The full masks are tedious and a big pain. However, I've always purchased the Colgan Sport Masks for all my Bimmers. The sport masks protect the vulnerable front end of your hood. I just bought a 2011 128i this past August. Finally, after 8 weeks, I just got my mask from Colgan. That clear stuff it worthless. Unlike that clear junk, a mask will prevent all chips and DENTS too. The mask will also absorb or deflect debris from causing further damage. And with a little care, they won't scratch your hood either.
Ox