NYCGLK

Are any of you how is planning to keep GLK for a while getting clear bra? I heard from others it's the best investment. Any thoughts?

thebishman

I have a 'clear bra' package on all of our cars. I had the Venture Shield product placed on the GLK. I had the whole bumper area; 1/3rd of the hood with matching fenders, and the headlights covered.

It is an excellent investment to preserve resale, and looks. Well worth the money imho.

Bish

NYCGLK

Yea that's conclusion I'm coming to after reading a bit more into it. It's expensive tho. Seems like the whole deal (bumper, part of the hood, parts of fenders, headlights and mirrors) is about 1k USD. Does that sound right?

thebishman

Mine was $660 after tax with the top of the line Venture Shield. I had the same exact coverage applied as you mentioned above. I am located in the Kansas City area, so perhaps where you live the higher price seems 'normal'?

BTW, there is another product you might want to check into, especially if your insurance company doesn't offer a windshield repair/replacement rider. It is called ClearPlex and covers the whole front windshield. It protects it from rock/stone damage like the other '3M' products. It is so optically 'transparent' that after curing, you can not tell it is on the vehicle. We have this on our GL, and it has already saved the windshield several times, I'm sure. (I purchased the dealership windshield protection package on the GLK, so don't have it installed on it).

Bish

GLK4MATIC

Hey Bish, I was thinking about getting the windshield film installed on my GLK also. I have been curious about something with it though. Does it leave a fine scratch pattern where the wipers sweep across it. I ask since it is not as hard as glass. Any help would be appreciated.

thebishman

In over 10 months the wipers have not left any kind of scratches, etc. on the ClearPlex on our GL. And to be honest, we haven't bothered to take care of it, (the ClearPlex), like we should have.

Bish

GLK4MATIC

That is good to know. I was hoping it was durable like you say. Thank you for the info!

Krytech

Best investment I've made in my car so far. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I wish I would of done it to our 4yr old SUV since it has taken numerous hits to the front.

NYCGLK

So I looked at xpel kits. And it seems that the entire kit costs 1k.
Hood, fenders, mirrors set - 300
Bumper - 460
Rocker Panel - 190
Headlights and fog lights - 70

And then I have to pay somebody to install all this. I wanna say it's worth it as I'm planning to keep car for a while (7 years). I'm getting extended warranty too. But would like to hear thoughts on this.

Here is the ling for reference:
https://www.xpel.com/products/paint_...=26&model=3210

thebishman

That seems very expensive for just the kit. Most of the costs with having a 3M type product installed are generally labour related. As I told you, I had 1/3 of the hood and front fenders; the whole bumper area; the mirrors and the headlights covered and installed with the highest quality VentureShield product, (which my installer likes to use on White vehicles), for just over $600. At $1K for just a kit and then the install on top of that, you will be tripling what I paid? BTW, do NOT try and save money on who does the install. Most of these kits are very similar in nature; the install is everything.

Bish

NYCGLK

Bish, thanks for your thoughts. I'll look around. I think 1k is absurd too.

my600sl

Hello this is mt 1st post.

NYCGLK There are many ways to fine a qualified clear bra installer, one of the best ways is to google certified clear bra dealers/ installers in your area. Another great way is to go to car club events and look at the clear bras on different cars. If you see some clear bras on several cars that you like ask who did the install usually the same c.b. dealers name will come up.

Price is only a small part to consider. Most importantly is the installation after all you only want to pay once to have a top notch job done right the very first time. This is extremely important make sure that the hood lines up with the front fenders and that the film is wraped on the front of the hood as well as the sides of the hood & front fenders. Also make sure that the excess film under the hood is trimed and heat set. The front bumper should be covered from wheel opening to wheel opening, not stopping at the corners of the front bumper. I have seen many vehicles bumpers not fully covered.

It is normal see some moisture bubbles under the film after the installation. DO NOT PUSH on them they will disappear once the film has had time to cure sitting out it the sun it may take up to 4 weeks. Wax the film the same way you wax the car once every 3 months this is good for the film. Do not use a yellow wax on the film use something like Turtle Wax Ice it works will on PPF. On a weekly bases used Ice quick detailer spray. If you follow these instructions your clear bra will last for many years.

Here is a link to see how a quality clear bra installation looks. http://www.clearbraphotos.com

NYCGLK

Welcome to MB world and thanks for the tips. Certified installers is what I thought of looking for. There is one by my dealer (3M), I think they might be even affiliated with my dealer. Maybe I will bring my car there, or have my sales guy do that so it's all done by the time I'm coming to pick the car up.

Those are nice shots in the link.

my600sl

NYCGLK You might see if the C.B. Dealer gives MB club discounts. If you go through your MB Dealership they my mark it up 30-50% over what you may pay the C.B. Dealer direct. Just a thought. Our local MB Dealer marks clear bras up a minimum of 100%. A standard bra price runs $1250.00.

thebishman

Another great resource is to ask your local Porsche Club of America, as well as the local chapter of the BMW club. Those guys always know who to get to apply the film.

Agree on the Turtle Wax Ice; that's what my installer recommends.

Bish

MBENZE350

Product Satisfaction... in your local market.

Check your local phone book they have a superpages.com program that will pay you up to $500.00 to insure your satisfaction.

www.idearc.com.

It's a good deal... gotta love the yellow pages.

NYCGLK

Yea I'm not paying a grand for this. If it's more than 700 bux I'm gonna say screw it. GLK is not GL or S class, and I don't drive much on highways

nye500

Checked a few places in NY, and got some crazy estimates. One guy wanted 900 for just the front bumper!!! For these prices I could just have the rock chips filled in, or just repaint the whole bumper... Guess some of these places see a Benz and think they can get away with these crazy prices.

NYCGLK

Same thought here. For 900 bux I can fully repaint the entire bumper.

my600sl

WOW!!! That's nuts. A fair price to cover the front bumper only $375.00

webada

After some digging around, the guy here below quoted $750 for front and rear bumper, mirrors, 1/4 hood and fenders. no headlights, he doesn't recommend it, mentioned something about trapping heat and scattering lights.

He also mentioned that 3M just bought out ventureshield...

http://www.clearshieldny.com/overview.htm

yualfred

Whats the purpose for rear bumper clear bra? Is the purpose of bra to protect from flying stones?

NYCGLK

Yes, but it also protects well from other things. Scratches when loading/unloading, slight hits when parking or when others park and so on. I think rear bumper is overkill tho.

my600sl

What part of the rear bumper are they covering. If its the top center only. Yes 3M bought Venture back last spring. As far as the headlights go if they are HID they are cooler no heat build up. I have never seen a headlight scatter from using the correct film. Glad you found someone to cover your GLK. Happy driving

NYCGLK

^^^I actually didn't find anybody yet. Not even sure if I'm gonna through with it. Really don't have time to look around, maybe in June when my schedule clears up a bit. Hopefully won't get too many dings in a month.