What do you think of it?

Looks like a very complicated front end for an effective installation?

I just had my front bumper replaced and the entire front of the car is now reasonably pristine but I know where I live that will last maybe 2 weeks. It's just so brutal here.

The paint shop advised me to not do this because they say the clear material gets to be very chewed up and looks bad. They claim it's actually more money to then remove and install again than it is to paint the front. I'm not so sure about that but that's why I started this thread.

 

I have an 06 S. Soon after purchase, I installed clear plastic (film)
headlight covers. I now have 120,000 miles on the old girl, and,
the headlights are in as new condition; i.e., if I peeled off the film,
the headlights would be unmarked. I did have the entire bumper
repainted last year due to the usual chips, etc.

You do have to be very carefull when cleaning the covering; never
use one of those bug sponges. I've made that mistake and was able
to polish out the scratches with Meguiars ScratchX 2.0 which I have
found to be excellent at polishing out minor scratches.

I feel your pain: I lived in Minnesota many years ago where sand,
rock salt, and gravel are accepted road coverings during winter. All
it took was following an 18 wheeler for a few miles to sand blast the
front end.

In summary, if the headlight installation is any indication, I believe
doing the front bumper would be worthwhile, especially in your area.
Keep in mind though, the film is easily scratched.

 

what I am concerned about is just how complex that front surface is. The chrome molding on a standard S-Type are painted on an STR and I just wonder is it's going to end up looking like a F***D-up mess even when newly installed.

Headlight covers are a good idea I think.

 

It will be a handful trying to install on the STR for sure. You considering DIY or farming it out? The ones I've seen on cars usually look decent for the first year or so then the UV breakdown starts and they look sh*tty. So factor longevity into your cost/benefit analysis.

 

I would advise against it. The previous owner of my Audi had a clear bra on the hood and it left a lot of residue on it. I spent a lot of time trying to buff it out. I got most of it, but there was still some remaining.

 

Your shop is correct. They work, but when left on are a royal pain to remove and replace or repair. And, it will yellow, even the good 3M stuff. So, you will want to change it.

Then again, I've heard that the headlight kits are great. They don't seem to react the same when applied to clear plastic lights vs a painted surface.

This is all "what I've heard" I haven't used any yet. Plan on getting the stuff for the headlamps and fog lamps on my car.

 

I had one isntalled by a shop last year, it's not 3M, but the quality was just as good. They are precision cut and fit the front end beautifully. I also had them to the headlights for a few extra bucks. I'm not worried about the fading at all as the product comes with a lifetime warranty and the shop said I can get it replaced anytime I notice fading or wear.