Xpel Clear Bra
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Joined: Nov 2012
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A gaggle of MB's
I use 3M Venture Shield which is a more durable material, and thicker, so it gives maximum protection. The experience of the installer is the real critical element here:
CLICK HERE LOCATE VENTURESHIELD INSTALLER
CLICK HERE LOCATE VENTURESHIELD INSTALLER
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
It depends on dealer to dealer. Some dealers use pre cut garbage (either outsourced or in house) that is only a partial kit and you can really see all the edges. Some dealers such as my local one, outsources their work to a local tint shop that will then do a custom cut installation with Xpel and the seems are much more neat.
There is no OEM clear bra.
There is no OEM clear bra.
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
I think it looks fine. You can see the lip on the hood of the vehicle if you look close enough, but it doesn't bother me in exchange for the protection. To be honest I haven't given it a close enough look yet to say what they call covered, but I know they did the hood, headlights, mirrors, door edges. I know the did cover the bumper, but I haven't looked closely enough to see.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
It just depends the type of install they do. There's the cheaper and IMO crappier install that's precut and you can see all the seams and really looks terrible from up close and in a few years when the edges really show dirt. Or you can spend a little more and do an install where they cut and tuck all of the corners so it's really hidden. If you go this route, I'd recommend having them cover the whole hood so you don't get that ugly line that runs across. You can probably skip doing the fender at all since they don't really chip. It looks ridiculous with the small triangle they put on the front of the fender (vs. wrapping the whole thing)- not really necessary to wrap any part of the fender.
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
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MBs
i too think fender and mirrors are not neccessary- though i wanna know what u guys think about it on a 550? i mean its really hood, lights and leds- the grill cant be covered, i dont know if the material is any different- on one of my cars the amg plastic grill cracked and broke in one of the honeycomb blocks- but that was plastic 09'-- i'm pretty sure its different now but not sure-
my dealer didnt push for either but told me they would do 3m- but man if not waxed and detailed that peice of plastic shows after a while!
my dealer didnt push for either but told me they would do 3m- but man if not waxed and detailed that peice of plastic shows after a while!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 478
Likes: 6
MBs
i too think fender and mirrors are not neccessary- though i wanna know what u guys think about it on a 550? i mean its really hood, lights and leds- the grill cant be covered, i dont know if the material is any different- on one of my cars the amg plastic grill cracked and broke in one of the honeycomb blocks- but that was plastic 09'-- i'm pretty sure its different now but not sure-
my dealer didnt push for either but told me they would do 3m- but man if not waxed and detailed that peice of plastic shows after a while!
my dealer didnt push for either but told me they would do 3m- but man if not waxed and detailed that peice of plastic shows after a while!
Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 137
Likes: 2
Various
here's some template and pricing info from xpel:
https://www.xpel.com/products/paint_...=26&model=2096
the bumper piece, as expected, is the most expensive.
https://www.xpel.com/products/paint_...=26&model=2096
the bumper piece, as expected, is the most expensive.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Definitely don't recommend a precut kit. Go with a custom cut kit for sure. The seems are very visible on precuts and look terrible especially after a few years.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 478
Likes: 6
MBs
absolutely- custom's the way to go- my dealer has a 3rd party professional come to the dealership and get it done there- but told me its like $1300.. but i think thats for entire protection, bumper, fender, hood lights etc etc
stick with custom- precut def shows really bad after a while
stick with custom- precut def shows really bad after a while
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 11
From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
Find an authorised 3M/Ventureshield workshop
I've had experience with these over several years on various cars.
3M has their own product that is now excellent - not like 10 years ago.. They bought VentureShield a couple of years ago and made some improvements to the product. Now they have a certified installer network. No more backyard shops. As a rule 3M is better for lighter color cars and VS for black and dark cars. The custom shops go from the computer pattern and then can wrap the entire car if you want.
I found the custom shop I use 1/2 the price of the dealer who subs out the job anyway and makes a profit on top of it.
In NE I use and recommend:
http://www.protectingyourpaint.com/Home.php
Don't try doing it yourself!
3M has their own product that is now excellent - not like 10 years ago.. They bought VentureShield a couple of years ago and made some improvements to the product. Now they have a certified installer network. No more backyard shops. As a rule 3M is better for lighter color cars and VS for black and dark cars. The custom shops go from the computer pattern and then can wrap the entire car if you want.
I found the custom shop I use 1/2 the price of the dealer who subs out the job anyway and makes a profit on top of it.
In NE I use and recommend:
http://www.protectingyourpaint.com/Home.php
Don't try doing it yourself!
Last edited by grane; Jan 30, 2013 at 09:56 AM.
