Front Paint Protection
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Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 118
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From: LA
2013 ML550
Front Paint Protection
Nowadays, I think everyone is suggesting the the clear 3M bra to protect the front paint from rock chips and all..
I'm just curious, what happened to the fabric front bra? They just went away. Is it because they caused more damage then good?
What's everyone's thought about this?
I'm just curious, what happened to the fabric front bra? They just went away. Is it because they caused more damage then good?
What's everyone's thought about this?
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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
The bras are incredibly stupid. Not only do they look absolutely hideous, but they also cause damage to the paint. Small rocks and sand would get stuck between the bra and paint causing lots of scratches (the same reason I hate putting a case on my phone- small debris would get caught between the phone and case causing scratches which defeats the whole purpose of buying said "protection" in the first place).
The clear film is miles better as it's virtually invisible to the untrained eye and does protect from rock chips very well. There are, however, different kinds of clear protection films. The cheaper and crappier solutions are the precut kits which do not fit perfectly around all the seems of the car. Over time certain areas will peel up and it starts to look bad. The more expensive and better way to go is a custom cut kit where the installer cuts each piece while on the car to get an absolute perfect fitment with a minimal amount of seems. It's also nice to have the whole hood covered in one piece rather than a "bra" cut so that there's one fewer seem. (The S-Class in the photo you showed is a "bra" cut where you will see the line while the CLK is doing the whole hood which is much cleaner)
The clear film is miles better as it's virtually invisible to the untrained eye and does protect from rock chips very well. There are, however, different kinds of clear protection films. The cheaper and crappier solutions are the precut kits which do not fit perfectly around all the seems of the car. Over time certain areas will peel up and it starts to look bad. The more expensive and better way to go is a custom cut kit where the installer cuts each piece while on the car to get an absolute perfect fitment with a minimal amount of seems. It's also nice to have the whole hood covered in one piece rather than a "bra" cut so that there's one fewer seem. (The S-Class in the photo you showed is a "bra" cut where you will see the line while the CLK is doing the whole hood which is much cleaner)
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 213
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From: Quebec-Canada
2013 ML-63 AMG- 2010 C350 4matic
I installed the paint protection film at the MB Dealership. They do not use 3M but Protex which claims to be a better product. The film is practically invisible except for a fine line on the edge. The film is installed on the hood, front fenders and front bumper. Excellent protection for that expansive Diamond White Paint.
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Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 118
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From: LA
2013 ML550
I installed the paint protection film at the MB Dealership. They do not use 3M but Protex which claims to be a better product. The film is practically invisible except for a fine line on the edge. The film is installed on the hood, front fenders and front bumper. Excellent protection for that expansive Diamond White Paint.
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Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Florida
2012 ML350 Blue Tec,2014 SLK 250
Don't know if it is the same stuff or not but 5 years ago we had the Toyota dealer install the film on our new Prius. It yellowed after 3 years and they replaced it at no charge. It is starting to discolor again and will need to be replaced again. It looks great while new and really protects well. Our vehicle is white. I would not do it again and, as our MB is white, we didn't even consider it at purchase. Just my 2 cents.
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From: Quebec-Canada
2013 ML-63 AMG- 2010 C350 4matic
C$700.00. For the hood, both front fenders, side mirrors, front bumper and lights. Quebec is a major construction site these days on all highways and most main city streets. Construction trucks leave stone debris and particles every where. Any protection is a blessing.
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 118
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From: LA
2013 ML550
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Quebec-Canada
2013 ML-63 AMG- 2010 C350 4matic
I did not ask for headlights and mirrors. They were part of the dealer De Luxe package. For $400, they do part of the hood with very small patches on the front fenders but no front bumper. The front bumper option includes the rest. Soon I will do the lower door panels. This is where the 21" wheels throw their projectiles at low and high speeds and damage the doors.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
