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      10-05-2011, 06:27 PM   #1
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Thumbs up Paint Protection Film (clear bra) now avail for M Sport

XPEL now (finally) has the front bumper pattern available for the 2011 X3 M Sport.

http://www.xpel.com/products/paint_p...&submodel=6983

They don't list it yet with the headlight washers, but I'm assuming my film guy will hand cut them. I'm having mine done next Tuesday.

Already did the hood, mirrors, and lights - so this will complete the job and I'll feel soooo much better on the freeway.
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      10-05-2011, 06:53 PM   #2
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That's good news, at last.
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      10-05-2011, 08:16 PM   #3
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I am considering the same...how does the film look once installed? Is it visible, especially relative to the non-protected areas? Also, on xpel's website, there are two options for the hood package: bikini cut and normal. Which one did you go for and what exactly is the difference? They look the same from the description. Sorry for the many questions...BTW, this clear bra is on the expensive side.
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      10-06-2011, 08:46 AM   #4
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My car was actually the template for the pre-cut! Got it done at EVS Motorsports in Houston, TX. I really like the new clear bra material compared to the stuff I got in 2006 on my Infiniti.
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      10-06-2011, 08:47 AM   #5
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Here's them doing it a couple of weeks ago.

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      10-06-2011, 11:45 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yakkolio View Post
My car was actually the template for the pre-cut! Got it done at EVS Motorsports in Houston, TX. I really like the new clear bra material compared to the stuff I got in 2006 on my Infiniti.
Cool. Yeah, my film guy said that they do the patterns in TX and were waiting for access to an M Sport. A little limiting in my opinion to only be able to pattern cars in one location.

It's too bad you don't have the headlight washers, as the pattern does not have that cutout... I presume my installer will have to hand cut for those.
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      10-06-2011, 11:48 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by x3valk View Post
I am considering the same...how does the film look once installed? Is it visible, especially relative to the non-protected areas? Also, on xpel's website, there are two options for the hood package: bikini cut and normal. Which one did you go for and what exactly is the difference? They look the same from the description. Sorry for the many questions...BTW, this clear bra is on the expensive side.
Bikini cut has an arch to it, where the normal is straight across the hood. It is virtually invisible. You will lose some of the gloss and lustre of your finish, but only under certain lighting conditions. It is a bit pricey, but will last the life of the vehicle.
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      10-06-2011, 12:28 PM   #8
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Do you guys pay a shop to do this? I wouldn't mind paying someone to put a good wax on my car and then seal it. What's the service going for and who does it? I am in Central Texas.
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      10-06-2011, 03:04 PM   #9
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Yes, you find a qualified installer and they apply the film. There are a few brave souls who DIY, but I would never attempt that for a job like this. Like many trades, the skill of application is everything when it comes to the quality of the job.

You can go to the XPEL website and look for a local area installer. They'll quote you on the job.
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      10-07-2011, 07:12 AM   #10
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how does waxing or polishing affect the film after it's installed?
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      10-07-2011, 07:40 AM   #11
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Don't polish the film. Polishing removes material, and could leave ultra-fine marks in the film. Waxing is not a problem. Some people have trouble with wax residue along the edges of the film, but this can either be removed by carefully using the buff cloth or avoided by careful application. I personally don't use the same wax on the film as I do on the paint. I either use Turtle Wax ICE, or simply use Plexus to clean and protect it.
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      10-11-2011, 04:25 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by yakkolio View Post
Here's them doing it a couple of weeks ago.

Well, apparently they didn't do a very good job on the pattern. My film guy is doing mine today, and he said that everything matched up perfectly except one fog light hole was waaay of. He had to start over and cut a pattern without the light holes so that he can hand cut them.

He still has the car... I should get it back early this evening.
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      10-12-2011, 10:38 AM   #13
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I'll check mine and get back with you. Thanks for the update.
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      10-12-2011, 12:25 PM   #14
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2022 X4M40i  [10.00]
Ledzep, how'd it turn out? Post some pics if you can....
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      10-12-2011, 01:30 PM   #15
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Turned out very good. Better even than the E90, which served me well for 4 years. I will put up some photos when I get a chance to take a few.
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      10-12-2011, 02:11 PM   #16
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so why do none of these companies offer this protection on the doors? its all fenders, hood, bumpers.

I understand front hood/bumper, but where I really need it is on the doors, our cars get so many scratches and door dings (paint marks), especially our SUV that I would want this sort of protection on the doors more than a rear bumper or even my hood.
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      10-12-2011, 02:27 PM   #17
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Mako - A good installer can custom cover any part of the vehicle you'd like... I've seen entire exotics wrapped (Audi R8, Ferrari, etc.) but the typical patterns are designed to protect against common driving damage caused by frontal impact of small objects.

The problem with doors is that it is the size and weight of the impact - a car door swung into you car is going to leave a crease or dent, regardless of PPF. The only salvation there might be that a good dent repair guy could get it out and the paint is not damaged.

It can be done - you'd just have to find the right installer and negotiate the price.

Actually - you should hone your skills and become a pro installer. I just want to be able to say "Uh-oh, better get Mako!"
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      10-12-2011, 03:30 PM   #18
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Okay, here are some photos after the full install of the PPF (clear bra, for you Missing Persons fans).

I boosted the contrast and reduced the brightness and saturation in a couple of the closeups near the end of these, to really show the edge of the film. It is not that easy to see with the naked eye under any light condition. The hood is wrapped with a 'bikini cut' that goes approx. 18 inches up. Fender corners, painted mirror surfaces, headlight and fog light lenses, and the entire front fascia. He had to hand cut the headlight washer covers - because the template did not have those cutouts available. It's pretty well wrapped and goes "in" quite far in all the key areas in the front.
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      10-12-2011, 04:37 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LEDZEP View Post
The problem with doors is that it is the size and weight of the impact - a car door swung into you car is going to leave a crease or dent, regardless of PPF. The only salvation there might be that a good dent repair guy could get it out and the paint is not damaged.

See thats the key, paint! I have a good dent guy that can get almost any ding out, but if the paint is messed up you are screwed. this film should prevent that and the SCRATCHES, both my wife and I can't avoid them, not sure if they are door scratches or just A-holes doing it on purpose (especially with my C63).

Also note that the paint on our LR2 sucked, it was Ford paint (had a Mazda speed6 in the past with the same bad paint issues, also Ford owned at the time...). Hoping BMW will be better but I did see someone post that BMW paint is bad as well (the whole eco friendly crap )

by the way, car looks great! I would have gotten white but the wife "needs color", haven't seen a Red X3 in person (dealers can't order them for the lot, only custom orders), but I think it should look good with the M sport package.
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      10-12-2011, 05:21 PM   #20
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Mako - you should find an installer and talk to him about the doors. Anything is doable, and a good installer can cut freehand. My guy had to hand cut for the headlight washers, and also for the fog lights, since the pattern in the computer was messed up.

Agree VR M Sport will look great - there are some photos in the M Sport Owners photo thread.
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      10-12-2011, 06:27 PM   #21
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Mako - by the way, car looks great! I would have gotten white but the wife "needs color", haven't seen a Red X3 in person (dealers can't order them for the lot, only custom orders), but I think it should look good with the M sport package.

Here you go....
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      10-12-2011, 07:02 PM   #22
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tuco - get those badges off (we don't need no stinking badges) and get some film on the front!!
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