FTP Protection

Good plan Graham, let us know how it goes!

If I remember correctly, Bavarian Autosport, or BMP has (or had) as set here in the US for the e31.

I'm using paint protection film for years on my light strips.
It is illegal here in Germany to put any sort of film on the lamps but I don't care about that.
I'm fed up of all those SUVs with high rear ramp angle and sport tires shooting stones on my FTPs.
(They mostly drive on the left lane here and let you pass only if there is a bend on the Autobahn...)

Anyway, applying the film on the clear part is easy as it is flat and has no elevated writings on it.
The turn indicator is more tricky because of it's shape and the writings and logos.
I made a couple of tiny holes with a sharp needle to let the fluid escape around the letters but due to the thickness of the film it does not fit perfectly.
It gives a very good protection against most of the stones and I would never mount a new FTP without it anymore. (I guess if a big rock bullet comes along that will still crack the glass tough.)

Cheers,
Steve

I'm using a film from Foliatec. Both the film as well as the adhesive is UV resistant so I have not noticed any yellowing yet.
I bought the 17x160 cm package for 25 Euros. That amount will last for many years even if I had to replace it every now and then.

I only have it installed on my summer 8 and unfortunately I have not driven it much in the last years (around 15 tkm).
So I can't say how well it handels the day to day shootouts (if there will be visible marks after a while).
Currently it still looks like new. I guess the film is flexible and therefore the marks won't appear as fast as on the "rigid" glass.

My other 8 has old FTPs with lot's of tiny hholes and therefore I could not install a film on it. (It just looked ugly).
When one of those old one needs to be replaced then I will see how long the film will last in everyday use.

I'm not using any wax or other products on the film.

Cheers,
Steve

You can always look at the following link for another way to protect FTP http://www.8er.org/forum/showt…e-lower-lights-on-the-E31
/Per

It is just pressed, The rubber hose is to hold it against the upper and lower part of the front without damaging the paint.

The rubber hose is split so that it is pushed to the protections.

That looks like quite an elegant solution - as long as you get the material to be the correct dimensions within a millimetre or so.

ooo...this is good! Now to source that Macrolon stuff here in the US (or a good equivalent).

Bavarian Auto sells really good protection custom cut for the FTPs. Clear and Al's a smoked color. Easy to apply and solid protection. Have them on all of the fleet.

Zitat von BruceM6850750;113149

Bavarian Auto sells really good protection custom cut for the FTPs. Clear and Al's a smoked color. Easy to apply and solid protection. Have them on all of the fleet.

Bruce: If you are referring to Bavarian Auto (www.bavauto.com) they do not list the E31 under their vehicle list and Lense Protector does not come up in their search. Have you get a specific link?

I'm with Anguswolfendale...a bit of clarification would be appreciated. I see three related items on bavauto's website, I'm looking to get the smoked set but I'm confused by the options.

Part# H2108A S, Bavarian Autosport Smoked Urethane Headlight and Fog light Shields for $44.95

Part# H2108W, Bavarian Autosport Clear Urethane Headlight, Parking Light and Fog light Shields for $44.95

Part# H2108A, Bavarian Autosport Clear Urethane Headlight and Fog light Shields for $40.45