[Ewrek]

Hey fellow e90 heads.....I am posting this because I want to share some information with you all. For those of you getting dark colors or who are afraid of getting rock chips from the driving, I would suggest this product: Clear Armor. It is a clear protective sticker that covers the front of the hood, front bumper, headlights, side-view mirrors and the rear under the truk where there is heavy traffic from removing and putting stuff in. It is kind of like a clear bra that protects your paint against rock and debris chips. Initially, there was one drawback that made the sticker turn yellow with constant sun exposure and age. But the new improved armor is UV protectant and won't discolor guaranted. BMW offers something similar but from my understanding it is thin and not as thick as Clear Armor. I called a rep for the e90 kit to see if they had it yet... and to my suprise, they have the kit already made. Hope this helps anyone who might want to do the same. I have been quoted at $800 bucks. and for those you in the bay area, cali, feel free to e-mail me for my contact. For reference, here is the website to do some research of your own. It is even endorsed by "Jerry Rice"!!

http://www.cleararmorinc.com

[cosmosblau]

Kind of reminds me of the plastic slipcovers my grandparents had on their sofa. Who wants to sit on that?

The plastic on your hood can't be removed when company comes, though.

[bozo5521]

Is that like the stongard stuff? that is a real competitive market...BMW makes their own kits as well, and they are supposedly fairly inexpensive...

I think the biggest issue is the "breaks" in the pieces..Some products are broken into several pieces, making it easy for dirt and grime to get into the parts where the material meet...Others can produce "sheets" that have NO or very little breaks, making it more transparent...Either way, it sounds like a good idea!!

[Armen52]

Ewrek,

I believe this product is similar to the Stongard and X-pel kits being discussed in another section of the forum. I started a thread there on the topic. Also, the Stongard E90 kit is around $500 before install.

I think I am going to skip the whole thing though. Its an awful lot of money and I don't think rock chips are that big of a deal. I might buy a leather bra for around $100 to use on interstate trips and that's all.

[roburado]

Originally Posted by Armen52

Ewrek,

I believe this product is similar to the Stongard and X-pel kits being discussed in another section of the forum. I started a thread there on the topic. Also, the Stongard E90 kit is around $500 before install.

I think I am going to skip the whole thing though. Its an awful lot of money and I don't think rock chips are that big of a deal. I might buy a leather bra for around $100 to use on interstate trips and that's all.

Where one lives can really determine how useful this type of product is. Here in Michigan, if you look at many of the pre-owned BMWs, many have lots of stone chips on their hoods, etc. The roads just crumble to pieces, and all those pieces fly up and hit cars. I've had to replace a windshield on my '03 Passat due to a stone chip. My friend who bought a 2002 325Ci, whose previous owner replaced the windshield once for that reason. Then, my friend had to do the same after a few months due to another stone chip. So, here in Michigan, I can totally see getting Stongard, XPel, whatever. In Berkeley, CA, I wouldn't get it. Orange County, L.A....probably not. San Bernardino County, if you drive I-15 a lot, maybe.

[agarbati]

Originally Posted by Armen52

Ewrek,

I think I am going to skip the whole thing though. Its an awful lot of money and I don't think rock chips are that big of a deal. I might buy a leather bra for around $100 to use on interstate trips and that's all.

Same here, a vinyl bra for interstate trips and splash guards for the undersides. I don't think the bra is made of leather.

[Armen52]

Hehe you're right. Wouldn't be very smart for the bra to be made of leather. Vinyl is what I meant.

roburado, I won't be in Berkeley, CA after this week. I'm moving to the Seattle area in July right after I take delivery of the car. I guess the roads might be a bit worse there but still probably not as bad as Michigan.

[Ewrek]

Well guys, just an option for you all, I wanted it because I don't want to worry about the rock chips and stuff like that ruining the appearance of my car, plus it blends so well with darker colors.

[actionj_99]

Ewrek,

How much coverage does Clear Armor provide? Does it include Headlights, foglights, door handles, etc...?

I have an appointment on Monday.

Thanks,
Sam