Rear deck protector

We've had our X3 35i for three weeks - very happy, drives great. Today I noticed the rear bumper deck is scratched even though we've been very careful. Does anyone know if anyone makes a clear or black matte sill protector? There is nothing on the official BMW assessory list even though these items were carried on some prior versions of the X5. BMW should put this on all X3s - most SUVs have this as standard. There is no way to avoid scratching the bumper deck.

Originally Posted by djcbmw

We've had our X3 35i for three weeks - very happy, drives great. Today I noticed the rear bumper deck is scratched even though we've been very careful. Does anyone know if anyone makes a clear or black matte sill protector? There is nothing on the official BMW assessory list even though these items were carried on some prior versions of the X5. BMW should put this on all X3s - most SUVs have this as standard. There is no way to avoid scratching the bumper deck.

BMW's "solution" to the problem of scratching the top of your bumper cover is to use one of their "Load Sill Protectors". I have the cargo mat with the fold out bumper cover, cover. It's very light weight plastic and is a such a pain to use it's just not worth the trouble. The molded cargo mat is actually quite nice, but the protector part is just about useless.

Images of the (2) BMW accessory parts are attached below.

A possible solution is to cover the top surface of the bumper with a layer of Scotchgard, XPEL or ClearMask clear urethane film. It's inexpensive, almost invisible and will protect the paint from scratches and minor impacts. If it eventually does get damaged, it's easy to remove and replace with a new layer. It's available in small rolls of various widths as well as in flat sheets and can be cut to fit.

Like the Xpel idea, unless BMW comes up with something better. Autosport catalog has a kit for $43.

Thanks - I'll look into the clear xpel film. I agree the interior mat with fold out bumper cover was not something I wanted to deal with.

Could you please keep us apprised as to how that works out? When I get mine I will be loading almost everyday and the mat looks like a pain.

XPel Paint Protection film is available directly from the manufacturer.

The top surface of the X3's bumper is 3 -1/4 inches (8.5 cm) deep and can be covered by a strip 48 inches (122 cm) long.

XPel No. XPFCL4S film is supplied in 4 inch wide rolls by the foot @ US$ 2.12/ft., so the X3 bumper top surface can be covered for less then $10. This is standard XPel high gloss polyurethane with a total thickness of 8.3 mils. Properly applied, it is virtually invisible.

see: http://www.xpel.com/products/bulk.asp