Headlight Protection Film

650i2014 · 06-02-2017, 02:58 AM

Hi guys, I'm quite hesitant whether to install headlight protection film on my 650i headlights or not. I heard cases of damaged clear coat upon the removal of the protection film (not the 6 series specifically but in general).

I'd appreciate your thoughts as I need to make up my mind; keeping the headlights without protection and getting stone chips, or possible damage to the clear coat when removing the film! Tough decision.

cheers!

Krasna · 06-02-2017, 01:32 PM

I bought my 640i GC used and it came with a 'Clear Bra' installed on the front fascia, roughly 1/3 of the hood (towards the front), fenders, plus headlights and side mirrors.

I've slowly been removing all the clear protective crap. I refer to it as crap, because the film made the headlights look "foggy." As much as the product is designed to shield the paint from rock chips and debris; I find that the film makes the paint look relatively dull and when knicks occur, then the result is a collection of small indentations that would probably otherwise be unnoticeable.

Wish I had before and after pictures, but my vote is clearly against such products. The other gripe is that the bug debris was very hard to clean off the film; sort of like a gummy material that doesn't want to let go of anything that it collects.

Krasna · 06-02-2017, 01:36 PM

Also, I should acknowledge that there are probably a few different brands/manufacturers of these products, so perhaps others have had better luck.

I'm not sure which brand was on my car, as the paperwork (that came with the vehicle) provides no indication.

Perhaps if you change-out the film every two years; you might avoid the clouding/fogging. My car is a 2013 and I have to believe that the film was installed by the original dealer.

650i2014 · 06-03-2017, 02:47 AM

Thank you Krasna for your feedback. That kind of observation is exactly what worries me when it comes to protection films

I'm hoping results vary with different brands and products; I read good reviews on Xpel; yet I remain undecided

drmlee · 06-03-2017, 12:37 PM

i have clear bra on my p car and bmw, on the whole front end, including the headlights and fog lights. the p car has had the film on there for over 4 years and it still looks clear and shinny. maybe krasna's car had some cheap film on there? but none of my cars turn foggy or distorted even after 4-5 years. the bmw is a few months shy of the 2 year mark, and it still looks as good as it was when new.

Krasna · 06-04-2017, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drmlee

i have clear bra on my p car and bmw, on the whole front end, including the headlights and fog lights. the p car has had the film on there for over 4 years and it still looks clear and shinny. maybe krasna's car had some cheap film on there? but none of my cars turn foggy or distorted even after 4-5 years. the bmw is a few months shy of the 2 year mark, and it still looks as good as it was when new.

Yeah, I probably had the cheap stuff ... I hear the previous owner was a cheap bastard

:

jsahyoun · 06-25-2017, 10:45 AM

I have installed Suntek film two years ago on the whole front, headlights and back side mirrors, it's been great except for few very tiny bubbles, don't know how the formed, they don't bother me.
If you are going for it, I recommend to get the precut kit from ebay, I made a mistake earlier and had my X5 custom done, and installer made two small paint cuts.

650i2014 · 06-25-2017, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsahyoun

I have installed Suntek film two years ago on the whole front, headlights and back side mirrors, it's been great except for few very tiny bubbles, don't know how the formed, they don't bother me.
If you are going for it, I recommend to get the precut kit from ebay, I made a mistake earlier and had my X5 custom done, and installer made two small paint cuts.

Thanks for the feedback. Yes I'm considering Xpel precut protection films which cover the headlight and the fog lights

pinguhk · 06-28-2017, 12:52 AM

I have install this from day one of owning the car and the film is very think 1mm. It has save my headlamps many time from stone chips

650i2014 · 06-28-2017, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinguhk

I have install this from day one of owning the car and the film is very think 1mm. It has save my headlamps many time from stone chips

Awesome, thanks for sharing

May I know what brand it is?

pinguhk · 06-28-2017, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 650i2014

Awesome, thanks for sharing

May I know what brand it is?

sorry I did not ask but I know it is not 3M

DC650 · 06-28-2017, 01:46 PM

I also have been running a clear bra on my wife's LS460 for the past 4 years and its shiny and clear. Unfortunately I don't recall what the brand was but I know it wasn't cheap. I'm having my 650 wrapped right now. When I pick it up I'll make sure to get the brand for you.

06-02-2017, 02:58 AM	#1
650i2014 Private 31 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 650i Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	Headlight Protection Film - Your Thoughts Hi guys, I'm quite hesitant whether to install headlight protection film on my 650i headlights or not. I heard cases of damaged clear coat upon the removal of the protection film (not the 6 series specifically but in general). I'd appreciate your thoughts as I need to make up my mind; keeping the headlights without protection and getting stone chips, or possible damage to the clear coat when removing the film! Tough decision. cheers!
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06-02-2017, 01:32 PM	#2
Krasna Enlisted Member 13 Rep 30 Posts Drives: BMW 640i Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: California, USA iTrader: (0)	I bought my 640i GC used and it came with a 'Clear Bra' installed on the front fascia, roughly 1/3 of the hood (towards the front), fenders, plus headlights and side mirrors. I've slowly been removing all the clear protective crap. I refer to it as crap, because the film made the headlights look "foggy." As much as the product is designed to shield the paint from rock chips and debris; I find that the film makes the paint look relatively dull and when knicks occur, then the result is a collection of small indentations that would probably otherwise be unnoticeable. Wish I had before and after pictures, but my vote is clearly against such products. The other gripe is that the bug debris was very hard to clean off the film; sort of like a gummy material that doesn't want to let go of anything that it collects.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-02-2017, 01:36 PM	#3
Krasna Enlisted Member 13 Rep 30 Posts Drives: BMW 640i Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: California, USA iTrader: (0)	Also, I should acknowledge that there are probably a few different brands/manufacturers of these products, so perhaps others have had better luck. I'm not sure which brand was on my car, as the paperwork (that came with the vehicle) provides no indication. Perhaps if you change-out the film every two years; you might avoid the clouding/fogging. My car is a 2013 and I have to believe that the film was installed by the original dealer.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2017, 02:47 AM	#4
650i2014 Private 31 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 650i Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	Thank you Krasna for your feedback. That kind of observation is exactly what worries me when it comes to protection films I'm hoping results vary with different brands and products; I read good reviews on Xpel; yet I remain undecided
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2017, 12:37 PM	#5
drmlee Private First Class 45 Rep 144 Posts Drives: F06 650i Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	i have clear bra on my p car and bmw, on the whole front end, including the headlights and fog lights. the p car has had the film on there for over 4 years and it still looks clear and shinny. maybe krasna's car had some cheap film on there? but none of my cars turn foggy or distorted even after 4-5 years. the bmw is a few months shy of the 2 year mark, and it still looks as good as it was when new.
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06-25-2017, 10:45 AM	#7
jsahyoun New Member 5 Rep 22 Posts Drives: 640i GC - 2015 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	I have installed Suntek film two years ago on the whole front, headlights and back side mirrors, it's been great except for few very tiny bubbles, don't know how the formed, they don't bother me. If you are going for it, I recommend to get the precut kit from ebay, I made a mistake earlier and had my X5 custom done, and installer made two small paint cuts. __________________ Drive safe
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06-28-2017, 12:52 AM	#9
pinguhk Private First Class 31 Rep 194 Posts Drives: LCI F06 640i Msport Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0)	I have install this from day one of owning the car and the film is very think 1mm. It has save my headlamps many time from stone chips Attached Images __________________ 2015 640i GC M Sport
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06-28-2017, 01:46 PM	#12
DC650 New Member 5 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW 650i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: So Cal iTrader: (0)	I also have been running a clear bra on my wife's LS460 for the past 4 years and its shiny and clear. Unfortunately I don't recall what the brand was but I know it wasn't cheap. I'm having my 650 wrapped right now. When I pick it up I'll make sure to get the brand for you.
	Appreciate 0 Quote