[AC888]

I am planning to add a 3m film to the front bumper as I always drive on the Motorway and A road.

The Msport has quite a large painted area in the front and this will looks really bad after a few miles with stone chips.

Anyone have done this on their cars? please advise on whether its a good decision?

Thanks!

[tuco44]

I will be doing it soon. The problem right now is the local installer does not have the front bumper template for the MSport front end, which is different from the regular X3 template he already has.

I think it is worthwhile, particularly if winter driven over sanded pavement. The 3M front treatment helps reduce stone chips.

[11x35SapphireBlk]

Did it on a non M. Have done it the last 6 cars I have owned. Will always do it from here on. So yes it is a good decision in my opinion.

[AC888]

My installer said they can custom the film with their computer
Booked fit next week
First time I fit this as all my other cars have quite a few stone chips and try to do something to avoid this for the new car

[mexxdude]

How much does it cost for regular X3s?

[AC888]

I was quoted £250 just for the bumper
£500 for the completed kit, but I think other areas are not necessary

[mexxdude]

I guess I should have been more specific in my question.

How much does it cost in US? It seems like a great idea to protect the front bumpers from all the construction that's going on in metro DC area.

[AC888]

Normally you only need to convert the £ sign to $ for the cost in US:-)

[LEDZEP]

Called my film guy (the one who did a great job on my E90) as soon as my X3 arrived, but the problem is that there are no patterns yet for the M Sport. He said he'd keep an eye out for me.

[mexxdude]

I contacted a local store which installs 3M Scotchgard and got a quote of $895 for their complete package, which includes:

Hood, Fender and Mirror Protection
Bumper Protection
Headlight and Foglight Protection

If I only want hood and bumper protection, then it's $795. sounds expensive to me.

[11x35SapphireBlk]

my dealers retail was $800. They claimed their cost was $542. I could get it done by an independent guy for ~ $500. For $42 I just had the dealer do it as they were willing to do it for "cost".
My other vehicles all varied from $400-$600.

[andyoesq]

How does it work? does the film get banged up and replaced over time? how does it look long term?

[11x35SapphireBlk]

Originally Posted by andyoesq

How does it work? does the film get banged up and replaced over time? how does it look long term?

it is a clear film much like window tint but more pliable. When most debris hit the film gives and the debris bounces off. Sometimes the film gets an indentation that will relax back to normal after a few days. Occasionally the debris nicks the film and leaves a permanent nick. Hence doing its job and saving you paint.

I have only kept a car for ~ 5 years with it on (and that is 3M's warranty period). I would say depending on how OCD you are...you may have it removed and reapplied after 5 years. Degree of nicks depends on your driving environment.

[andyoesq]

does it do anything to the paint / surface underneath after all that time on?
Sounds interesting

[TarHeelFan]

I had this installed on my car and explained it in a previous post. I am 100% very happy with this product and would never use a pre-cut film. The installers (link below) custom fit the pieces as opposed to a pre-cut piece. There are far too many variables and you're relying on absolute precision for anything pre-cut. Not to mention that one slip-up during install will ruin everything.

Here's what I had covered: Front wrap including 20” of hood protection, partial front fenders, Headlights, full front bumper wrap, mirrors, and door edges for $795

http://avoclearbra.com/Starting%20Line.html

[11x35SapphireBlk]

Originally Posted by andyoesq

does it do anything to the paint / surface underneath after all that time on?
Sounds interesting

no negative effect, peel it off. Takes a little effort, but looks like brand new underneath.

[XRP]

Can you notice it????

[mexxdude]

I also have the same question. Let say you install the protective film on the bumper and hood, will they look different from the rest of the car (color, shine, etc)?

[TarHeelFan]

I've got the deep sea blue and the only thing that can be seen is a slight line where the cover ends at the 20" mark. It's something that you have to look for to see. I got this covering done on Feb 2nd and I've never had anyone ask me what the line is - which means they either don't notice it or it's not worth asking about. I do know that on the lighter colored cars the line is even less noticeable. Bottom line - I'm glad I got it and I know that it's saved several chips.

[Bill S]

A very interesting process!
Particularly so given the extensive tar & chip that seems to be the only way they now repair UK roads.

Much seems to depend upon the quality of the installation process.

Has anyone experience with Paintshield in the UK?
It seems to get very good comment over on PistonHeads.

[11x35SapphireBlk]

Originally Posted by Bill S

A very interesting process!
Particularly so given the extensive tar & chip that seems to be the only way they now repair UK roads.

Much seems to depend upon the quality of the installation process.

Has anyone experience with Paintshield in the UK?
It seems to get very good comment over on PistonHeads.

same concept as 3M offers.

[LEDZEP]

Quality of intallation is everything. Don't skimp on that and be sorry later. Ask your dealer or local detail shop for recommendations.