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      06-04-2015, 10:31 AM   #1
BookemDano
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Question Paint protection film on your X3 M Sport?

I'm getting ready to order a 2016 Space Gray M Sport X3. Given the amount of painted surfaces versus the non-M Sport models, it seems to me that paint protection film is advisable.

Does anyone use a paint protection film on their X3 M Sport? What brand? Full? Half? Something else? Any recommended installers in the Seattle area?

Thanks for any feedback.

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Dan.
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      06-04-2015, 01:10 PM   #2
Tjalle
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For some reason, it is called "helicopter tape" in my neck of the woods. No I don`t see any need for it. Lower body "M" is same on X3 and X4.
I have cover for top end of rear bumper due to Golden Retriever.

I believe that earlier habit of using a "bra" on the front has gone out of fashion in the US of A
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      06-05-2015, 04:16 AM   #3
Speedbird1
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If it helps, here is my 10000 mile, 10 month old 30d M Sport after a wash and reapplication of the BMW nanowax - looks like new I think. No discernible stone chips or other paint wear found. Looks like the finish is relatively hard wearing.
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      06-05-2015, 04:44 PM   #4
BookemDano
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Gentlemen (Ladies?),

Thanks for the feedback. Right now I'm leaning back towards not using any kind of paint protection film.

Regards,

Dan.
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      06-05-2015, 05:23 PM   #5
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Dan, my car has recently been attacked by sea gulls and it has damaged the lacquer. The problem is mainly on the hood, so if I was buying new now, I would consider the clear protection film on the hood only.
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      06-07-2015, 12:38 AM   #6
Tjalle
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ianfp, then they will attack your roof - trust me
You have to remove and polish within 24 hours - then no problem.
It will first attack your clear coat.

A crazy Norwegian on the X4 forum, had his new car wrapped in "non gloss" film to get a unique colour. This is not uncommon "on the Continent".
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      06-07-2015, 02:42 AM   #7
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I agree totally with Tjalle. Just remove bird strikes as soon as practically possible and you should be ok. Don't ignore insects stuck to the front and wing mirrors either, as their enzymes will also eat into the laquer. Just a quick hose down at the end of a drive (particularly in the summer) until you can re-polish seems to have worked for me.

Makes the missus think I am forever washing the car but trust me, it's worth doing
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      06-07-2015, 02:53 AM   #8
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Tjalle, for some reason they like the hood! Owing to the height of the roof, the damage is less obvious.

Speedbird1, I hosed the strikes within 2 hours of it happening and it had already etched deeply into the lacquer. I ended up rubbing down the damaged patches followed by a dual action polishing machine. In the right light, it is still possible to see the strikes!
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