Windshield PPF saved my windshield today

Limegrntaln · 08-02-2022, 05:50 AM

So, I took a nice out and back, 250 mile drive, and on the out, I got a f@cking moon rock thrown at my windshield out of nowhere, and it sounded like a gunshot went off in my front seat. To the point, where it made me jerk my head to the side, thinking something was going to hit me. The rock left a little brown stain but it did not penetrate, or tear the PPF.

I looked around the windshield, and found a huge crater that didn't actually penetrate the STek DynoFlex that I had installed, on the outer windshield. If your windshield jumps out in front of rocks, like mine does, you may way to consider getting the windshield protected. I don't drive my car in inclement weather, so, I don't use the wipers on it. Prolonged use of wipers on it, would probably micro-scratch it. So, I just clean my windshield, by hand, when it needs it.

Some shops don't like to install it, because its not 100% optically clear. If you're of age, and have seen floaters in your vision, you may see something similar in the imperfections in the DynoFlex. So, with that being said, it's probably only about 98% optically clear. But this completely saved me from getting my windshield replaced, today, because this moonrock that hit my windshield, would have left one hell of a star crack.

Chicago Auto Pros did an amazing video on windshield protection film.

FISH22 · 08-03-2022, 04:39 PM

Good share, thank you.

I'm wondering if this is an easy DIY. I PPF'd my hood for shits and giggles. Big bulk sheet of 3M matte. I was surprised how easy it was. I'm assuming the process is the same, but maybe a thicker/more robust film?

Limegrntaln · 08-03-2022, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FISH22

Good share, thank you.

I'm wondering if this is an easy DIY. I PPF'd my hood for shits and giggles. Big bulk sheet of 3M matte. I was surprised how easy it was. I'm assuming the process is the same, but maybe a thicker/more robust film?

According to Chicago Auto Pros, it's hard to shrink. Its installed like Window tint, versus being installed like PPF, where you have to shape it to the windshield. And I'm not even sure you can get it without being a seller.

The film is so awkward to work with, every company has a different formulation of the product. Where most window tint is the same, every company for the outer windshield film, has their own idea of how thick it needs to be, and what material its made out of. Right now, the best outer windshield protection film on the market, is STek DYNOFlex.

It has its drawbacks, it's not 100% optically clear, maybe like 97%-98% the glue used causes imperfections in the install. It's all about how good the installer is at installing it. But the trade off is 500% worth it to me.

colo3Kid · 08-03-2022, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limegrntaln

According to Chicago Auto Pros, it's hard to shrink. Its installed like Window tint, versus being installed like PPF, where you have to shape it to the windshield. And I'm not even sure you can get it without being a seller.

The film is so awkward to work with, every company has a different formulation of the product. Where most window tint is the same, every company for the outer windshield film, has their own idea of how thick it needs to be, and what material its made out of. Right now, the best outer windshield protection film on the market, is STek DYNOFlex.

It has its drawbacks, it's not 100% optically clear, maybe like 97%-98% the glue used causes imperfections in the install. It's all about how good the installer is at installing it. But the trade off is 500% worth it to me.

At 1,304 miles I had ExoShield installed by the PPF installer that put on Expel. Very pleased good clarity no floaties, a couple of dust specs that are extremely hard to find unless you are in the right lighting conditions.

Limegrntaln · 08-03-2022, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colo3Kid

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limegrntaln

According to Chicago Auto Pros, it's hard to shrink. Its installed like Window tint, versus being installed like PPF, where you have to shape it to the windshield. And I'm not even sure you can get it without being a seller.

The film is so awkward to work with, every company has a different formulation of the product. Where most window tint is the same, every company for the outer windshield film, has their own idea of how thick it needs to be, and what material its made out of. Right now, the best outer windshield protection film on the market, is STek DYNOFlex.

It has its drawbacks, it's not 100% optically clear, maybe like 97%-98% the glue used causes imperfections in the install. It's all about how good the installer is at installing it. But the trade off is 500% worth it to me.

At 1,304 miles I had ExoShield installed by the PPF installer that put on Expel. Very pleased good clarity no floaties, a couple of dust specs that are extremely hard to find unless you are in the right lighting conditions.

There's definitely new product coming out all the time. I got mine installed Dec of 2021 and it's been the best for a while. Some of these companies are in iterations 4 and 5 of this product, because very few companies are getting it right. Exo has been out for a while. STek and ClearPlex but they've all had May versions.

Seanhfx · 08-08-2022, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by colo3Kid

At 1,304 miles I had ExoShield installed by the PPF installer that put on Expel. Very pleased good clarity no floaties, a couple of dust specs that are extremely hard to find unless you are in the right lighting conditions.

I'm getting ExoShield along with PPF on entire front, roof...will be driven from dealership to my local shop for full new car prep. Worth the $ for me.

Limegrntaln · 08-08-2022, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seanhfx

Quote:

Originally Posted by colo3Kid

At 1,304 miles I had ExoShield installed by the PPF installer that put on Expel. Very pleased good clarity no floaties, a couple of dust specs that are extremely hard to find unless you are in the right lighting conditions.

I'm getting ExoShield along with PPF on entire front, roof...will be driven from dealership to my local shop for full new car prep. Worth the $ for me.

100%. Anything is better than nothing. In 8,000 miles, I'd say it's saved me 2-3 times from getting full on star cracks. Worth the money.

FriedPiston · 08-08-2022, 08:20 PM

STEK DYNOflex is awesome! I personally can live with the rest of the car not having any PPF, as long as the windshield is protected.

Installation is pretty straightforward, but quality tends to differ per shop. I've had a certified shop install the film with sub-par results on a brand new Tesla... and have also had a certified installer/M enthusiast do a very clean install (minimal streaks) on the G80.

Limegrntaln · 08-08-2022, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FriedPiston

STEK DYNOflex is awesome! I personally can live with the rest of the car not having any PPF, as long as the windshield is protected.

Installation is pretty straightforward, but quality tends to differ per shop. I've had a certified shop install the film with sub-par results on a brand new Tesla... and have also had a certified installer/M enthusiast do a very clean install (minimal streaks) on the G80.

I left my car overnight for them to do it, just so they could get it as perfect as they could get it. Mine is done very well. There are some blemishes, nothing in my line of sight, but it's a really good install. Well worth it.

MBoriPerf · 08-17-2022, 04:57 PM

I wonder, and Im sorry for the newbie question...

is this legal in states that windshield tint is not?

Limegrntaln · 08-18-2022, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBoriPerf

I wonder, and Im sorry for the newbie question...

is this legal in states that windshield tint is not?

I wouldn't imagine windshield protection film or tint is legal in many states. Maybe in Hawaii and Florida.

MBoriPerf · 08-18-2022, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limegrntaln

I wouldn't imagine windshield protection film or tint is legal in many states. Maybe in Hawaii and Florida.

that is what I figured, I'm interested but not going through that hassle

Limegrntaln · 10-30-2023, 10:47 AM

Well, fast forward a year, and it’s not bulletproof, that’s for sure. Took a nasty one under the wiper. Windshield guy couldn’t get behind it to fill it properly, because on the inside, it was under the dash. So, it took about 2 months, but, when it cracked, it just kept going.

Pheonix · 10-30-2023, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limegrntaln

Well, fast forward a year, and it’s not bulletproof, that’s for sure. Took a nasty one under the wiper. Windshield guy couldn’t get behind it to fill it properly, because on the inside, it was under the dash. So, it took about 2 months, but, when it cracked, it just kept going.

Thank you for sharing your experiences!
I was looking into this after getting so tired of dealing with having windshield replacement. I think we have one of the worst roads here in SF Bay Area (so much freaking junks on the roads).
One of the reason I didn't get it done because my buddy got it on his DD and rhe film barely survived one rainy season (lot of scratches and damages from windshield wipers).
Now, I am adding another reason, the cost of having the PFP install (then re-install). The shop wanted $500, I have $100 deducible for glass replaceme so I could replace the windshield twice a year and still come ahead.

Limegrntaln · 10-30-2023, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pheonix

Thank you for sharing your experiences!
I was looking into this after getting so tired of dealing with having windshield replacement. I think we have one of the worst roads here in SF Bay Area (so much freaking junks on the roads).
One of the reason I didn't get it done because my buddy got it on his DD and rhe film barely survived one rainy season (lot of scratches and damages from windshield wipers).
Now, I am adding another reason, the cost of having the PFP install (then re-install). The shop wanted $500, I have $100 deducible for glass replaceme so I could replace the windshield twice a year and still come ahead.

I'm going to change my coverage, just for that reason. Right now, Im at $500 comprehensive. Its worth it to go down to $100 just for the windshield. I should have paid the dealer for the windshield replacement. I would have come out ahead, in the long run.

I don't know how they could possibly charge so much to live in this state, and the roads are just absolute trash.

Limegrntaln · 04-03-2024, 04:51 PM

Windshield replacement receipt, for thread continuity.

bvrider1 · 04-03-2024, 07:17 PM

So in two years you haven't used your wiper blades?

Almuliman · 04-03-2024, 07:34 PM

5 miles to test drive the new windshield... Methinks there's a M4 Comp factor in play here

Limegrntaln · 04-03-2024, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bvrider1

So in two years you haven't used your wiper blades?

They replaced them on the previous visit. I dont drive the car in the rain, anyway, so, thats a no.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Almuliman

5 miles to test drive the new windshield... Methinks there's a M4 Comp factor in play here

The invoice was 3 pages, and on the other pages, is oil change, filters, and plugs. So, it required a test drive. But, interestingly enough, the dealer has a windshield tech, thats actually a specialist, or, is "trained" on replacing windshields. They have some new equipment, and actually test drive the car after changing the glass, to test all of the lane equipment, and listen for road noise. The tech invited me into the bay to show me what he was doing. Older guy, at least, in his 40s. I could see most of the drive from the parking lot, where I was standing, and I dont even think he got out of 4th gear.

Almuliman · 04-04-2024, 01:02 PM

Ah, that makes sense. I keep forgetting about all that newfangled tech. 1er has none, our S60 has emergency stop (so some kind of forward looking device in the top center of the windshield).

("Older guy ... in his 40s" Hm.

)

Limegrntaln · 04-04-2024, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Almuliman

Ah, that makes sense. I keep forgetting about all that newfangled tech. 1er has none, our S60 has emergency stop (so some kind of forward looking device in the top center of the windshield).

("Older guy ... in his 40s" Hm.

)

I feel you. I’m less than a year from 50.

MADBMWX5MC · 04-06-2024, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limegrntaln

Windshield replacement receipt, for thread continuity.

Wow, almost $1,700 for replacement

08-02-2022, 05:50 AM	#1
Limegrntaln Major General 14198 Rep 7,166 Posts Drives: 2022 DG/BLk xDrive M4C Wk 34 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sacramento Area iTrader: (3) Garage List 2022 G82 M4 Competi ... [9.42]	Windshield PPF saved my windshield today So, I took a nice out and back, 250 mile drive, and on the out, I got a f@cking moon rock thrown at my windshield out of nowhere, and it sounded like a gunshot went off in my front seat. To the point, where it made me jerk my head to the side, thinking something was going to hit me. The rock left a little brown stain but it did not penetrate, or tear the PPF. I looked around the windshield, and found a huge crater that didn't actually penetrate the STek DynoFlex that I had installed, on the outer windshield. If your windshield jumps out in front of rocks, like mine does, you may way to consider getting the windshield protected. I don't drive my car in inclement weather, so, I don't use the wipers on it. Prolonged use of wipers on it, would probably micro-scratch it. So, I just clean my windshield, by hand, when it needs it. Some shops don't like to install it, because its not 100% optically clear. If you're of age, and have seen floaters in your vision, you may see something similar in the imperfections in the DynoFlex. So, with that being said, it's probably only about 98% optically clear. But this completely saved me from getting my windshield replaced, today, because this moonrock that hit my windshield, would have left one hell of a star crack. Chicago Auto Pros did an amazing video on windshield protection film. Attached Images __________________ 2022 DravitGrau /Black Full Merino M4 Competition M xDrive / Production Week 34/ Delivered 10/19/21/ IG: dravit_m4_comp YT: G Dubyou
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08-03-2022, 04:39 PM	#2
FISH22 Colonel 5491 Rep 2,034 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Competition Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Chesapeake, VA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2021 BMW M3C [10.00] 2011 BMW M3 [10.00]	Good share, thank you. I'm wondering if this is an easy DIY. I PPF'd my hood for shits and giggles. Big bulk sheet of 3M matte. I was surprised how easy it was. I'm assuming the process is the same, but maybe a thicker/more robust film?
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08-08-2022, 08:20 PM	#8
FriedPiston Colonel 2008 Rep 2,756 Posts Drives: Scraper Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: East Oakland, CA iTrader: (26)	STEK DYNOflex is awesome! I personally can live with the rest of the car not having any PPF, as long as the windshield is protected. Installation is pretty straightforward, but quality tends to differ per shop. I've had a certified shop install the film with sub-par results on a brand new Tesla... and have also had a certified installer/M enthusiast do a very clean install (minimal streaks) on the G80.
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08-17-2022, 04:57 PM	#10
MBoriPerf Private First Class 59 Rep 145 Posts Drives: 2019 Audi Q5 Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (0)	I wonder, and Im sorry for the newbie question... is this legal in states that windshield tint is not?
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10-30-2023, 10:47 AM	#13
Limegrntaln Major General 14198 Rep 7,166 Posts Drives: 2022 DG/BLk xDrive M4C Wk 34 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sacramento Area iTrader: (3) Garage List 2022 G82 M4 Competi ... [9.42]	Well, fast forward a year, and it’s not bulletproof, that’s for sure. Took a nasty one under the wiper. Windshield guy couldn’t get behind it to fill it properly, because on the inside, it was under the dash. So, it took about 2 months, but, when it cracked, it just kept going. Attached Images __________________ 2022 DravitGrau /Black Full Merino M4 Competition M xDrive / Production Week 34/ Delivered 10/19/21/ IG: dravit_m4_comp YT: G Dubyou
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04-03-2024, 04:51 PM	#16
Limegrntaln Major General 14198 Rep 7,166 Posts Drives: 2022 DG/BLk xDrive M4C Wk 34 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sacramento Area iTrader: (3) Garage List 2022 G82 M4 Competi ... [9.42]	Windshield replacement receipt, for thread continuity. Attached Images __________________ 2022 DravitGrau /Black Full Merino M4 Competition M xDrive / Production Week 34/ Delivered 10/19/21/ IG: dravit_m4_comp YT: G Dubyou
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04-03-2024, 07:17 PM	#17
bvrider1 Captain 362 Rep 807 Posts Drives: e90 m3 + f80 zcp Join Date: May 2016 Location: 3rdCoast iTrader: (4)	So in two years you haven't used your wiper blades?
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04-03-2024, 07:34 PM	#18
Almuliman Lieutenant 561 Rep 599 Posts Drives: 2013 LMB 6MT 128i, 2000 M5 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Outside Seattle iTrader: (0)	5 miles to test drive the new windshield... Methinks there's a M4 Comp factor in play here
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04-04-2024, 01:02 PM	#20
Almuliman Lieutenant 561 Rep 599 Posts Drives: 2013 LMB 6MT 128i, 2000 M5 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Outside Seattle iTrader: (0)	Ah, that makes sense. I keep forgetting about all that newfangled tech. 1er has none, our S60 has emergency stop (so some kind of forward looking device in the top center of the windshield). ("Older guy ... in his 40s" Hm. )
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