PPF recommendation

AWDSOME · 12-12-2022, 05:56 PM

Thinking about getting full PPF on my 23 M3 when it gets here.

Which brands are recommended? It will be a gloss PPF.

I plan on keeping the car for 10-15 years.

Also is it worth getting the ceramic coating on the PPF?

jpichardo91 · 12-12-2022, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWDSOME

Thinking about getting full PPF on my 23 M3 when it gets here.

Which brands are recommended? It will be a gloss PPF.

I plan on keeping the car for 10-15 years.

Also is it worth getting the ceramic coating on the PPF?

Yes get ceramic coating on top of your ppf.

Most installers just throw it in for free when you get ppf with them.
A bottle of ceramic coating does not cost much and it is not very time consuming for an installer.

Asmedbeats · 12-12-2022, 06:27 PM

Each installer is different. And to some degree you get what you pay for. Definitely check out their work and reviews. I went with full ppf for peace of mind and plan to keep it long term. Is it probably overkill? Yes. But now I don’t have to be as OCD about where I park. Worth it for me.

I went with xpel ultimate plus. And xpel xr plus for tints. Coated on top with gtechniq halo.

Forzanerazzurri · 12-12-2022, 06:28 PM

Most good PPFs have ceramic coating infused and doesn't require or really accept ceramic coating on top. I would look at STEK and avoid XPEL if you want a film that is easy to install and has minimal orange peel. XPEL is highly overrated. Its mostly popular because of the way it bribes installers with its cutting software and forced exclusivity but it's generally an inferior product to it's competitors.

cristy7610 · 12-12-2022, 06:28 PM

Few days ago I fully mounted Stek PPF on my G80 and it looks amazing.

vbb · 12-12-2022, 06:46 PM

Xpel and Suntek are both quality products. I've heard good things about STEK too. 3M is viewed by many as being a tier below. That all said, the argument over PPF films is like the argument over which brand oil you should use. The biggest investment is going to be in an installer that does solid work, because even the best films will make your car look worse if the install is bad.

As for ceramic on top of the PPF, sure. The ceramic increases the hydrophobic qualities of your film and makes it easier to wash. The film protects against scratches, paint etching and rock chips. As someone already mentioned, many of the newer films are ceramic infused so the extra layer of a ceramic coat won't do much.

The fact that you plan to keep your car 10-15 years is definitely the biggest pro in favor of doing this though. My personal opinion is that too many people spend too much money on PPF when they aren't going to keep the car very long, and aren't going to recoup that cost. I've seen quotes nearing $10K on paint correction, full body PPF and ceramic coating. Some people can do that without breaking a sweat, and not care if they don't get their money back when they sell their car. I am not one of those people. But if you're in this car for the long haul, yes, I absolutely can understand you wanting to do the best to keep it looking as pristine as possible for as long as possible.

Savsearcher · 12-12-2022, 08:43 PM

I’m getting Xpel ppf on Wednesday and need to decide between their 8 mil with ceramic infused or their 10 mil thickness sans ceramic. Both are the same cost. Is the 10 mil thickness preferable?

Forzanerazzurri · 12-12-2022, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savsearcher

I’m getting Xpel ppf on Wednesday and need to decide between their 8 mil with ceramic infused or their 10 mil thickness sans ceramic. Both are the same cost. Is the 10 mil thickness preferable?

This is the problem with XPEL. Do they not have a 10mm ceramic infused? XPEL is so unfriendly to installers that it doesn't stretch enough and is difficult to be installed cleanly. Then there is the orange peel...

Savsearcher · 12-12-2022, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forzanerazzurri

This is the problem with XPEL. Do they not have a 10mm ceramic infused? XPEL is so unfriendly to installers that it doesn't stretch enough and is difficult to be installed cleanly. Then there is the orange peel...

Apparently there is no 10 mil ceramic infused, just the 8.

This seems like a case where thicker is better, but is there a trade off?

Forzanerazzurri · 12-12-2022, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Savsearcher

Apparently there is no 10 mil ceramic infused, just the 8.

This seems like a case where thicker is better, but is there a trade off?

It's definitely something to consider. To me a film without infused ceramic is not acceptable today. I wish people who swear by XPEL without infused ceramic could see my car at the hand wash. It's pretty incredible.

Asmedbeats · 12-12-2022, 09:57 PM

To be honest we can argue about different films but for me it came down to the installer. My guy took apart all the trim and door handles etc. I had to even ask if they forgot a panel it is so hard to find the edges in the few areas you can find it. I totally agree the ceramic top coated or infused is worth it if you are already investing in the ppf. Just make sure if it’s not infused it’s a ceramic coating that works with ppf so the healing properties work as advertised.

kjx · 12-13-2022, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asmedbeats

To be honest we can argue about different films but for me it came down to the installer. My guy took apart all the trim and door handles etc. I had to even ask if they forgot a panel it is so hard to find the edges in the few areas you can find it. I totally agree the ceramic top coated or infused is worth it if you are already investing in the ppf. Just make sure if it’s not infused it’s a ceramic coating that works with ppf so the healing properties work as advertised.

Installer is everything. An installer that is known to do a great job end to end consistently will be expensive and won’t compromise on the quality of film, or how many times they redo the work until it’s perfect.

Cheaper installers apply precut sheets that show edges that become increasingly obvious as they catch dirt over time. The best ones tuck in the edges out of sight to the point where others don’t even know there is PPF.

I did full body PPF, partially because I have individual paint and partially because that is the only way to prevent swirls and micro scratches on the clear coat as the car ages (hand wash etc is not 100% guarantee of no issues). My partial PPF + ceramic coated X5? The ceramic coated sections (without PPF) aren’t flawless anymore - clear coat will need polishing, and ceramic reapplied.

My full PPF M4? Looks better than it did at delivery at the dealership one year out.

ominousM4 · 12-13-2022, 02:39 PM

No problems with Xpel on multiple vehicles. I've witnessed the self healing properties.

Savsearcher · 12-13-2022, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ominousM4

No problems with Xpel on multiple vehicles. I've witnessed the self healing properties.

Do you get the 8 mil or 10 mil thickness?

fl1by · 12-14-2022, 01:19 AM

XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS 10. 10 Mil. I have to agree with others comments that the installer is a huge factor here that cant be overstated. If the installer says they can knock out a G80 in a 6 - 8 hour day go somewhere else. Also buy touch-up too. If there are any corrections that need to be done the installer will have the paint.

docjavier · 12-14-2022, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fl1by

XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS 10. 10 Mil. I have to agree with others comments that the installer is a huge factor here that cant be overstated. If the installer says they can knock out a G80 in a 6 - 8 hour day go somewhere else. Also buy touch-up too. If there are any corrections that need to be done the installer will have the paint.

Did the installer remove the bumper, door handles and items like grills lights?
How long did it take? The installer I will be using told me he would like to have the car for 10 to 14 days. 7 days to install it and 7 days to let it sit. Using XPEL Ultimate Plus.

forcefed · 12-14-2022, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docjavier

Did the installer remove the bumper, door handles and items like grills lights?

I think the only time these installers remove parts from the body is when they don't use the precut pieces and simply apply film to the whole area and cut everything out, but you're going to be paying a premium for this type of install.

Forzanerazzurri · 12-14-2022, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by forcefed

I think the only time these installers remove parts from the body is when they don't use the precut pieces and simply apply film to the whole area and cut everything out, but you're going to be paying a premium for this type of install.

Door handles take 2 mins to remove and should be otherwise you end up with an ugly line in the film.

BSMG82M4 · 10-18-2023, 08:08 PM

Has anyone wrapped their car with CovrGard? How does this compare with Stek and the other ppfs?

12-12-2022, 05:56 PM	#1
AWDSOME Private First Class 635 Rep 166 Posts Drives: 2023 M3C Xdrive Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Utah iTrader: (0)	PPF recommendation Thinking about getting full PPF on my 23 M3 when it gets here. Which brands are recommended? It will be a gloss PPF. I plan on keeping the car for 10-15 years. Also is it worth getting the ceramic coating on the PPF?
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12-12-2022, 06:27 PM	#3
Asmedbeats Second Lieutenant 381 Rep 222 Posts Drives: 2023 M3 Comp Xdrive Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: TX iTrader: (1) Garage List [0.00] 2023 M3 Comp Xdrive [0.00] 2023 M3 Comp Xdrive [0.00]	Each installer is different. And to some degree you get what you pay for. Definitely check out their work and reviews. I went with full ppf for peace of mind and plan to keep it long term. Is it probably overkill? Yes. But now I don’t have to be as OCD about where I park. Worth it for me. I went with xpel ultimate plus. And xpel xr plus for tints. Coated on top with gtechniq halo.
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12-12-2022, 06:28 PM	#4
Forzanerazzurri Banned 6991 Rep 3,275 Posts Drives: E46 M3 Coupe/G80 M3CX Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Alberta iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 BMW M3 Coupe [0.50] 2022 BMW M3 Competi ... [5.12]	Most good PPFs have ceramic coating infused and doesn't require or really accept ceramic coating on top. I would look at STEK and avoid XPEL if you want a film that is easy to install and has minimal orange peel. XPEL is highly overrated. Its mostly popular because of the way it bribes installers with its cutting software and forced exclusivity but it's generally an inferior product to it's competitors.
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12-12-2022, 06:28 PM	#5
cristy7610 Private First Class 39 Rep 125 Posts Drives: BMW E92 335I Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: constanta iTrader: (0)	Few days ago I fully mounted Stek PPF on my G80 and it looks amazing.
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12-12-2022, 06:46 PM	#6
vbb Major 2350 Rep 1,022 Posts Drives: 2022 M4 manual Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: present iTrader: (4)	Xpel and Suntek are both quality products. I've heard good things about STEK too. 3M is viewed by many as being a tier below. That all said, the argument over PPF films is like the argument over which brand oil you should use. The biggest investment is going to be in an installer that does solid work, because even the best films will make your car look worse if the install is bad. As for ceramic on top of the PPF, sure. The ceramic increases the hydrophobic qualities of your film and makes it easier to wash. The film protects against scratches, paint etching and rock chips. As someone already mentioned, many of the newer films are ceramic infused so the extra layer of a ceramic coat won't do much. The fact that you plan to keep your car 10-15 years is definitely the biggest pro in favor of doing this though. My personal opinion is that too many people spend too much money on PPF when they aren't going to keep the car very long, and aren't going to recoup that cost. I've seen quotes nearing $10K on paint correction, full body PPF and ceramic coating. Some people can do that without breaking a sweat, and not care if they don't get their money back when they sell their car. I am not one of those people. But if you're in this car for the long haul, yes, I absolutely can understand you wanting to do the best to keep it looking as pristine as possible for as long as possible.
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12-12-2022, 08:43 PM	#7
Savsearcher Private First Class 162 Rep 132 Posts Drives: '23 M3 comp xdrive, '24 iX M60 Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I’m getting Xpel ppf on Wednesday and need to decide between their 8 mil with ceramic infused or their 10 mil thickness sans ceramic. Both are the same cost. Is the 10 mil thickness preferable?
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12-12-2022, 09:57 PM	#11
Asmedbeats Second Lieutenant 381 Rep 222 Posts Drives: 2023 M3 Comp Xdrive Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: TX iTrader: (1) Garage List [0.00] 2023 M3 Comp Xdrive [0.00] 2023 M3 Comp Xdrive [0.00]	To be honest we can argue about different films but for me it came down to the installer. My guy took apart all the trim and door handles etc. I had to even ask if they forgot a panel it is so hard to find the edges in the few areas you can find it. I totally agree the ceramic top coated or infused is worth it if you are already investing in the ppf. Just make sure if it’s not infused it’s a ceramic coating that works with ppf so the healing properties work as advertised.
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12-13-2022, 02:39 PM	#13
ominousM4 Enlisted Member 31 Rep 40 Posts Drives: 2023 M4 Comp Xdrive Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: KC iTrader: (0)	No problems with Xpel on multiple vehicles. I've witnessed the self healing properties.
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12-14-2022, 01:19 AM	#15
fl1by Lieutenant 730 Rep 423 Posts Drives: G80, Raptor, STI and C8 Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Southeast Virginia iTrader: (0)	XPEL ULTIMATE PLUS 10. 10 Mil. I have to agree with others comments that the installer is a huge factor here that cant be overstated. If the installer says they can knock out a G80 in a 6 - 8 hour day go somewhere else. Also buy touch-up too. If there are any corrections that need to be done the installer will have the paint. Attached Images
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10-18-2023, 08:08 PM	#19
BSMG82M4 Second Lieutenant 930 Rep 289 Posts Drives: BMW G82 M4 Competition Join Date: Sep 2023 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2022 BMW G82 M4 Com ... [9.36]	Has anyone wrapped their car with CovrGard? How does this compare with Stek and the other ppfs?
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