stratman

Hello everyone and Happy Monday,


I had the 3M clear film on the front of my previous IS F and it worked well at protecting from paint chips though it was noticeable when looking at the car. It wasn't terrible and is light years better than the leather "bra" of yesteryear. So, has anyone had this applied to their C63? I'm considering this as I already have a couple of very small chips in the lower valance of my '13 sedan.

bhamg

If by "3M" you mean Ventureshield then I'd suggest Xpel or equivalent (forget the name of the competing film) instead. VS once was the best-looking product but I've found it stains from droppings to the extent that the surface ends up with a bunch of opaque spots that don't come out even with a DA application of polish. Supposedly the top newer products are "self-healing" also. My front bumper cover was just changed over from VS to Xpel.

bhamg

FYI my car has custom cut VS on the OE hood, left fender and both rockers. Xpel is on the right fender and front bumper. All custom for total (invisble) coverage, not cut from a plotter. If you are willing to work at the upkeep a little - the 3" Griots DA being invaluable in that regard - the results can be spectacular.

KINGPIN 007

I have a clear bra on my car and i absolutely love it. Premier protective films here in Fremont,CA did the work for me. They clear bra'ed the whole front of the car, headlights, fogs and side mirrors. It was expensive (about $1100) but absolutely worth it. I got it the day i bought my car and to this day the bra hasn't yellowed, stained, ripped or anything.

It has done a great job of protecting the car from rock chips and scratches and no permanent poo stains or anything from birds. I daily drive the car now and put a lot of miles on it, almost 1500 miles/month and have had it for 4 years now and the film has done a great job of holding up. 3M is one of the films they use as well and you can find some more info about them here

http://www.premiermobilegroup.com/index.shtml


Hope it helps!

-Marlin-

For the price they charge for this stuff, I'd rather drive the car without it for 4-5 years than have the bumper filled and repainted for another 4-5 years. I was quoted $750 and I said hell no.

estrellajon

film from the start is definitely worth it. Tried the no film thang with 1 of my cars. 3 years later my bumper and hood was cratered. Even after a top notch repaint, it was never the same. Repaint doesn't compare to OEM paint with higher heat curing.

Film install is expensive. Helps that I'm also a dealer and part time installer. My cost is still $150 for hood kit and $140 for bumper.

AMG Boost

My car is fully covered in 3M. Only drawback is it can look a bit dull and the car does not have that brand new shiny look to the paint. My 3M is from 2010 tho. It protects the car and you basically have brand new paint underneath if you remove it.

bhamg

This is 4 year old Ventureshield. I machine-polish it every three weeks, literally 10 minutes to apply and wipe off.

stratman

Hey thanks to one and all for your input and suggestions. Funny thing is my sales associate told me that their dealership doesn't put protective films on their cars because of customer complaints of how it looks. Well, time to start looking for a reputable installer in South Orange County. Thanks again everyone.

SCAMG13

I highly recommend suntek clear protection. I installed it on my obsidian black and you hardly even know its there.

bhamg

I can put you in touch with Kris. When Premier had their SoCal facility Kris ran it. Kris did mine and he's in OC.

stratman

Hi SCAMG13. I'll check the suntek out and bhamg if you could follow through with getting me in touch with Kris that would be great as I know no one who actually can apply the film regardless of the manufacturer. Thanks again everyone for your input. Very much appreciated!

bhamg

stratman - You have a PM.