BMW Wraps, Branding & Paint Protection

BMW has deep roots in South Africa, and the 3 Series, X3, X5, 1 Series, 4 Series Gran Coupe and M cars such as the M2, M3 and M4 are everywhere around Sandton. Owners come to us to change the colour, black out chrome trim, add M-inspired accents or protect the front end with paint protection film.

Car Colour Wraps is an independent wrap and PPF workshop in Rivonia, using 3M and Avery Dennison vinyl films for wraps. We have no affiliation with BMW. Below we cover the details that make BMW work different, so you can plan the job with realistic expectations.

Kidney grilles, sensors and the BMW front end

The kidney grille has grown on many recent BMWs, and on several models the grille area houses active air flaps, a camera or a radar sensor, with more sensors in the lower bumper. We don’t cover radar or camera areas with film, and active grille shutters are left free to move. Grille surrounds can often be wrapped as trim, but slatted inserts are usually better left in their original finish.

Parking sensors, headlight washers on some models and the illuminated kidney grille surround found on certain newer BMWs also need planning. An illuminated grille surround should not be covered with vinyl, as it would block the light.

Chrome delete and Shadowline looks

BMW offers a factory Shadowline trim option with high-gloss black window surrounds, and many owners whose cars left the factory with bright trim want the same look. A chrome delete in gloss black vinyl suits most BMWs, while satin black reads closer to some matt-finished performance parts. Badges, side gill trims and rear bumper strips can also be covered where the shape allows, but exhaust tips get too hot for vinyl.

• Window surrounds and B-pillar trims
• Kidney grille surround (not the slats)
• Side vent and gill trims
• Rear bumper and diffuser bright strips
• Roof rails on X models

M models, M Sport packs and finishes

M cars and M Sport packs bring wide arches, deep front intakes, carbon parts and aggressive rear diffusers. These shapes mean more seams and relief cuts in a full wrap, so we discuss where joins will fall before work starts. Genuine carbon fibre roofs, mirror caps and spoilers are often better protected with clear PPF than covered in colour.

Popular colour changes on BMWs include satin and matte greys, and gloss colours with a deep metallic look, subject to material availability. For a smaller change, a contrast roof, mirror caps or M-inspired side stripes can be done as a partial wrap. Company BMWs can also carry discreet vinyl logos and lettering.

Protecting a BMW with PPF

Clear paint protection film is designed to absorb stone chips and scuffs, which matters on a low M car on the N1 or a daily 3 Series doing highway kilometres. Front-end coverage of the bumper, bonnet, front wings and mirrors is the most common choice. Full-vehicle PPF suits owners of M cars or cars with matte factory paint, subject to the paint’s condition. PPF does not change the colour and cannot hide chips that are already there.

Popular services for BMW owners

BMW is a trademark of its owner. We use the name only to describe vehicles we work on; we are not affiliated with or endorsed by the manufacturer.