Paint Protectant Film
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Joined: Jan 2014
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
Paint Protectant Film
Has anyone had paint protectant film applied to their vehicle? If so, would you do it again? Also, elate there any negative consequences from having this done?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 991
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From: Washington DC area
Mine: 2014 E550 4matic; Hers: 2016 CLS 400 4matic
I have a clearbra on the front of my car and the headlights. I would not hesitate to do it again. This is the second car on which I have had it. On my 2008 BMW the headlights looked like new after almost 6 years.
I have also put on a paint coating, which I find helps greatly to keep the car looking like new.
I have also put on a paint coating, which I find helps greatly to keep the car looking like new.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 9
2017 E300, 2017 C300
I had the 3M clear bra installed on the front of my 2001 Corvette. I made this decision beacuse the shape of the front of the car was very vulnerable to bugs & nicks from stones and sand. I also had the 3M film applied to the outside mirrors and the lower portions of each fender, right behind the wheel opening to prevent chipping from debris that the tires throw.
Nine years later, I sold the car and it still looked like new.
When I purchased my 2010 E350 coupe, I decided not to have the clear bra installed. I think the shape of the front of the car is much less susceptible to small nicks because the front of the MB has many more separate sections than the smooth nose of the Corvette.
FYI, I also did not have the clear bra installed on the front of my 2008 Lexus LS460 which now is 6 years old and has very few tiny chips that I have easily touched up.
If my car was one that I planned to keep a long time (I owned my Corvette for 13 years), I probably would have the clear bra installed. I take very good care of my cars, however, my E350 and my Lexus are daily drivers and will eventually be traded. Whatever wear and tear they will show will be appropriate for the age and mileage when I trade them in.
Nine years later, I sold the car and it still looked like new.
When I purchased my 2010 E350 coupe, I decided not to have the clear bra installed. I think the shape of the front of the car is much less susceptible to small nicks because the front of the MB has many more separate sections than the smooth nose of the Corvette.
FYI, I also did not have the clear bra installed on the front of my 2008 Lexus LS460 which now is 6 years old and has very few tiny chips that I have easily touched up.
If my car was one that I planned to keep a long time (I owned my Corvette for 13 years), I probably would have the clear bra installed. I take very good care of my cars, however, my E350 and my Lexus are daily drivers and will eventually be traded. Whatever wear and tear they will show will be appropriate for the age and mileage when I trade them in.
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 3
From: Bay State
2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 (luxury)
I had a clear bra installed and was a great choice. Road salt this winter would have left my black car looking like it had been hit with birdshot. For about $600 installed, it is a no-brainer on a car in this price range.
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Joined: Mar 2014
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C300
I install the 3M Clear Bra for a living. We're at Mercedes dealers everyday installing the film and they are probably one of our biggest customers behind Porsche and Lexus. I guess it's the mentality that if you spend good money on a car, you want it to look good for years to come. Plus it helps with the resale / trade-in value.
When shopping for the film, make sure that the dealer knows what kind of film is being installed. For example, 3M has Venture shield, Scotchgard with clear coat (848) and Scotchgard without clear coat (846)
Then there is Xpel which usually costs more but is self-healing, Suntek makes a good paint protection film as well and then there there is Durashield.
Finally, there are computer cut installations or freehand. If the installer is freehanding the installation, that means they are using a very sharp knife on your new cars paint and the chance of scratching it has just increased.
Another option is to search the 3M paint protection site for certified installers near you.
Once that is done, to maintain the film, there are sealants and waxes. Proskin is one of the best in the market.
Good luck with the purchase. Let us know how it goes.
When shopping for the film, make sure that the dealer knows what kind of film is being installed. For example, 3M has Venture shield, Scotchgard with clear coat (848) and Scotchgard without clear coat (846)
Then there is Xpel which usually costs more but is self-healing, Suntek makes a good paint protection film as well and then there there is Durashield.
Finally, there are computer cut installations or freehand. If the installer is freehanding the installation, that means they are using a very sharp knife on your new cars paint and the chance of scratching it has just increased.
Another option is to search the 3M paint protection site for certified installers near you.
Once that is done, to maintain the film, there are sealants and waxes. Proskin is one of the best in the market.
Good luck with the purchase. Let us know how it goes.
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Joined: Jan 2014
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
I install the 3M Clear Bra for a living. We're at Mercedes dealers everyday installing the film and they are probably one of our biggest customers behind Porsche and Lexus. I guess it's the mentality that if you spend good money on a car, you want it to look good for years to come. Plus it helps with the resale / trade-in value.
When shopping for the film, make sure that the dealer knows what kind of film is being installed. For example, 3M has Venture shield, Scotchgard with clear coat (848) and Scotchgard without clear coat (846)
Then there is Xpel which usually costs more but is self-healing, Suntek makes a good paint protection film as well and then there there is Durashield.
Finally, there are computer cut installations or freehand. If the installer is freehanding the installation, that means they are using a very sharp knife on your new cars paint and the chance of scratching it has just increased.
Another option is to search the 3M paint protection site for certified installers near you.
Once that is done, to maintain the film, there are sealants and waxes. Proskin is one of the best in the market.
Good luck with the purchase. Let us know how it goes.
When shopping for the film, make sure that the dealer knows what kind of film is being installed. For example, 3M has Venture shield, Scotchgard with clear coat (848) and Scotchgard without clear coat (846)
Then there is Xpel which usually costs more but is self-healing, Suntek makes a good paint protection film as well and then there there is Durashield.
Finally, there are computer cut installations or freehand. If the installer is freehanding the installation, that means they are using a very sharp knife on your new cars paint and the chance of scratching it has just increased.
Another option is to search the 3M paint protection site for certified installers near you.
Once that is done, to maintain the film, there are sealants and waxes. Proskin is one of the best in the market.
Good luck with the purchase. Let us know how it goes.
Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 56
From: East coast
2010 E550 4M P2 Distronic, CLK550 Cab P2
I have xpel on mine, really like it...make sure the installer does a paint correction before installing. Need to remove any swirls before the install. Good luck
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: California
MBZ SL 500 2005; E350Bluetek 2012; Porsche Traga Tip 911 964 1991
was 3M's leading competitor in the paint protection f
I just finished self installing a complete front end film on a 2012 E350 Bluetek.
The film is Ventureshield film from Invisible mask.
I used 3 kits, one for the hood with mirrors, one for the front bumper and one for the lights.
The installation took a few hours and was not the easiest in the world, but it came out ok. Have a few wrinkles in some hard places, but on the hood and front
bumper it looks great. I cut the large kit into 4 sections for the ease of installation, with the seam in the middle under the license plate the other seams separating the upper from the lower sections.
I have done the same for the other cars I own (Porsche 964 & SL500) or owned and and satisfied with the outcomes after many years.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,258
Likes: 56
From: East coast
2010 E550 4M P2 Distronic, CLK550 Cab P2
Hi
I just finished self installing a complete front end film on a 2012 E350 Bluetek.
The film is Ventureshield film from Invisible mask.
I used 3 kits, one for the hood with mirrors, one for the front bumper and one for the lights.
The installation took a few hours and was not the easiest in the world, but it came out ok. Have a few wrinkles in some hard places, but on the hood and front
bumper it looks great. I cut the large kit into 4 sections for the ease of installation, with the seam in the middle under the license plate the other seams separating the upper from the lower sections.
I have done the same for the other cars I own (Porsche 964 & SL500) or owned and and satisfied with the outcomes after many years.
I just finished self installing a complete front end film on a 2012 E350 Bluetek.
The film is Ventureshield film from Invisible mask.
I used 3 kits, one for the hood with mirrors, one for the front bumper and one for the lights.
The installation took a few hours and was not the easiest in the world, but it came out ok. Have a few wrinkles in some hard places, but on the hood and front
bumper it looks great. I cut the large kit into 4 sections for the ease of installation, with the seam in the middle under the license plate the other seams separating the upper from the lower sections.
I have done the same for the other cars I own (Porsche 964 & SL500) or owned and and satisfied with the outcomes after many years.
Cool, Nice job, way outta my league
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 5
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C300
The 848 and 846 tend to have a orange peel look to them.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2014
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 5
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C300
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
ah ha!!!
I saw a SLS at the dealer the other day that was covered entirely in the clear bra!
was def going to have my next car done up with this.....is there any particular brand that would be better for Diamond white paint??
I saw a SLS at the dealer the other day that was covered entirely in the clear bra!
was def going to have my next car done up with this.....is there any particular brand that would be better for Diamond white paint??
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
Do you know who the dealer used for the clearbra? I'm in NC as well.
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 88
Likes: 3
From: Bay State
2013 Mercedes-Benz E350 (luxury)
BTW - Roadblock Paint Protection is the type that was used on my car. It was recommended by an exotic collector that I know from the watch forums.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 576
Likes: 19
From: Earth (Mostly)
2023 XC60 PHEV, 2023 XC40 BEV
Yes
I had the dealer install a partial 3M clear bra on the front of my 2010 E350 and it had zero nicks when returned, but looked a bit bad with the slight, white line across the hood.
This time for my 2014, I fully covered the entire front from the windshield forward with XPEL. This eliminated the white line across the hood. I also had the mirrors, door edges, cameras, door handles, etc. and rear trunk loading deck covered. The pieces were computer cut to avoid a sharp knife near my paint. And the install took two days with full tinting done at the same visit.
I have had a few small rocks hit the front, saw a slight bump immediately after the impact, but with the self-healing properties of the XPEL covering film, I found no such marks after a few minutes.
I went to Genesis Tinting in Elk Grove, CA and highly recommend them to others.
This time for my 2014, I fully covered the entire front from the windshield forward with XPEL. This eliminated the white line across the hood. I also had the mirrors, door edges, cameras, door handles, etc. and rear trunk loading deck covered. The pieces were computer cut to avoid a sharp knife near my paint. And the install took two days with full tinting done at the same visit.
I have had a few small rocks hit the front, saw a slight bump immediately after the impact, but with the self-healing properties of the XPEL covering film, I found no such marks after a few minutes.
I went to Genesis Tinting in Elk Grove, CA and highly recommend them to others.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
Called a few tint shops and dealers this morning. The only dealer that I found that actually installs a clear bra in-house was my local Porsche dealer. However, they use Premium Shield.
http://premiumshield.com
Has anyone had any experiences with this product?
http://premiumshield.com
Has anyone had any experiences with this product?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 234
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
After a lot of time on the phone today with a few local installers, I've narrowed it down to the following. BTW, "partial" means full bumper, partial hood, partial fenders, and mirrors. "Full" means full bumper, full hood, full fenders, and mirrors. What would you guys do based on the following information:
Installer #1:
Porsche Dealer (in-house)
Film: Premium Shield
Partial cost: $750
Full cost: ?
Installer #2:
Recommended by Maserati/Aston Martin dealer
Film: Suntek
Partial cost: $700
Full cost: $1000
Installer #3
Film: XPEL Ultimate
Partial cost: $860
Full cost: $1440
All the above installers use computer generated cuts. Appreciate any feedback. BTW, my car is Polar White and has less than 1,000 miles.
Lastly, has anyone seen any rainbows on their film when viewed with polarized glasses? I've read this could be a potential issue.
Thanks in advance!
Installer #1:
Porsche Dealer (in-house)
Film: Premium Shield
Partial cost: $750
Full cost: ?
Installer #2:
Recommended by Maserati/Aston Martin dealer
Film: Suntek
Partial cost: $700
Full cost: $1000
Installer #3
Film: XPEL Ultimate
Partial cost: $860
Full cost: $1440
All the above installers use computer generated cuts. Appreciate any feedback. BTW, my car is Polar White and has less than 1,000 miles.
Lastly, has anyone seen any rainbows on their film when viewed with polarized glasses? I've read this could be a potential issue.
Thanks in advance!
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
2013 E350
I had the dealer install a partial 3M clear bra on the front of my 2010 E350 and it had zero nicks when returned, but looked a bit bad with the slight, white line across the hood.
This time for my 2014, I fully covered the entire front from the windshield forward with XPEL. This eliminated the white line across the hood. I also had the mirrors, door edges, cameras, door handles, etc. and rear trunk loading deck covered. The pieces were computer cut to avoid a sharp knife near my paint. And the install took two days with full tinting done at the same visit.
I have had a few small rocks hit the front, saw a slight bump immediately after the impact, but with the self-healing properties of the XPEL covering film, I found no such marks after a few minutes.
I went to Genesis Tinting in Elk Grove, CA and highly recommend them to others.
This time for my 2014, I fully covered the entire front from the windshield forward with XPEL. This eliminated the white line across the hood. I also had the mirrors, door edges, cameras, door handles, etc. and rear trunk loading deck covered. The pieces were computer cut to avoid a sharp knife near my paint. And the install took two days with full tinting done at the same visit.
I have had a few small rocks hit the front, saw a slight bump immediately after the impact, but with the self-healing properties of the XPEL covering film, I found no such marks after a few minutes.
I went to Genesis Tinting in Elk Grove, CA and highly recommend them to others.
How much does a job like that cost? Is it the same as shishivr mentioned above?
My biggest concern is that white line across the hood on a partial cover
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 576
Likes: 19
From: Earth (Mostly)
2023 XC60 PHEV, 2023 XC40 BEV
Yes, out-the-door price was very similar ... but my main concern was the quality of the labor and they did an excellent job!
