Clear Bra
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,527
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From: Overland Park, KS
‘24 BMW iX M60
It is an excellent investment to preserve resale, and looks. Well worth the money imho.
Bish
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,780
Likes: 115
From: Northern NJ
GLK 350 / Porsche 993
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?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1,009
From: Overland Park, KS
‘24 BMW iX M60
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
Last edited by thebishman; Mar 23, 2009 at 10:50 AM. Reason: New information added
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 341
Likes: 2
From: Gilroy
GLK Matte Silver|MB Arts strut tower brace|MB Arts rear brace|Shaved door and bumper trim|K&N's|
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1,009
From: Overland Park, KS
‘24 BMW iX M60
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.
Bish
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Phoenix, AZ
2014 Ghibli S Q4 & 2008 C350
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.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,780
Likes: 115
From: Northern NJ
GLK 350 / Porsche 993
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
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1,009
From: Overland Park, KS
‘24 BMW iX M60
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
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
Bish
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
S550. 600SL
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 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
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,780
Likes: 115
From: Northern NJ
GLK 350 / Porsche 993
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.
Those are nice shots in the link.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
S550. 600SL
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. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1,009
From: Overland Park, KS
‘24 BMW iX M60
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
Agree on the Turtle Wax Ice; that's what my installer recommends.
Bish
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2006 E 350 4 Matic
IDEARC MEDIA Yellow Pages
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.
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.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,780
Likes: 115
From: Northern NJ
GLK 350 / Porsche 993
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
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
06 e55 amg and 05 CL65 amg
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.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 808
Likes: 0
From: nyc
528i, GLK
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
He also mentioned that 3M just bought out ventureshield...
http://www.clearshieldny.com/overview.htm
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,780
Likes: 115
From: Northern NJ
GLK 350 / Porsche 993
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.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
S550. 600SL
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
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,780
Likes: 115
From: Northern NJ
GLK 350 / Porsche 993
^^^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.
