Clear Bra Botched

R

rabman5

Senior member
 Orchard Lake, MI
Within two weeks of getting my car last year, I had the 3M Clear Bra installed. The local dealer uses a guy who wouldn't even talk to me after he saw me at the dealer. The dealer charges $1300, i found a private company to do it for $750. The installer initially told me it would take 4 hours but it took almost 9 hours to install. I think he was having a hard time with it. I was never completely satisfied with his workmanship and since they offered a warranty, I know I'd be bringing it back in eventually.

Yesterday, I stopped by my local dealer and saw a brand new black M3 with clear bra installed on it. It was perfect. I spoke with the installer who knew the guy who did mine. He said that guy needs more experience before doing a Z4 which apparently is a difficult car to do. He even brought more problems to my attention.

So I took my car back today and the manager while at first very defensive, upon viewing my car, immediately acknowledged the poor workmanship, but tried to blame it on the 3M product. I'm leaving town in the morning but I have an appointment with the owner next Friday. I'm not sure I even want this guy to try again on my car.

The moral of the story; You get what you pay for and find an experienced Clear Bra installer if you want it done properly.
 
It's a clear film applied to the front of a car to protect it from stone chips etc. It's almost invisible, but you can see the seam up close.
Read about it here.

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I feel your pain! In fact, I get a sharp pain every time I get close to Installing the clear "bra".

I will say right now I do not call it a "bra". Not me and not on my car.

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So I still use the Colgan Nose Cover. Looks great on Black Sapphire! It is affordable and has thicker protection for the nose, like objects fallging off trucks, that would have left a large mark or worse, with the clear _ _ _. I can't say that word! - except when refering to the female support decoration!

Good luck!
:oldman:
Best!
Jack
 
I actually have a Colgan bra from my first Z4, but it doesn't fit the ///M . It worked GREAT! .... Anyone want it for CHEAP?
 
Do you have any close pics of that nose cover? Can't decide if I like it or loath it from that far away....
On any other colour of car I think it would be the latter.
 
2dogs said:
What are the bra's for? is this a US thing not seen them here in the UK :?
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You need to get out more 2dogs. There are dozens of specialist companies fitting this in the UK and of course if fitted well then you would not see it.... :)

Great idea if done properly and really protects the front end. Most use the 3M product.
 
cj10jeeper said:
2dogs said:
What are the bra's for? is this a US thing not seen them here in the UK :?
Click to expand...

You need to get out more 2dogs. There are dozens of specialist companies fitting this in the UK and of course if fitted well then you would not see it.... :)

Great idea if done properly and really protects the front end. Most use the 3M product.
Click to expand...
So is this like a modern version of the big ugly black things you see
On the front of most US 4-wheel drives .
 
Update:

Went back today and the owner agreed that I had a poorly installed clear bra. He's going to call me with an appointment to reinstall. Hopefully they'll get it right this time. I don't have a lot of confidence in the installer. :(
 
rabman5 said:
Update:

Went back today and the owner agreed that I had a poorly installed clear bra. He's going to call me with an appointment to reinstall. Hopefully they'll get it right this time. I don't have a lot of confidence in the installer. :(
Click to expand...

It might be a good idea to watch them remove the old 3M film. There is a chance they might remove some paint too.
 
Had ours installed at Homecoming last year and one would be hard pressed to even notice that it is there. Also had one one our 2003 Z4 and our 2001 Z3......Never a problem. Evidently the installer is the key.
 
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