3M clear bra & Headlight protection
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 6
From: S.E. FLA.
05 ML-500 , 03 CLK5.5 AMG has left the Garage
3M clear bra & Headlight protection
In April 2009 I purchased a new Mercedes Benz car , and had a clear Bra & head light protection installed by an Authorized Dealer / installer shop. I question about passed known issues of yellowing & adhesion at the edges. They clearly indicated those were problems of the pass & had been corrected. I think I'm a good customer. I've had 2 cars done & maybe doing my ML next.
This pass winter I noticed that there was some ( what looks like black & green mold ) wicking at the under side of all the edges. Now mind you I was asked to use only ...Xpel brand Paint Protection Film Sealant. With this I brought Detailer Pride auto Spa washing soap. I still use both of these products . So after four years of drive this car I notice this mold and I take the car back to the 3M retailer / Installer. He inspects the clear Bra. And there are some areas where it shows signs of protecting against stone chips. But he asked if I keep the car in a Garage , out left outside in the sun . I indicate the cars was not always garaged , but exposed to the Florida sun , as normal daily usage . I get the feeling that there is going to be some back peddling. !! So I went over the warrantee paper issued at the time of Purchase . It doesn't have a clause for exposing a car to the sun. This car was never stored outside for any period of time & is Used & moved daily . He / the dealer , seems to thing there will be no warranty recourse What's your opinion
Thanks for reading My Rant _PTEngineering
This pass winter I noticed that there was some ( what looks like black & green mold ) wicking at the under side of all the edges. Now mind you I was asked to use only ...Xpel brand Paint Protection Film Sealant. With this I brought Detailer Pride auto Spa washing soap. I still use both of these products . So after four years of drive this car I notice this mold and I take the car back to the 3M retailer / Installer. He inspects the clear Bra. And there are some areas where it shows signs of protecting against stone chips. But he asked if I keep the car in a Garage , out left outside in the sun . I indicate the cars was not always garaged , but exposed to the Florida sun , as normal daily usage . I get the feeling that there is going to be some back peddling. !! So I went over the warrantee paper issued at the time of Purchase . It doesn't have a clause for exposing a car to the sun. This car was never stored outside for any period of time & is Used & moved daily . He / the dealer , seems to thing there will be no warranty recourse What's your opinion
Thanks for reading My Rant _PTEngineering
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 13
From: tampa florida
19 f-150 limited (w/raptor engine) 06 e55,81SC Targa,08 CLK63 BLK,91 E34 M5
i hate those 3m shields on the front of the bumper. The headlights are fine, because for the bumper it does bake on the paint really good and then turn yellow.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 5
From: Chicago
03 E55 AMG, 06 Harley Road King Custom 06 Ram 2500 Cummins, 97 Firebird Race Car, 88 Cutlass Supreme
When I bought my E55 the previous owner had a clear bra of some sort installed. It has not yellowed at all, but my car rarely ever see's the sun. Garage kept at home, and sits in an underground garage while I am at work. I do have a bit of the black shmootz on the edges in some areas though. I feel its the adhesive that runs up to the edge of the film that is getting dirt stuck to it. It's a pain to clean off and I fear if I do work at cleaning it well I will be left with a slight edge of the film where the adhesive was pulled out that would be a point for peeling to begin.
I'm at a bit of a crossroads though. I recently had some clown run into my car and some spots that have this film was not replaced by the shop I had do the work. I don't know if I want to replace it or not honestly. I've thought of trying to remove the old stuff form other places on the car but fear making a horrible mess of it. Do I want to add more of this junk on my car though? Tough choice as I can clearly see it has stopped some stone chips. Whoever had it installed got the whole shebang though, edges of all the doors, mirrors, whole front bumper and hood, part of the fender leading edge, even in the indentations for the door handles. These are the ones that seem to show/attract the most dirt lines.
Can this stuff be safely removed without gallons of harsh goo gone and years of labor??
I'm at a bit of a crossroads though. I recently had some clown run into my car and some spots that have this film was not replaced by the shop I had do the work. I don't know if I want to replace it or not honestly. I've thought of trying to remove the old stuff form other places on the car but fear making a horrible mess of it. Do I want to add more of this junk on my car though? Tough choice as I can clearly see it has stopped some stone chips. Whoever had it installed got the whole shebang though, edges of all the doors, mirrors, whole front bumper and hood, part of the fender leading edge, even in the indentations for the door handles. These are the ones that seem to show/attract the most dirt lines.
Can this stuff be safely removed without gallons of harsh goo gone and years of labor??
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 624
Likes: 1
Mercedes
It's there to protect your car, at least your car is not fading, getting chipped up from rocks, swirling, scratching and aging. I have my whole front end done and some more through out the car probably 70% of the car but I drive mine in the winter as well. I figure if it lasts 2 or 3 years and it needs to be re-done its still better than repainting your car and cheaper. Just my 2cents.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 11
From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
Current 3M film is recommended for light colored cars, 3M Ventureshield
(3M bought the company and made minor improvements) for dark colored cars. The early films had a lifetime warranty but 3M have cut it back to 10 years or something even though the new film of both types is a better product.
Get it through an authorized shop, much cheaper than the stealer. 1badassnenz is right on all counts; we did the entire 13 GLK!
(3M bought the company and made minor improvements) for dark colored cars. The early films had a lifetime warranty but 3M have cut it back to 10 years or something even though the new film of both types is a better product.
Get it through an authorized shop, much cheaper than the stealer. 1badassnenz is right on all counts; we did the entire 13 GLK!
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 6
From: S.E. FLA.
05 ML-500 , 03 CLK5.5 AMG has left the Garage
GOOD NEWS FROM 3M installer
Well, I was driving to an appointment with another clear Bra installer. A change in installer & Product Brand. And I got a call from the original Installer. I pulled off the road to see what was coming. He indicated that 3M has authorized him , to completely remove the Clear Film & replace it with There latest product. I'm Quite Please . With this Pleasant surprise , I will continue to use this installer & 3M clear shield . I made an appointment for my ML also .
_PTEngineering
_PTEngineering
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 17
From: Southern California
E55 w/ goods, Z32 Project underway
They will yellow over time, but I always run them. Keeps the bumper looking new and once they turn, just use some heat, peel, do it again. Most members here have chipped up bumpers, guaranteed. 
That would drive me nuts.
That would drive me nuts.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, CA / Orange, CA
CLK DTM
Look into ClearGuardX made by Prestige Film Technologies. Exceptional durability and clarity.
www.prestige-films.com
or
408-657-3880
www.prestige-films.com
or
408-657-3880
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,083
Likes: 88
local guy with a lambo did the front bumper all the way up the hood and both front fenders -
