Need help with 3M Bra estimate

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Jan 23, 2010 | 08:02 PM
  #1  
I have a 2010 M3 Coupe. I want the front bumper/spoiler covered, the rocker panels, rear fender (only behind the wheels, not an entire wrap), mirrors and a strip behind the trunk opening. Oh...and 18" up the hood.

Ballpark cost??? I am being quoted $1500. Reasonable?

Thank you, Karl
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Jan 23, 2010 | 08:10 PM
  #2  
I was getting quotes of 695-895 for my TT.
I got quotes from 4 different places in that range.
Why such a difference between our quotes? Not saying it isn't fair but 500 difference seems substantial to me.
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Jan 23, 2010 | 10:09 PM
  #3  
The prices tend to vary depending on location. I had 3M clear bra installed for my Boxster S for $1200 - hood, bumper, lights and rear view mirrors. If you called a few places and they are all around the same price... I'd say that's the going market price. You'll want to check references and shop setup - a brightly lit, clean shop is a good sign. Film is film, the right installer makes all the difference in the world. You should also want to ask about issues post install... see what the installer's reaction is. G'luck.
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Jan 23, 2010 | 10:25 PM
  #4  
Quote: The prices tend to vary depending on location. I had 3M clear bra installed for my Boxster S for $1200 - hood, bumper, lights and rear view mirrors. If you called a few places and they are all around the same price... I'd say that's the going market price. You'll want to check references and shop setup - a brightly lit, clean shop is a good sign. Film is film, the right installer makes all the difference in the world. You should also want to ask about issues post install... see what the installer's reaction is. G'luck.
Installer is definitely most important but film is not film for sure.. I have seen some very bad film on a couple mercedes..

MIke
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Jan 24, 2010 | 10:21 AM
  #5  
Quote: I have a 2010 M3 Coupe. I want the front bumper/spoiler covered, the rocker panels, rear fender (only behind the wheels, not an entire wrap), mirrors and a strip behind the trunk opening. Oh...and 18" up the hood.

Ballpark cost??? I am being quoted $1500. Reasonable?

Thank you, Karl
Give a few other places a call and tell them the exact coverage you are looking for and see if it's in line with this estimate. Follow these few extra precautions:

1. how long have they been doing this (some shops added this as an extra form of revenue). You'd definitely want to take it to someone specializing in it
2. take a look at the work in person (if possible)
3. references

Good luck
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Jan 24, 2010 | 10:48 AM
  #6  
Quote: Give a few other places a call and tell them the exact coverage you are looking for and see if it's in line with this estimate. Follow these few extra precautions:

1. how long have they been doing this (some shops added this as an extra form of revenue). You'd definitely want to take it to someone specializing in it
2. take a look at the work in person (if possible)
3. references

Good luck
Great answer. Make sure to shop around for quality, not price. A bad clear mask job will bother you for the whole ownership of the car, or you may just have it removed and reinstalled later to get the job done right. Then you pay double.


John
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Jan 24, 2010 | 11:06 AM
  #7  
Quote: Give a few other places a call and tell them the exact coverage you are looking for and see if it's in line with this estimate. Follow these few extra precautions:

1. how long have they been doing this (some shops added this as an extra form of revenue). You'd definitely want to take it to someone specializing in it
2. take a look at the work in person (if possible)
3. references

Good luck
+1....don't get too caught up on the price. Have a budget in mind and find the best skilled installer in your area. If the work looks good, references are positive, you should expect to pay a premium for the job. The film is the same wherever you go...it's the installer that will make or break the job.
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Jan 24, 2010 | 02:06 PM
  #8  
Clear film is definitely one of those "measure twice, cut once" situations. The installer definitely makes the process, not their chosen materials.
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