Front Bra

[parnet]

new guy with a 08 135 vert. Bought a front bra from Dealer. Not happy with the way the lower part attaches. Not a fan of bras on cars or women but tired of chips on the front end. Anyone with experience with one?

[gnpower]

not a fan of having to take it off everytime I wash it. install a clear bra for the front.

[KingOfJericho]

Spend the money and get a 3M (or alike) clear bra.


You bought this???

[parnet]

I think its ugly too, I only use it for road trips
Go Giants!!

[1Pirate]

Originally Posted by parnet

I think its ugly too, I only use it for road trips
Go Giants!!

I have one and I only use it for road trips too. I don't leave it on the car either. A clear bra would be a better alternative if you want the protection all the time, although I don't think it offers as good protection as the bra does from rock chips. As with most things there are tradeoffs.

[parnet]

1Priate, any issue with the bendable tabs? The bottom one on the whell well doesn't seem to fit very good.

[gnpower]

Sometimes you need to let it bake in the sun for a good hour and it stretches and softens up.

[1Pirate]

Originally Posted by parnet

1Priate, any issue with the bendable tabs? The bottom one on the whell well doesn't seem to fit very good.

Yes that seems to be the hardest one to fit. It's easier to put on when the weather is warm or you let is sit in the sun.

[Section147]

The age-old "regular" bra vs. clear bra debate. I've always run the old school black bras and I've always run Colgans. Nobody beats them for quality and fit.
BavAuto has a full line. They're not cheap and they take 6 to 8 weeks to get, but they're worth the wait. Yeah, they're a PITA to put on and take off, but you
can't beat them for long road trips. And the "paint fading" under the bra is a myth...unless you're planning on never taking it off. OEM bras are usually crap
and clear bras only offer minor protection (anything bigger than a small pebble is going through the vinyl). But I guess if I had a daily commute on a dusty-
type highway and was only worried about light road rash, I'd consider spending three to four times as much on a clear bra for the permanent protection
without the hassle. Bottom line: whatever works for you!

[P1]

That has got to be the worst of the worst. Take it off. I can only imagine the kind of damage a regular bra does to your paint once dirt, sand and other garbage starts rubbing in between the paint and the bra.

Take it off and just enjoy the car.

[Section147]

Originally Posted by P1et

Take it off and just enjoy the car.

If you "enjoy" the cost of repainting your front end after several long roadies
a year, then by all means, go for it. I didn't imply it was for everyday use...
and damage from "dirt, sand and other garbage" is a non-issue if you're not
off-roading.

[P1]

I find that cars that are outfitted with either a clear bra or a regular bra eventually ending up looking worse than cars that didn't have either fitted in the first place.

[ken1137]

I prefer the clear bra Sorry, any reason to use this pic again.

[Uptempo80]

My car doesn't have a clear bra, is lightly driven (11k in about 2 years), yet has been hit with 2 gigantic stone chips...horrible enought to make any enthusiast cringe upon each subtle glance. Couldn't explain it any better...maybe I'll post pics but these are are terrible. 2 eyesore chips that are extra-noticable because the car is pristine and freshley detailed consistantly.

It wouldn't have mattered if I had a clear bra, the chips are large and would go right through the clear vynil.


My continuing dilemma: I think I MUST get the hood resprayed or blended. I'm hoping my local BMW Dealer (Tom Hesser BMW, Scranton, PA) would be able to airbrush or blend in these chips without repainting the entire hood for the *Mismatched-paint look.
I will see what they say as in the weeks ahead I'll be over there with a quote and a discussion with the paint shop.

Anyone have any insight ore inpuit on this subject : Repainting/Blending stone chips aka rock chips? Professional work only.
I am Still hopeful I can gather information on this to help me better understand what route or option I should follow.

--Side Note--Blue water metallic is a very nice BMW factory color, but it is probably in the top 2 of worst colors to paint match. I didn't even attempt to go about this and go thru with it..because I know it won't match. It must be done...because me buying-out this car depends on stuff like this. And after ordering this car and being so exited to take delivery of my first brand new BMW. I never once thought about letting it go after 3 years. (But that is why I leased....if it was in an accident, etc...the plan was to ditch it).

[sonicbimmer19]

Dodgers > Red Sox > Giants
Los Angeles > San Francisco > Boston

[Red Bread]

Nothing nice to say.

[mdputnam]

Originally Posted by parnet

Bought a front bra from Dealer. Not happy... Anyone with experience with one?

Checked with the Wife, she said never buy your bras from the BMW dealer.

[Blue Bottle]

What he says...