear bra kit for the entire front of the C for about $200.00 It takes a bit of coaxing to install it. I jumped in on my Passat with absolutely no training and no one knew it was there until I pointed it out. Someone said you can paint several cars for $800. No way. Well, maybe with finger paints. It's cheap insurance to protect your ceramic particle paint. I bought a pre-cut Passat kit right from x-pel (their kit is too much for the C). I even put it on my Zender front spoiler on and the painted lowers on my Passat. I bought raw clear bra and made templates with painter's tape, stuck it on the clear bra backing, cut the pattern and installed it. I had it on the headlights too. It's a 2003, and now in 2008, there are no chips in the front end and the headlights look new. No hazing or scratches. My girlfriend now owns it and it is her daily. After two months in an Ohio winter, there is not a scratch on the front of the car. Do it, Do it, Do it!
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,047
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From: Toronto
2008 C300 Sport 4matic
it's definitely worth it, especially when you live in an area with lots of greavel, dirt and rough roads. I used to repaint my front end every few years due to the rock chips and sand spray.
I will be getting a total front end (18" portion of the hood, fenders, bumpers and extra think headlight shields, door handles, and mirrors) with window tint package for $540 including lifetime warranty. It is a very reputiable company and has done many cars for the local Audi/VW clubs with great results.
My dealership tried to talked me into a similar package when I took delivery for about $1,900.
I plan to take my car in early next week. Any of you in the Denver/Colorado region, I am trying to get some kind of club discount if you are interested.
I will be getting a total front end (18" portion of the hood, fenders, bumpers and extra think headlight shields, door handles, and mirrors) with window tint package for $540 including lifetime warranty. It is a very reputiable company and has done many cars for the local Audi/VW clubs with great results.
My dealership tried to talked me into a similar package when I took delivery for about $1,900.
I plan to take my car in early next week. Any of you in the Denver/Colorado region, I am trying to get some kind of club discount if you are interested.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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C350, ML350
clear bra
Hi, how much was your clear bra? you have the name and number?
When I decided to put the clear bra on my C-300, all I had to do was compare the two cars in my garage. The XC70 with clear bra had no rock chips, the Accord without had too many to count. Some on the Accord had rusted (my fault for not using touchup paint) and one was the size of a quarter.
One look and the decision was easy.
Today's clear bra can be taken off and replaced (did that early on with the XC70). The color stays clear over time (4 years now).
Living in Washington State means living with rock on the road. It's used in place of salt for better winter traction. But it means that we get constant spray of debris on the cars. Most cars seem to need new windshields within a few years, and the C-300 already has a chip in the windshield.
One look and the decision was easy.
Today's clear bra can be taken off and replaced (did that early on with the XC70). The color stays clear over time (4 years now).
Living in Washington State means living with rock on the road. It's used in place of salt for better winter traction. But it means that we get constant spray of debris on the cars. Most cars seem to need new windshields within a few years, and the C-300 already has a chip in the windshield.
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
Debadged 6-Speed '05 C320 Sports Coupe
The clear bra on my '05 was installed when new. I removed it at 120K miles and 32 months.
The material was still very pliable.
The bra left glue residue that I removed with mineral spirits. That was a pain in the butt.
My very strong recommendation is to apply when new and to cover the entire hood, not just the leading edge. Mine was about 6". My nose looks BRAND NEW, but six inches back I have rock nicks.
All exposed leading edges are sand blasted. That includes the outer 1/8" to 1/16" on the various protected surfaces. For example, a detailed examination of the head lamp assembly shows the lens looks new, except right at the perimeter of the assembly.
The bra was removed because it looked horrible. It was sand blasted and had yellowed. It wouldn't polish clean.
My vehicle was protected at the hood, bumper, fender front, head lamps, fog lamps, mirrors, door handle cups and benind the rear wheels.
This is the fog lamp film.
The material was still very pliable.
The bra left glue residue that I removed with mineral spirits. That was a pain in the butt.
My very strong recommendation is to apply when new and to cover the entire hood, not just the leading edge. Mine was about 6". My nose looks BRAND NEW, but six inches back I have rock nicks.
All exposed leading edges are sand blasted. That includes the outer 1/8" to 1/16" on the various protected surfaces. For example, a detailed examination of the head lamp assembly shows the lens looks new, except right at the perimeter of the assembly.
The bra was removed because it looked horrible. It was sand blasted and had yellowed. It wouldn't polish clean.
My vehicle was protected at the hood, bumper, fender front, head lamps, fog lamps, mirrors, door handle cups and benind the rear wheels.
This is the fog lamp film.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Blasting off!
CLS63 Designo Edition, Hyundai Genesis 3.8 , Veloster Turbo, CLS500(Sold), E320 (SMOKED) R500 (Sold)
I am getting the clear bra done for about $700. This will cover the front, half the hood, fenders, and mirrors. This is one of the best prices done by a professional shop, that is factory trained. I have seen a lot of their work, some years old that looks great.
Check out this link:
Check out this link:
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,034
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From: Chino Hills, CA
2008 C300 Sport
I just had my car clearbra'd over the weekend. It is 100% worth it even if you just go with the basic kit that covers the front bumper and partial hood/fenders only. It stops paint damage from rock chips and such which after awhile will look ugly. Yes you can have your bumper repainted but do you want to do that every year? With a clear bra, your bumper will look as good as new from day 1.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 323
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From: New England
CLS63
Please look at the pix I posted of my 700 mile baby !!!!! My car will be repaired next week and I SWEAR it's not coming home without getting done. The roads here in MA are TERRIBLE !!!!!!!! It is worth the money. Please learn from MY misfortune.......
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 15
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C300 Sport Soon!
Is it worth the $$ if you are leasing
So, if I owned the car, I would totally do this, but given that my car is basically a rental (I have a 2 year lease), is it worth it? Will the dealer penalize for chips when the car is turned in? Anyone have any experience with this? I am a first time lessor. Thanks!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 373
Likes: 33
From: Vancouver, BC
08 C300
i got 3m (bumper, hood, fenders, headlights, side mirrors) + 30% tint all around for $750. loving it. 
also all that came with life time warranty just in case if bubble builds up or color fades.
also all that came with life time warranty just in case if bubble builds up or color fades.
Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 221
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2011 E350 Sport 4matic
Almost a Member!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 26
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2008 C350
I got mines done for the entire front end (full hood, bumper, foglamps, headlights, mirrors, fenders) and also got five windows tinted for $1500. Very worth it. Make sure you go somewhere who is reputable and knows what they are doing. Also make sure you get some type of warranty with it. Mines came with lifetime for both the bra and the tint.
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From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Clear bra
<<Thanks a lot! Now I have a starting point when I go to the dealer tomorrow.>>
If you go through your dealer, they will add their commission to the price from the shop that installs the film. Probably 4-500 bucks over their cost.
Just ask the dealer who does their work and deal directly with them. I paid just under $700 for mine which covered the bumper, light, leading edge of the hood and front half of the fenders plus the mirrors.
If you go through your dealer, they will add their commission to the price from the shop that installs the film. Probably 4-500 bucks over their cost.
Just ask the dealer who does their work and deal directly with them. I paid just under $700 for mine which covered the bumper, light, leading edge of the hood and front half of the fenders plus the mirrors.
