Any *disadvantage* to BMW's Clear Protective Covering? How hard to install?

midlands · 10-10-2010, 11:14 PM

Long story short — I'm picking up my 135i Convertible on 12/13/10, doing PCD, then have a 3-week, ~5,000-mile drive back to SF, CA. I'm thinking about ordering the BMW Clear Protective Covering accessory, in the hope that the PCD will preinstall it for me and it'll save me some dings and insects on the way back home.

A few quick questions:

Anybody know if the PCD will preinstall this for me, so it'll be on when I get the car?
How hard is it (how long does it take) to install it myself?
Any big reason not to do this? I know 3M's product is much better, but I definitely won't have time for that. But I'd love to know if there's some big downside to having it on there…

Thanks!

m_thompson · 10-11-2010, 08:06 AM

The plastic covering for the hood and fenders is not too difficult to install. Google should find lots of detailed instructions.

The paint needs to be very clean or the contamination will make bumps in the plastic. You can't install it in bright sun or the water and alcohol will evaporate too quickly. It is easy to stretch the plastic with the squeege and make permanent lines in the plastic. The outside mirrors are very difficult to do.

Dackelone · 10-11-2010, 08:25 AM

Go look at my DIY thread under "clear bra".

10-10-2010, 11:14 PM	#1
midlands New Member 0 Rep 20 Posts Drives: PCD 12/13/10: 135i Conv 6MT Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Oakland, CA iTrader: (0)	*Any disadvantage* to BMW's Clear Protective Covering? How hard to install? Long story short — I'm picking up my 135i Convertible on 12/13/10, doing PCD, then have a 3-week, ~5,000-mile drive back to SF, CA. I'm thinking about ordering the BMW Clear Protective Covering accessory, in the hope that the PCD will preinstall it for me and it'll save me some dings and insects on the way back home. A few quick questions: Anybody know if the PCD will preinstall this for me, so it'll be on when I get the car? How hard is it (how long does it take) to install it myself? Any big reason not** to do this? I know 3M's product is much better, but I definitely won't have time for that. But I'd love to know if there's some big downside to having it on there… Thanks!
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10-11-2010, 08:06 AM	#2
m_thompson Major 133 Rep 1,416 Posts Drives: M-Sport 128i, 328xi, 3.0CS Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: New England, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 128i [0.00] 1972 3.0CS [10.00]	The plastic covering for the hood and fenders is not too difficult to install. Google should find lots of detailed instructions. The paint needs to be very clean or the contamination will make bumps in the plastic. You can't install it in bright sun or the water and alcohol will evaporate too quickly. It is easy to stretch the plastic with the squeege and make permanent lines in the plastic. The outside mirrors are very difficult to do. __________________ '09 128i - Black Sapphire Metallic\Coral Red\Glacier Silver\N51 DISA\6MT\Navigation\Premium\M-Sport\Heated seats\Xenon\Headlights\iPod\Smartphone\Euro Delivery
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10-11-2010, 08:25 AM	#3
Dackelone European Editor 10528 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	Go look at my DIY thread under "clear bra".
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