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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Wash, Wax, Detailing and Cosmetic protection/repairs > 335is Clear Bra?



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      05-10-2011, 12:43 PM   #1
blinkme323
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335is Clear Bra?

Hey guys, I'm trying to get a clear bra installed on my new 335is. Quotes that I've gotten so far have been for about $750 installed for bumper, hood, fender, and mirrors. However, I can buy the complete kit and install myself for about $350.

My question is, has anyone installed the clar bra on their 335is? And if so, is it worth it for me to try and install it myself or should I just take it to a professional?

Thanks!
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      05-10-2011, 01:24 PM   #2
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I don't know anyone that has tried on their own but looking at posts about installs it's a multi person job that takes some skill and experience to trim it just right. I'd pay to have someone do it.

My gut is that if you tried it yourself you'd ruin a $350 kit and then have to pay $750 to have it done right. Remember that its not just applying it but polishing and prepping the paint perfectly before you apply and trim etc etc
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      05-10-2011, 01:30 PM   #3
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Agreed with the above. This is better left to someone with experience installing clearbras.
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      05-10-2011, 04:19 PM   #4
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dont buy the kit. pre cut ones will have poor fitment and won't cover everything. Most reputable clear bra dealers will cut it to have it custom fitted to make it clean. trust me on this one
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      05-10-2011, 07:21 PM   #5
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Agree with everyone here... I researched clearbras and application for a while and all came down with the same results. It's a pain to put on yourself if you don't have the experience or skills and will definitely be worth your time to just have someone else put it on. Paid $400 to have all mine done... 3M brand and if they do a good job, you should be able to hardly tell it's on there...

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      05-10-2011, 07:53 PM   #6
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If you've gotta ask you should pay somebody to do it
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      05-10-2011, 07:56 PM   #7
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Definitely have a pro do it. 750 seems high for a 3 series.
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      05-12-2011, 08:06 AM   #8
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If this isn't done 100% properly and perfectly it's going to make your entire car look bad. It's going over your finish...

definitely consider doing the full hood, you don't see a line cutting across your hood. Not to mention the added protection.

I had mine done in long branch Nj by clearblanj.com they did a fantastic job.

Full hood
Mirrors
Full bumper
Lights
Front fenders
Both rocker panels
Was around a $900-1000

This was the first thing I had done to my car. Before I ever took it on the highway, it didn't even have 300 miles on it.

I have almost 9000 miles now, there's not a single chip, or nick on leading edge surfaces. This is my first clearbra, i won't own a new car without one again. It's fantastic. (goes to find wood to knock on)
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      05-13-2011, 01:49 AM   #9
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Hey, I definitely recommend having a professional do it. Most professionals will offer you some type of warranty. I got my white 335i done 2 years ago (Full hood, full front bumper, full side fenders, side mirrors, head lights, and that trunk area on the bumper) for $1000. I completely feel that it's worth it. The only down side to my experience is that I went to a "professional", but got a cruddy job. Maybe cause it's two years later, but there's dirt stuck on the edges and some edges bubbled (bottom of the mirrors). This wouldn't be a problem to me if my car were black.

I think it's such a good investment in the long run, but I hate how it looks right now. I'm willing to go shell another grand to re do it, that's how much I like it.

PS. The guy looked like he had a difficult time putting it on. Imagine this... is your arm span wide enough to touch one end of your hood to the other? Yeah....

Last edited by Alina; 05-13-2011 at 01:51 AM.. Reason: Didn't make sense
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      05-20-2011, 02:14 PM   #10
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Just had the clear bra installed on the bumper , hood, fender, and mirrors. It looks great! Of course though, I found a tiny chip on the one part of the bumper that is exposed which is about a 1/8 inch space. Ridiculous.
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      05-23-2011, 01:33 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blinkme323 View Post
Just had the clear bra installed on the bumper , hood, fender, and mirrors. It looks great! Of course though, I found a tiny chip on the one part of the bumper that is exposed which is about a 1/8 inch space. Ridiculous.
I drove my car from the dealer to the installer and got a chip in the center of the hood on the way there. It was so loud I thought the windshield cracked.
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