Quote:
Originally Posted by jiggz
So I started this thread last October and now that spring is right around the corner, so is a major detail which means I need to decide what to do with my current clear bra.
I had a top-rated detail/film shop in the Seattle area (Metropolitan detail in Bellevue for those local to me) take a look at my vehicle recently, and they confirmed my film has 1) done a great job at protecting the front end of my X5, but 2) is completely faded/yellowed/worn out. He was pretty certain it's VentureShield, which doesn't seem to be one of the preferred films?
I was quoted roughy $2500 for a full front Xpel wrap (full hood and fenders) - this seems high - thoughts? I could have a full front respray done for that!
He said given the wheel arches are a different panel from the fender, and all the intricate cutouts required, it's adds to the material and labor.
I guess the silver lining is - it's only $150 to remove it all and the paint under there has been protected all these years thanks to the prior owner.
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From someone who's actually installed clear bra before, my thoughts:
1. wow! $2500 sounds really high. For $3000, I can get my entire M3 wrapped. I installed a clear bra on my M3, front clip half hood, and materials alone was $400-ish, including having to cut a replacement fender b/c I fucked up. I used ventureshield though I don't think xpel is that much more expensive.
He is correct on the cutting part though. The more curves and panels you have on the car, the more times he'll need to cut the film. Every time he cuts, he creates waste materials, but again, I don't think materials costs that much more, and I don't think the X5 is significantly more materials than a M3, I would estimate maybe 20% more.
But he is incorrect that with more panels it's harder or longer to install. It's easier to install on a smaller panel than it is on a larger panel. The number of panels shouldn't exponentially increase the cost of the install. In fact it should make the install faster and smoother and require LESS labor.
2. I would remove the old bra if it bothers you a lot. I wouldn't install again, if you really don't drive highways or drive the car much or in winter time or on gravel.
3. I question whether it was originally even ventureshield. My ventureshield was installed in 2013 and it's nowhere close to discoloration. It looks as perfect as the day I installed it and I've put 18k miles on it since install. I also religiously wash and wax the clear bra along with the rest of the car at least 8 times a year.
4. I was thinking about doing the install on my E70 X5 myself. The pain part is the front bumper. But if he cuts it in half, it should be straight forward. I estimate my M3 was much harder. Also, there is much less painted bumper to cover on the X5 than the M3. I assume you're not covering the black plastic pieces?
6. You should seriously consider buying the materials precut, and installing it yourself. There are youtube videos out there, and they're pretty accurate. I did my M3, it's wasn't 100% perfect, but I've seen install on M3s with the exact same film and same cut, and theirs looks exactly like mine. If I were to do it again, I can ensure it'll look 99% professional. You'll need 3 people to do the hood though, and may take a weekend, but you can handle it for less than $800 in materials. In fact for my half hood front clip install, I was quoted $300 for precut ventureshield for my X5. And the guy is willing to work with me to help me pick my templates. If you're a perfectionist and your helpers have never done this work before, don't do it and pay for the service. Your first time will never be perfect.
All I have to say is, if you're paying $2500, it better look 1000000% perfect, and he better wash the car for you, and deliver it back to you before lunchtime.
If you're interested, send me a PM, and I can show you pics of my install.