Is paint protection film worth getting ??

[MJim]

@Chompers - many thanks for the further feedback - much appreciated !!

Good suggestion re the rear bumper cover. Hadn't given it much thought, but can imagine it gets pretty scratched up, and could look pretty bad after a while. Key thing I guess is ensuring it doesn't ruin the appearance of the rear ...

I hadn't realised that you can't use high pressure hoses with the film. I would have thought the film would be attached strongly enough not to come away ?? I'm still on the lookout for somewhere that offers quality cleaning and isn't going to scratch it up ...

[Chompers]

As you are going for DSB, I don't think there would too much of an issue with the apperance. You could always ask your dealer to order one in to "offer up" and see what you think.

The film does attach very well to the body work and by rights should not become detached but I woundn't risk it once it starts to lift it will only get worse!!!

[MJim]

Thanks for your suggestions! Good idea.

In terms of cost for the Armourfend, do you know if those figures look about right, and whether there is much scope to negotiate? I'm sure the margins must be sky high on the stuff ...

[Chompers]

The cost of the Armourfend seems in thae right area to me base on what I charged 10 years ago. The film itself is a cheap as chips, the cutting and application are a different thing!!! It's a real art applying that stuff. There is no harm in asking for a deal, I asume you are going direct to Armourfend and not via the dealer allowing him to take a cut. Have you had any other quotations from the other companies you mentioned?

[MJim]

I also spoke to BodyguardUK and Paintshield. Bodyguard UK slagged off Armourfend saying it'll look dreadful within 6 months. I've heard good things about Armourfend and put it down to BS to do the competition down which I don't like - don't know if I spoke to the 'wrong' person but put me off anyway. I found both Armourfend and Paintshield very professional. Paintshield quoted £600 + VAT for partial front (to part way up bonnet) plus rear arches. So cost seems same sort of ball park. Paintshield also seems pretty popular with Ferrari and Porsche ethusiasts so is presumably a good product. Only thing with PS is it has to be done on site to ensure quality, which is a two hour drive away. Clearly doable but I may pick up some chips on the way and I do prefer the sound of getting it all sorted before I collect - Armourfend can travel to the dealer to fit.

[Minda]

Give these guys a go
http://asp.invisiblepatterns.com/patter ... e.asp#Make

[MJim]

Hi Minda, thanks for the suggestion!
Do you have VentureShield on your car? Are you pleased with it?

[Minda]

No problem, i haven't put anything on it like that, only done 3.5k and had no problems so far, i was thinking of having the rear doors done but just aint bothered yet, probably wont

[MJim]

Minda - many thanks for the feedback! Just checked your car photos to remind myself what colour you have - absolutely stunning, woh!
Must admit I'm confused as to why some M sport owners flag major design flaw, looks sand blasted etc... and then you haven't had any problems at all. Do you ever actually drive it, or ever take it over 30 ???!!!
Just kidding - I can only assume it comes down to the roads they're driven on and whether they're loaded up with gravel ?? Oh I don't know!

[Minda]

69 the limit

[MJim]

Think I may stretch it to 70 so guess I'll be needing some of the film stuff !!

[Minda]

[quote=""MJim""]Think I may stretch it to 70 so guess I'll be needing some of the film stuff !![/quote]
I under stand at low speed it may help but, a stone flicked up on a motorway so traveling at you say at 10 mph and you going along at 70 means a impact speed of 80 mph so whats a bit of plastic thats thin as paper gonna do? so i'm not convinced

[535dboy]

I still pressure wash the lotis

[MJim]

@Minda - I hear where you're coming from, but the film relies on being secured to the car for its strength - imagine a sheet of paint hanging loosely - it probably wouldn't even support its own weight! The film, as one of these high tech plastics, is considerably stronger than paint. If you hit a flying rock at sufficienty speed, there is a limit to what the film can protect against, but the result would be a lot prettier than without. As I'm planning to use the car for travel to a ski resort this winter, with doubtless gritted up roads, I think it makes sense to get the added protection ...

@535dboy - thanks for letting me know that you can pressure wash the film - much appreciated! Still on the look out for a quality car wash in West London!

[davyk31]

My E70 M Sport has this sand blasted look, did some Google research and couldn't find much mention of it so its good to see the discussion here. Another mate has exactly the same problem, both cars under 20k miles.

My dealer took pics last week and is convinced it will be resprayed and a protective film applied all under warranty. Waiting a date to get booked in.