nghiaho58

I am thinking about install a clear bra (3M or Xpel) on my new black S5.
Should I do just the bumper, head lamps, and mirrors or partial hood and fenders or full hood and fenders? Does anyone has this done and how it looks?
In addition, I live in SoCal, Riverside area and am looking for a good shop to do the clear bra. Any suggestion?

Thanks.

Nghia

JBDinTX

I had a 18 inch on my hood and full bumper on my S5. It looked fine.

superswiss

I would do the full bumper, hood and fenders. That's what I did. Can't tell it's wrapped. I also did the rear bumper and mirrors as well as door edges and under the door handles.

jab23

I'd probably do the whole hood at least. My last few cars have has 18 or so inches of the hood done and the line is really noticeable. Especially on black. I've had more than one (non car) person say Oh my god, there's a big scratch on your car!

snagitseven

Consider doing the Xpel Ultimate. While it's more expensive than the others, being the only film on the market with self-healing properties and it's own clearcoat, the stuff really works and looks great. I've had my full front w/wrapped edges, A-pillars, headlights, mirrors and rocker panels covered for 1.5 years and not a nick in sight. I also had Opti-Coat done for the whole car which adds environmental and UV protection with no waxing needed. The only thing missing is a plastic cover like on my grandmother's sofa.

blinsc

I agree with this and if I could do over, I'd get the full hood with the edges wrapped around. On my car (Monsoon), the line is basically invisible at more than a few feet away until the car gets a little dirty, then you can see it pretty easily. Black will be worse.

nghiaho58

Thank you all for your suggestion and comments.
Finally, I decided to do full bumper, headlamps, mirrors and door handle recess areas. No hood and fenders. Don't like partial cover and don't have enough money for full hood and fenders.
In addition, I removed the license plate holder and plugged four screw holes with plastic plugs.

JBDinTX

You will be sorry. The good will chip way faster than the plastic bumper. I see the hood done way more by itself than the bumper. I had a 18 inch piece on my S5 and it worked great.

nghiaho58

Thanks for the warning. I need to be very careful when driving behind a gravel truck .