Hello. My local dealer offers to have installed a protective film on the front bumper and hood of my car for almost $700. I think it's a great idea, but it seems a bit expensive.
On eBay, there are listings for a much cheaper alternative, which is supposedly high quality. They tell me that the material is 1/3 the thickness of what my dealership offers.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this matter?
Is the product on eBay just as good or better?
How long do these products last?

Winter is coming and I do not want any more chips on my finish than I already have.

Thanks!!

 

My past experience with dealership items compared to ebay items is mostly price. Most prices on ebay are cheaper and the dealership will almost be the most expensive place yopu can buy anything.
At the dealership, items tend to be made specifically for your car or "special" fit. Also, of course they are "specialists" when it comes to your car and "always knows what is best."
Enough sarcasm, though. $700 is a little expensive.
For real, by paper logic, the thicker material offer better protection but that does not nessarrily means it is better quality. Also, the thinner material probably can hardly be seen and therefore more likely looks better. I'm under the assumptiaon that you are just trying to protect your car againgst the average chips, nicks and things from being on the roads and stuff. Unfortunately, the front of my car bares a few rock chips from the road and it is an annoying flaw on an otherwise flawless paint. So unless you're expecting boulders or something, an ebay alternative might be what you need. As always though, do your research, because not all Ebay items are a bargain, then again it's not always worth it to buy from the dealership.
It varies on how long they last. Some last a couple of months to a few years or so.
Me personally, I would prefer one that is not too expensive and last only a few months, because I don't think a lot of those products protect from UV rays since the military didn't provide me with even a car port.

 

Those 3M films and wraps (advertisement) hit the market about 8 years ago and supposable all installed so far still hold. Haven't seen one, that was older, than 3 years, so have to take the word for it. They originally were design for buses and motorhomes, but looks like they go to car market as well.
Supposable they are easy to remove, when they age, but the truth is, that nobody did it so far. Danger of pulling the paint still exist.
Technically thinner plastic is easier to stretch around the curves, but it depends on material as well.
I don't think the film will give the full protection from rocks. Sharp rock will cut thru it and damage the paint anyway.
Personally I would save the $700 for repainting the front in few years.

 

I had my BMW wrapped and 2 years later when I sold it for the Mercedes it was fine. I paid $150 at a private shop. which cut from dies it had on hand. Also, there are several website that offer kit, I done headlights, which is a thicker tape and got hit by a rock, there is a slight dent in the material, bu the lens is find. Yes the front end of the BMW didn't have a scratch on it. If you have a steady hand warmer weather and can work quickly it is not that hard to put on, for the C280 I have. there is a bumper piece, a piece for the hood that goes about 1/4 of th way up and between the headlights and grille. and for each fender that matches the hood peice. You need alot of water a big spray bottle, a big bottle of rubbing alcohol and a squeege. It is easier then putting on window tint if you ever tried that.

Click on hood protection below. clearmask.com is a reputable dealer of the 3M product, I had installed on the Bimmer

 

Double post for some reason, couldn't delete so wrote this instead.