[nyalpine90]

i would have to agree with poor paint quality, i bought mine last year Nov 2011 i have 13k miles and front bumpur has few tiny chips.

[Jan van Zyl]

Originally Posted by ianfp

I think the paint on BMWs is generally poor, with orange peel being worse than most other manufacturers. I haven't had a chance to look properly at the finish on the X3 because there are so few on the roads where I live.

On a white F25 the orange peel seems to be more noticeable - with minor scratches/swirls less so. There definitely seems to be less orange peel on VW/Audi and Mercedes products - but they do seem to be common on all new vehicles according to this very interesting article:

http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...-it-a-problem/

As for the clear bra: I think it can be taken off (by a specialist in that field) when the vehicle is sold/traded - if the new owner requires that. There may a qualitative/optical difference compared to the unprotected area/s - but I may be corrected on that.

[NYCX3]

Originally Posted by sfax

No but phones do get dropped and screens do get scratched so it's a fair analogy IMO. It's personal preference but I wouldn't want anything permanently stuck on the car like that

Protective film is not permanent, and can be removed without a problem, from a phone screen or a car.

[NYCX3]

Originally Posted by cooldude00

think there's an element of culture as well... i've never seen these on cars other than in the US...

i agree with you sfax... wouldn't do it myself either.. my iphone doesn't have a screen protector or a case either... that's how manufacturers intended for them to be used...

The manufacturer of phones makes more money when you buy a new phone if your old phone gets damaged or screen cracks from fall, a screen protector will prevent that from damaging. It's like putting a rubber floor mat over the stock carpeting in the car, you need a layer of protection to keep original surface in good shape... like for when it's time to sell the car, which = more profit for you.

[sfax]

Permanent as in it will remain on for the entire time that you own the car, not permanent as in immovable.

Like I said, each to their own but I don't think I'll be swayed by the resale argument either which to me is keeping the car paintwork covered so that the next owner can enjoy it (in preference to you who has been driving round in a brand new car with plastic stuck on the bonnet)