Considering having a clear bra installed (the 3m product seems to get great reviews) and a window film to reduce the UV & IR heat coming into the ML, I don't want a dark tint but want to block the IR & UV entering vehicle to reduce heat and fading.
Looking for ideas on what it will cost for these to be applied by a reputible shop (or have the dealer do it - but I know they likely just use a local installer and I would rather deal direct for long term support if needed).
Thanks in advance for everyone's input.

 

Costs for clear bra can vary greatly by region, installer, type of install (custom vs precut kit), type of film used, and so on. I would go with a better film than 3M. Suntek makes a great film with a self healing top coat. Xpel Ultimate is a good film too, and so is VentureShield Ultra. 3M has a lot of orange peel in it, too strong of an adhesive, and doesnt hold up too well in the heat (after 4-5 years).

 

Thanks for info.
Gadgetemt UV does not get into the vehicle unless roof or windows open.
Proof is why "Transitions" lenses won't change in a vehicle. IR don't know
I don't like TOO dark either and many cops and ALL border guards feel the same way LOL

 

At the AMG Private Lounge preview at the recent NyC show, I spoke to the fellow who among other cars detailed the 1932 custom Lincoln Edsel that was just rippers.

He said that Venture Shield is a good product (I have this on my two vehicles) but that recently 3M has jumped far ahead of the competition in every aspect.

I would expect this because 3M is a fantastic, well capitalized company and has a division dedicated to the professional auto market.

The knocks that their old product got in some cases are not valid for new production.

 

Thanks, I had been reading some blogs' etc and they seem to indicate that the new 3M products for the clear bra and the window film are the preferred products.
It will be a matter of cost vs value for me. I live in NY (LI actually)
I saw some crazy numbers for the clear bra of $2k and about $1k for the 3m crystalline which seems about double the costs of other products, since labor in my area runs high as a percentage of a job usually, the 3M products are very costly options or the installers that apply the 3M are the premium installers and charge accordingly??

 

If you're looking at precut vs. custom go for the custom. It's definitely worth the extra money. Precut kits don't fit well along the contours of the edges and look like *** after a couple of years where dirt starts to cake up more around the edges. A custom kit is so much more clean looking. If you can spring it, get the whole hood wrapped instead of having a break in the middle. I'd probably skip doing the fenders at all since those don't really get chipped. I think custom installs in my area are around $1,000 and another couple hundred to do a full hood instead of a section.

 

I would love to know where to get this new film. I have been hearing for years that they had a new film out yet every time I get a sample its the same Scothguard film they have had. The film simply isnt a good film comapred to some of he others. It has a LOT of orange peel in it making it very noticable... and even more so on dark cars. It has too strong of an adhesive... and when removed leaves almost all the adhesive on the paint. It also has not held up too well in Texas heat as it tends to crack after 4-5 years. If they have a new film out I am all about trying it. But I can tell you none of the installers in our forum ever talk about 3M and really no one is installing it. 3M is a huge company and has plenty of money, but for years they have had a poor quality product. That is why they simply bought VentureShield instead of improving their own film. Again if they have a new film I want to see it but they dont even advertise it on their website.... so not sure where this new film is at.

The Xpel Ultimate film and the new Suntek film have self healing top coats... so basically scratches heal when the car is parked out in the sun. They are also resistant to harsh chemicals... and wont damage if gasoline, laquer thinner.... are appplied to it. The Suntek film is also VERY pliable so it stretches very easily which means more surface can be covered... especially around curved areas. It is also very durable and doesnt tear that easily making it a great film for custom installs.

 

We have been installing both window film and paint protection since 1997. We recently switched to a product called PhotoSync that is by far the best window film we have been installing. IR rejection comes in at 98.5% and TSER at about 65%. We tested it on two McLarens -

http://www.luxury4play.com/mclaren/1...ndow-film.html

 

I'll be getting the 3M ceramic tint. Based on my exhaustive research this is the best.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...eramic_Series/

Drawback: takes 4-5 hrs to get the application. Will see when I have enough time for this.

 

Since the rear windows already have dark tint, we went to a local tint store & had 35% (max legal tint in Texas) tint done for the 2 front side windows for $45. Some generic brand, not 3M, but it still had lifetime warranty against defects & purpleing. 99% UV protection. Good enough for us for reasonable heat & UV/sunblock protection...