Window security film & security in general-good idea or not?

[stuart-b]

Hi guys,

Having had my window broken a couple of weeks ago, and various things pinched (including my prescription sunglasses from the glove box...!), I thought about window protective film.

Companies like http://www.llumar.com/en/AutoSafety.aspx are offering something which seems quite attractive.

Obviously it won't stop the hardened thief, but if it's enough for the alarm system to go off when it detects someone hitting it, they might just run off, saving me the hassle of cleaning all the glass.

Of course they might get upset it didn't smash and kick the crap out of the car.

There are other benefits, such as in an accident, it doesn't shatter all over the place.

Also looking at getting the Clifford Avantguard 5.1 fitted, with a tracker - as the BMW alarm is less than useless. This would include a glass smash detection, tilt activation, proximity upgrade potentially, etc.

Does anyone have decent security on their car, and in your opinion, has it ever helped?

[ikarl]

I used to install the Llumar security film and it is VERY good!

What car is it going on? as the film is very thick and can sometimes cause issues putting the window up and down. You're better off having a car with 'cheaper' made doors to allow the extra width, Mercedes/BMW make their doors/windows without much in the way of a gap to fit this type of film

I once tested it on an open piece of glass (completely out of a door frame so argualby easier to break) and dropping a brick from 3-4ft didn't even crack the window!

[stuart-b]

ikarl said:

I used to install the Llumar security film and it is VERY good!

What car is it going on? as the film is very thick and can sometimes cause issues putting the window up and down. You're better off having a car with 'cheaper' made doors to allow the extra width, Mercedes/BMW make their doors/windows without much in the way of a gap to fit this type of film

I once tested it on an open piece of glass (completely out of a door frame so argualby easier to break) and dropping a brick from 3-4ft didn't even crack the window!

E92 (pillar-less) - do you think it's possible?

[ikarl]

It is possible, however you *may* increase wind/road noise as it will effectively push the window out slightly (it's intsalled on the inside of the glass)

When dropping or raising the window it will probably be a lot slower as it presses against the seal

[stuart-b]

ikarl said:

It is possible, however you *may* increase wind/road noise as it will effectively push the window out slightly (it's intsalled on the inside of the glass)

When dropping or raising the window it will probably be a lot slower as it presses against the seal

Ok - thanks. Bit worried about the extra strain on the window motors, but I guess that's part of it. Perhaps the seals can be adjusted? Just throwing ideas out there at the moment, thanks for the feedback.