Viperdoc

For my past three cars, I have spent thousands on clear bras. Most of these vehicles ended up traded in or sold after only 3-4 years, so I never really saw any of the potential negatives of these products, like yellowing (I know this isn't supposed to happen anymore), differences in luster of the finish, dirt buildup in the seams, etc., and .


Now that we have spent so much on a new GLS I want to keep it looking good, but am torn regarding whether to get the clear bra. My wife hates the line on the hood, so I can opt for the full hood coverage ($1400 for this plus the fender and mirrors). But some folks on these forums have noted that the covered pieces end up looking dull regarding the luster of the finish. I also get worried about ever having to take it off if a portion gets damaged. There are some references online (which can be misleading, I know) that the adhesives used may damage the paint.



Plus the hood of the GLS is pretty tall....not sure if this is worth the price for the protection you get. It's my wife's daily driver and she rarely gets on the highway (maybe twice a week)


Any suggestions/view on clear bras? Dealer said not many Mercedes owners get them.

knpnj

Our dealership would not deliver a new car without "Cilajet" coating.

However we suspect that it may not be comparable to a full professional treatment and looking for options for our gls450.
The body/hood maybe tall, but it won't beat tall trucks spewing dirt/snow behind them - or birds

Currently we have settled on http://www.njautodetail.com as an option.
If there are others recommended in the nj/ny/ct area, please post your experience.

350MH83

I looked at clear bra when I got mine, and due to similar reasons than the one you quoted, I ended up getting a ceramic coating instead. No yellowing, no dirt mark etc, it's also super good at repealling water. Obviously it is not as durable, but I got a 2 year warranty on it, as long as I only use touchless or hand washing. I also get it detailed every 6 months or so (will do again soon when winter is definitely behind us).

Viperdoc

I must admit....haven't heard about the ceramic coating. I'll have to do my research. Thanks for the tip. Before I pull the trigger on another $1500 I need to make sure

350MH83

I did a thread on it with a couple of pictures. https://mbworld.org/forums/gls-class...-detailed.html

You can click on the facebook link to see more pics.

rominl

ceramic coating is like having a thin later of hard glass on the surface. personally after so many cars with clear bra, i don't do it anymore. potential yellowing and fading, as well as orange peel, happened to all my cars. granted those were years ago and they claim technology has improved a lot on clear bra, but still i don't see the value.

especially if you usually change cars in 3-4 years, i wouldn't bother at all

fabbrisd1

If you're concerned about chips/damage - "bra" makes sense - "handcut" is best...

rorywquin

I've read that the installers often cut into the paint when they trim the wrap/clear bra and this only shows up after you remove the film.


There is one company I saw in the UK that has precut films for different cars.


Personally, I have never had a problem with chipping on the front of my cars (I recently did 40,000 km in 3 years in a SLK and had no marks on the front) but.....I keep a good distance away from the car in front of me.

knpnj

Just to add - we were quoted approx $1000 for a full Opticoat Pro treatment.
There is also a lite option that's about half the price, but the Pro is the right one to consider if you want it to last a few years, longer if maintained properly with hand wash etc.

Biggreenogg

Looked at a number of these film options for my new C43. Then went to a body shop I have used on my other cars and got a quote to respray the front end. The quote from the body shop was about the same as for the film. For me it made sense to drive the car for a couple of years and see what damage, if any, occurred.

rominl

yes, repainting the front end can sometimes be about the same price as the clear bra. that was another big reason for me to not do clear bra anymore. if anything happens i would just respray it

but soon after that started leasing cars which means we turn over to a new car every 2-3 years, so it became zero reason for us to do clear bra which would be completely money wasted

fabbrisd1

Well I am grateful for all the "opinions" here... now a handcut top quality protection package - front end - mirrors - rear lower rocker - etc - will be "about" $700-$800

Oh - metallic paint - best done at a Mercedes Certified Collision Center.

I would get a "bra" - over OptiCoat - any day of the week.

Viperdoc

Thanks for all the opinions. I think I am leaning against doing it. I was looking at my X5 last night, which has the clear bra. You can definitely tell the difference in paint color and luster between the covered and non covered areas. Plus, my wife is not a tail gater and she will only rarely go on the highway anyway. She also is adamant that there is no line across the hood. Well, for that the total would be $1500.

bylife

clear bra and Opticoat really bothers me a lot.

knpnj

Not sure what you mean - have you used both on your cars?
Mind sharing any experience?
Tnx.

bylife

Not yet. That is why it makes me a headache.