X5 Paint Protection Film or Bumper Bar

[BMW_K1D]

Hello everyone, am new to the forum and just got my 2014 X5. Any suggestions on paint protection film or bumper bars? Am afraid of people scratching it when parking. Suggestions will be appreciated.

[nyalpine90]

bumper bar is just asking for someone to tap it while they park.

[BMW_K1D]

Originally Posted by nyalpine90

bumper bar is just asking for someone to tap it while they park.

In NYC, people dont care whether you have it or not.

[BMW_K1D]

Does anyone installed paint protection on their vehicle that can give me some feedback as well??

[nyalpine90]

Originally Posted by J7NKMAIL

Does anyone installed paint protection on their vehicle that can give me some feedback as well??

ONEighty in brooklyn can install paint protection

[DuSh]

Most of dings I got are side dings from doors on parking lots. Not a single ding on front/rear bumper - so I guess it depends lol. However, protection film on front bumper, healdights, mirror caps and maybe half-fenders - can be handy, especially if you drive on highways a lot, when you'll be selling car years later. Then again, it depends on cost - I would't pay for protection film $500 - just because I know it's wasted money - I won't need it, but that's just me, YMMV

[cvillanFL]

I got PPF installed a few weeks ago. I did the front bumper, headlights, fog lights, fenders, pillars, entire hood, front roof, side mirrors, rockers, and lower doors. You can't even tell it's on there.

I was skeptical at first, but besides the protection (we'll see how it holds up months from now), it makes cleaning the car so easy. Any bugs or dirt wipe away like nothing, especially on the front bumper and side mirrors.

It also makes the car look really shiny...

[nyalpine90]

be prepare to pay $$

[BMW_K1D]

Originally Posted by cvillanFL

I got PPF installed a few weeks ago. I did the front bumper, headlights, fog lights, fenders, pillars, entire hood, front roof, side mirrors, rockers, and lower doors. You can't even tell it's on there.

I was skeptical at first, but besides the protection (we'll see how it holds up months from now), it makes cleaning the car so easy. Any bugs or dirt wipe away like nothing, especially on the front bumper and side mirrors.

It also makes the car look really shiny...

Look really nice!!
How much did it cost?? Ill probably do mine over the weekend.

[BMW_K1D]

Originally Posted by nyalpine90

be prepare to pay $$

I know. Already called few places and price range from 3500 to 5000 for full car.

[cvillanFL]

Originally Posted by J7NKMAIL

I know. Already called few places and price range from 3500 to 5000 for full car.

That sound about right for doing the entire car. I also opted to do the ceramic coating on the entire car over the PPF.

[BMW_K1D]

Originally Posted by cvillanFL

That sound about right for doing the entire car. I also opted to do the ceramic coating on the entire car over the PPF.

So you did it before the PPF or after PPF? I asked cause you said you did it on your X5.

[cvillanFL]

Originally Posted by J7NKMAIL

So you did it before the PPF or after PPF? I asked cause you said you did it on your X5.

My X5 was new which may have had something to do with it, but they did it after the PPF. The also did paint correction on the entire car prior to the PPF.

[VinceInVA]

I just had Modesta BC-04 on mine, BC06 on wheels and calipers. It was 800 for the Single stage paint correction (brand new car) and 1600 for the BC04 and 600 for the BC06 on Wheels (removed). only have pic from the shop, I am still waiting another week for first wash then Ill have a better picture. It was pricey but I'm pleased with the outcome. I also did the leather and had front windows tinted to match the privacy glass. I guess my new hobby will be detailing...I even cleaned out my garage and it now has a safe home..after having 5 jeeps, this is a real pleasure to drive and look at.

[retx]

Originally Posted by J7NKMAIL

Hello everyone, am new to the forum and just got my 2014 X5. Any suggestions on paint protection film or bumper bars? Am afraid of people scratching it when parking. Suggestions will be appreciated.

Originally Posted by nyalpine90

bumper bar is just asking for someone to tap it while they park.

Originally Posted by J7NKMAIL

In NYC, people dont care whether you have it or not.

Originally Posted by DuSh

Most of dings I got are side dings from doors on parking lots. Not a single ding on front/rear bumper - so I guess it depends lol. However, protection film on front bumper, healdights, mirror caps and maybe half-fenders - can be handy, especially if you drive on highways a lot, when you'll be selling car years later. Then again, it depends on cost - I would't pay for protection film $500 - just because I know it's wasted money - I won't need it, but that's just me, YMMV

Do you own or lease your BMW?

I received the kit from BMW to assess those ding/hole/dent/damage. It seems BMW cares the bumpers and windows the most. In NYC, I do lots of valet parking and street parking. In either scenarios, I often got the minor/tiny scratch/ding on the sides, but am able to keep the bumpers clean without ding/dent. If I can't find the good/large space, I'll keep looking for it or just park in the trusted valet parking garage. I kind of agree what DuSh said here, personally I also won't install the film in my lease vehicle. If the fee for the installation is double than the repair cost, it's not worth. To repair BMW bumper or fender isn't too expensive, comparing with other high end vehicles.

But, I have to agree that doing film may be able to protect your car from getting damages by those small hits, and it may further enhance the look of your car.

If my vehicle isn't leased and I usually keep it for 5-7 years, I probably will install films in the front end.

The only part I currently have is the door edge with the film protection.

The thing I worry the most is the rock from the highway, which can easily crack anything it hits, bumper, headlight, windshield, fenders, etc. It's hard to prove that the protection film can really help, but it's very possible having the film is better than nothing.

[Jlu88]

I opted for the 4Bumpers license plate frame and the fold out diaper looking Parking Armor thing as they absorb more impact, it does take up a fair amount of space in the trunk though.

I had the BumpShox license plate frame on my old S4 and would probably use that next time around as the 4Bumpers frame is solid metal and will crack the bumper if someone hits it hard enough.

[alphaod]

I'd rather get scratches then put those ugly bumper protectors anywhere... oh right I already have scratches.