Driving Down I-5 - Seeking temporary solution for protection again rock chips

[Kleenerth3]

Hi!

With the holidays coming up I may have to pick up my M3 from Fremont or San Francisco after Christmas, and drive it down to LA (Parents are up in SF, but I live and work here in Los Angeles). While I'm kind of excited to drive down I-5 and finally use the superchargers at Harris Ranch, I'm a little worried about getting rock chips on my bumper. I never really worried about it too much driving my previous car, but with this brand new M3, I'm honestly freaked out about it.

I won't have a lot of time up in the bay so I don't think I can get it wrapped while I'm up there. For anyone that's been in a similar situation, should I buy a Colgan car bra, or know of any place that wrap it up pretty fast? Anyone know of a temporary solution for a road trip?

Hey JLP! My Xpel clear bra ran me $580 including blinkers and headlights and was installed at my place in about 6hrs. A few phone calls and a little scheduling and you might be able to get it done the day you pick it up where ever you ask, even the SC where you pick it up. Just a thought. You could always have the remainder wrapped later when you have time. After over 5K miles, the clear bra has done its job and I don't see any hood or fender damage yet. I'd hate to spend money on something I'll end up throwing away later.
Good luck, you have some great options for protecting that tender bumper.

 

[JigLewPuff]

Thanks so much for all of the advice everyone! This is all super helpful! ALSO thanks for the heads up on Kettleman City. Man, that looks like a plush airport lounge....and I'll take it!

 

[M3FNATIK]

Hey JLP! My Xpel clear bra ran me $580 including blinkers and headlights and was installed at my place in about 6hrs. A few phone calls and a little scheduling and you might be able to get it done the day you pick it up where ever you ask, even the SC where you pick it up. Just a thought. You could always have the remainder wrapped later when you have time. After over 5K miles, the clear bra has done its job and I don't see any hood or fender damage yet. I'd hate to spend money on something I'll end up throwing away later.
Good luck, you have some great options for protecting that tender bumper.

What did $585 get you as far as coverage? bumper, hood, fenders?

 

[Kleenerth3]

What did $585 get you as far as coverage? bumper, hood, fenders?

Basically everything below the line on top of the lights to the hood. Entire bumper, lights and blinkers. No hood or fenders. I have what is called the clear bra.

 

[Jedi2155]

Its funny because the two rips from rock chips I have on my clear bra is on the hood and the fender....you'd never know...

 

[viper driver]

Hi!

With the holidays coming up I may have to pick up my M3 from Fremont or San Francisco after Christmas, and drive it down to LA (Parents are up in SF, but I live and work here in Los Angeles). While I'm kind of excited to drive down I-5 and finally use the superchargers at Harris Ranch, I'm a little worried about getting rock chips on my bumper. I never really worried about it too much driving my previous car, but with this brand new M3, I'm honestly freaked out about it.

I won't have a lot of time up in the bay so I don't think I can get it wrapped while I'm up there. For anyone that's been in a similar situation, should I buy a Colgan car bra, or know of any place that wrap it up pretty fast? Anyone know of a temporary solution for a road trip?

Just get a roll of 2" masking tape, the blue stuff. I've used this method for several long distance drives in the days before clear bra was a thing. $5 or so. 10 minutes to apply it. Comes right off so long as you don't leave it there for months. Doesn't look awesome but it'll protect the front of your car from most smallish sized rocks and bugs.