Prepaid maintenance and clear bra question
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Joined: Oct 2012
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From: San Diego
2013 C63C Diamond White, BMW 325i
Prepaid maintenance and clear bra question
So I know many of you do a lot of your own work on your car but I was wondering if I should shell out up front for the prepaid or just do it service by service? Also I was searching through older threads and I just want to confirm but is it ~$1400 or so for the maintenance for only up to 30,000mi? I was wondering if one, it would be possible to get more miles and if so does anyone know the cost? And two, I remember reading awhile ago that the prepaid maintenance price is negotiable? Is this true?
Second question: clear bra. So I know that the dealership is offering a inside and out sealant/clear bra type deal for about ~$1k (I honestly can't remember the exact price). I was wondering if anyone has done this before? And also does anyone know of a vendor that does a sealant type deal on the leather seats like the dealership. I have a porcelain/black interior but I am kinda paranoid about getting it dirty. And lastly, is it better to get the clear bra done ASAP when the car gets here, or it doesn't matter when.
Sorry for all the questions but advanced thanks as always
Second question: clear bra. So I know that the dealership is offering a inside and out sealant/clear bra type deal for about ~$1k (I honestly can't remember the exact price). I was wondering if anyone has done this before? And also does anyone know of a vendor that does a sealant type deal on the leather seats like the dealership. I have a porcelain/black interior but I am kinda paranoid about getting it dirty. And lastly, is it better to get the clear bra done ASAP when the car gets here, or it doesn't matter when.
Sorry for all the questions but advanced thanks as always
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2013 P31 C63, 2014 Bluetec ML, 2004 GT3
sealant and clear bra are completely different - sealant is applied similarly to a wax, and it covers all painted surfaces. a clear bra is a polyurethane film that is cut to fit on the front of the car.
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From: San Diego
2013 C63C Diamond White, BMW 325i
Ohh ok good to know. I should figure out which is being offered at ~1000 price. But I am guessing it is sealant though. I know that MBSD is doing the 3M wrap if I am not mistaken but I don't know what the price is on that yet. Which is better? Sorry if my questions are semi-ignorant.
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From: San Diego
2013 C63C Diamond White, BMW 325i
Haha I know that is why I am thinking, it is too good to be true. Especially since we all know that they are not that nice when it comes to pricing. Do you have an opinion on clear bra vs. sealant type things? And what would you consider a decent price for a clear bra?
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2013 P31 C63, 2014 Bluetec ML, 2004 GT3
definitely bra over sealant as it will protect the paint from chipping, scratching, etc.
depending on coverage, clear bra can be as low as 600 (front bumper, and about 12 inches of hood and fenders), or as high as 1500 for a complete front wrap. ideally, you would want to fully wrap the entire hood, front fenders, bumper and mirrors if you are keeping the car. if its a lease, i probably wouldnt worry too much.
depending on coverage, clear bra can be as low as 600 (front bumper, and about 12 inches of hood and fenders), or as high as 1500 for a complete front wrap. ideally, you would want to fully wrap the entire hood, front fenders, bumper and mirrors if you are keeping the car. if its a lease, i probably wouldnt worry too much.
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From: San Diego
2013 C63C Diamond White, BMW 325i
definitely bra over sealant as it will protect the paint from chipping, scratching, etc.
depending on coverage, clear bra can be as low as 600 (front bumper, and about 12 inches of hood and fenders), or as high as 1500 for a complete front wrap. ideally, you would want to fully wrap the entire hood, front fenders, bumper and mirrors if you are keeping the car. if its a lease, i probably wouldnt worry too much.
depending on coverage, clear bra can be as low as 600 (front bumper, and about 12 inches of hood and fenders), or as high as 1500 for a complete front wrap. ideally, you would want to fully wrap the entire hood, front fenders, bumper and mirrors if you are keeping the car. if its a lease, i probably wouldnt worry too much.
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From: Walnut Creek, CA
Vivid Racing '09 C63 AMG
I don't like how clear bras look on just part of the hood. Eventually, there can be a line of dirt that builds up and makes it super visible. I know that the whole hood is more expensive, but given the choice, I'd do complete body panels.
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your mom
IMHO, a one time clear bra installed at a premium place will be worth the price.
I have clear bra over
the front half of the car
mirrors
door edges
skirts
wheels well edges
the best investment ever, I smile each time I clean the car. the bugs and the tar and the burnt rubber just comes off like anything. And the car looks brand spanking new.
I have clear bra over
the front half of the car
mirrors
door edges
skirts
wheels well edges
the best investment ever, I smile each time I clean the car. the bugs and the tar and the burnt rubber just comes off like anything. And the car looks brand spanking new.
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From: Sacramento, CA
'09 C63
The sealant is essentially an overpriced wax job. You can get an aftearket detailer to do a better job for less.
I agree with CoolBDPhenom03, I don't like the way the clear bra looks on the hood.
I agree with CoolBDPhenom03, I don't like the way the clear bra looks on the hood.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 260
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From: San Diego
2013 C63C Diamond White, BMW 325i
IMHO, a one time clear bra installed at a premium place will be worth the price.
I have clear bra over
the front half of the car
mirrors
door edges
skirts
wheels well edges
the best investment ever, I smile each time I clean the car. the bugs and the tar and the burnt rubber just comes off like anything. And the car looks brand spanking new.
I have clear bra over
the front half of the car
mirrors
door edges
skirts
wheels well edges
the best investment ever, I smile each time I clean the car. the bugs and the tar and the burnt rubber just comes off like anything. And the car looks brand spanking new.
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2012 C63 AMG Sedan
So far I really like the Opticoat and having it there as an extra peace of mind from swirl marks etc. is an added bonus.
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From: San Diego
2013 C63C Diamond White, BMW 325i
Thread Starter
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From: San Diego
2013 C63C Diamond White, BMW 325i
I did an opticoat about 2 months ago for the full car. Washing and drying the car is a breeze. Also, I can go longer between washes. I was about once every three weeks now as opposed to washing every week or two before and even now when I wash it its more out of wanting a sparkling car than just a clean one. I think I could go about 5 weeks without it NEEDING a wash to look good.
So far I really like the Opticoat and having it there as an extra peace of mind from swirl marks etc. is an added bonus.
So far I really like the Opticoat and having it there as an extra peace of mind from swirl marks etc. is an added bonus.
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2012 C63 AMG Sedan
Ohh that is good to know. If you don't mind me asking what was the price range that you paid? Like into the thousands or like CoolBD said somewhere in the hundreds. Also how is the porcelain/black interior holding up? My OCD-ness is kicking in and I am still worried about staining the porcelain parts.
It isn't a permanent thing. Think of it as a couple microns thick sealant that goes over the paint. A detailer who is working on the car down the road who WANTS to take it off can using the right tools. Otherwise it's there to stay for at least 3-5 years (depends on your weather but San Diego is great).
As for the interior its holding up great! I'm also really **** about keeping the white clean but I don't really do anything special. I have cleaned the seat out once already using Leatherique and lately I have been driving my car alot to the gym and back so I FEEL like there may be some sweat on the seat (ewwww) but I am also very careful about that before getting in the car so it might just be in my mind. All in all its held up great and I actually want to clean and moisturize it again soon though more of just because rather than because it needs it.
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From: San Diego
2013 C63C Diamond White, BMW 325i
I can PM you the specifics if you'd like but he's right. It's in the hundreds. I sent out several quotes and the absolute HIGHEST I got was $800. I paid much less (though it all depends on the condition of your paint so if its new it should be around what I paid).
It isn't a permanent thing. Think of it as a couple microns thick sealant that goes over the paint. A detailer who is working on the car down the road who WANTS to take it off can using the right tools. Otherwise it's there to stay for at least 3-5 years (depends on your weather but San Diego is great).
As for the interior its holding up great! I'm also really **** about keeping the white clean but I don't really do anything special. I have cleaned the seat out once already using Leatherique and lately I have been driving my car alot to the gym and back so I FEEL like there may be some sweat on the seat (ewwww) but I am also very careful about that before getting in the car so it might just be in my mind. All in all its held up great and I actually want to clean and moisturize it again soon though more of just because rather than because it needs it.
It isn't a permanent thing. Think of it as a couple microns thick sealant that goes over the paint. A detailer who is working on the car down the road who WANTS to take it off can using the right tools. Otherwise it's there to stay for at least 3-5 years (depends on your weather but San Diego is great).
As for the interior its holding up great! I'm also really **** about keeping the white clean but I don't really do anything special. I have cleaned the seat out once already using Leatherique and lately I have been driving my car alot to the gym and back so I FEEL like there may be some sweat on the seat (ewwww) but I am also very careful about that before getting in the car so it might just be in my mind. All in all its held up great and I actually want to clean and moisturize it again soon though more of just because rather than because it needs it.
Ohhh. Ok so it doesn't sound too horrible to maintain. Yea the gym is a sweaty place to be. I do hot yoga so I totally know what you mean. But I doubt I will be taking the C63 there. Haha. Too much sweat like the drippy nike commercial type. haha. But thanks so much for your input and I will definitely be getting in touch with you about that opticoat
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2013 C63C Diamond White, BMW 325i
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350z, Frontier, Jeep CJ-5, C63
I have my front end wrapped (~$1,200) and I think it was worth it personally, but I drive quite a bit back and forth to Arkansas. It's a little bit of maintenance, but I think it was worth it. You could probably do without it if you don't drive open stretches or highways a lot.
You'll wish you had it when cruising all through Europe. I came back with a couple of chips, albeit minor ones.
You'll wish you had it when cruising all through Europe. I came back with a couple of chips, albeit minor ones.
Thread Starter
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From: San Diego
2013 C63C Diamond White, BMW 325i
I have my front end wrapped (~$1,200) and I think it was worth it personally, but I drive quite a bit back and forth to Arkansas. It's a little bit of maintenance, but I think it was worth it. You could probably do without it if you don't drive open stretches or highways a lot.
You'll wish you had it when cruising all through Europe. I came back with a couple of chips, albeit minor ones.
You'll wish you had it when cruising all through Europe. I came back with a couple of chips, albeit minor ones.
I was totally thinking about this the other day! haha. Will they fix the little chips at VPC? Or no?
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From: Walnut Creek, CA
Vivid Racing '09 C63 AMG
Doesn't matter if you tail gate or not. There's always going to be crap on the roads and people will always drive over it. CA roads are pretty bad. SD is better than the Bay Area, but it's all managed by the same broke agency.
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350z, Frontier, Jeep CJ-5, C63
Yea I drive a lot of freeways/highways in San Diego. Mainly because I like driving and I find random reasons to be on the road but I get a lot of paint chips. My parents say it is because I tailgate too much but I can usually still see the bumper in front of me so I figure I am good. But I don't really want to chance it and wait for my C63 to chip before I do something about it.
I was totally thinking about this the other day! haha. Will they fix the little chips at VPC? Or no?
I was totally thinking about this the other day! haha. Will they fix the little chips at VPC? Or no?
To my surprise they did not. Fortunately, they aren't very noticeable chips. I see them as a sort of souvenir or memento now.
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From: Texas
10 C six trizzle
maint. package is a joke. It doesnt pay the techs crap, doesnt cover wiper blades either. the biggest expense is the 39k - typically b-service/40k and transmission service which is after its already out.
