Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: Eric280SL on January 22, 2023, 08:50:54
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Want to get feedback on use of plastic film to protect PAINT.
Brands, experience, yellowing, etc.
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My only experience is with a 2010 BMW Z4 I had between 2019 and 2021, that had it applied across the nose. It was slightly discolored and I took it off as quickly as I could. I personally think it's a bit over the top to apply these films. With some exceptions, cars aren't meant to be museum pieces. Those that are, should be in museums.
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The point of the film is so you don’t have to treat your car like a museum piece or trailer queen. You can drive it without worrying about stone chips. I had it done to my Jag and it worked great. Plan on having it done to my 280 This spring before driving it much. To much time spent making it look great to risk road chips on all new paint. I assume it will be real tricky to install around the headlights.
We used XPEL on my jag, but I heard there is a better one out now. Don’t know the name but will research when the time comes.
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We used XPEL on my jag, but I heard there is a better one out now. Don’t know the name but will research when the time comes.
3M makes a product competitive with Xpel. They were a sponsor of Ferrari Club events because of this product. I cannot speak to the quality of either.
https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/p/d/b40066706/
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The older products I remember always discovered and looked kinda crappy after a while, but I can't speak to the modern products. If it wasn't some clear bra, you could try to wrap the front a la Mechatronik's racecar: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/w113-pagoda--510525307733891443/ But have a cool design continue across the hood rather than just the headlight area. But yeah, the clear stuff they use on lots of high end sportscars does seem better now than it used to. I suppose it depends on your weather conditions. The heat and humidity here in Florida always make it obvious...
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Have a 2008 Porsche 911 4s cabriolet ( White with red leather interior) , owned since new. I had a nose bra 3m protective film applied:
NOW 15 years later: film is still intact but has yellowed significantly. The original paint underneath is still brilliant white. Now trying to find a detail shop to strip the film off. Paint in film area will be a different colour due to differential ageing. If it’s dramatically different, I may have to get entire car repainted!
So……I would not recommend applying a protective film. Current versions may be better but I’m definitely not a happy customer.
Can post pics if you want to see the yellowing of the clear film.