GTscrub

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?

xxGenericSNxx

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)

jean7of9

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.

GTscrub

How much did it set you back?

Willie T

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.

ferrariyellow44

Those vinyl bras went away for a reason, theyre ugly as hell! Clear bras are the way to go if you want the front end protected

xxGenericSNxx

It really depends on what film you use. Some films are going to be higher quality than others. Some will yellow sooner than others.

jean7of9

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.

GregW / Oregon

It should run around $800 - 950. I considered doing it but have not yet. I would not bother with headlights and mirrors, as I have not had issues with those.

GTscrub

Is this the stuff they push you to buy in financing so they can give you a better deal?

jean7of9

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.

GregW / Oregon

Not sure about the better deal. My dealer's quote, however, was very close to ones I got after purchase, so it didn't seem like a gouge.