PPF vs Ceramic

[miiipilot]

Recently changed careers due to burnout
Received my allocation the week I quit ( 😆 figures that's one way for my allocation to manifest)

Looking to get the best bang for my buck since I'm starting something new today (less money too atm)

Should I get:
FULL PPF and no ceramic (maybe just wheels $400)
Full front PPF and full ceramic w/wheels

This will not be daily driven or in snow. 1x/wk washing

If I do FULL PPF, what are the drawbacks without ceramic?

What would y'all do for my incoming BG M2?
Thx

[M_Power Rob]

Ppf on front clip, mirrors and cf roof. Entire car ceramic coated (ceramic is done after ppf as you ceramic over ppf).


You will also want to have it paint corrected before any ppf or ceramic is done.

[M2 CCO]

Depends on the film. Some of them have built in hydrophobic properties so a coating may not add as much benefit on top in comparison to those without the hydrophobic/cleaning properties.

[miiipilot]

Originally Posted by M2 CCO

Depends on the film. Some of them have built in hydrophobic properties so a coating may not add as much benefit on top in comparison to those without the hydrophobic/cleaning properties.

XPEL Ultimate for the PPF
XPEL Fusion PLUS for the ceramic

[soflacarguy]

Xpel and STek both offer PPF films pre ceramic coated.

Id shop around as some installers quoted me more for partial ppf + full ceramic than the a couple installers quoted me for full PPF.

[M_Power Rob]

Depending on where you live, be careful and do your homework on who is doing the Xpel. First, make sure they are truly an authorized Xpel installer (there are places in my general area doing Xpel that are not authorized installes).

Second, know what you are getting (pre-cut pieces which leave certain edges and corners exposed vs custom pieces where edges and cirners wrap under to leave no exposed edges). The cf roof is tricky to get the edges wrapped.

[c1pher]

I am looking for someone with a new G87 who got PPF in the Williamsburg VA area. I know a ZB one was recently done and wanted to get feedback before I pull the trigger or choose another vendor.

[miiipilot]

Originally Posted by M_Power Rob

Depending on where you live, be careful and do your homework on who is doing the Xpel. First, make sure they are truly an authorized Xpel installer (there are places in my general area doing Xpel that are not authorized installes).

Second, know what you are getting (pre-cut pieces which leave certain edges and corners exposed vs custom pieces where edges and cirners wrap under to leave no exposed edges). The cf roof is tricky to get the edges wrapped.

This place is L.E.G.I.T.

I was hesitant at first with my F87. It's in a very nondescript single-story industrial building. Almost sorta sketchy & rundown. It's in a nice suburb of cleveland.

😕🤔😕

I walked in and there is a 458, 599 GTO, and a GT2 RS. I laughed and said my garbage lil M2 will be fine.

Here are the prices of what I was looking at:

Paint Protection Film (XPEL Ultimate)
1a. Full front end protection (hood, fenders, bumper, mirrors): $1850.00
1b. Full hood, partial fenders, mirrors, bumper: $1425.00
2a. Rocker panels, behind rear tires, lower doors: $590.00
2b. Rear wheel arches - area in front of the rear tires: $200.00
3. A-pillars: $80.00 Roof Strip: $100.00 (if painted)
4. Headlights: $90.00
5. Trunk / luggage area: $70.00
6. Door cups: $30.00

Ceramic Coating (XPEL Fusion PLUS) 5 year warranty
1. paint prep, 1 stage paint correction and installation (all painted areas including film covered surfaces): $1290.00
2. Wheels off, calipers: $400.00

Tint:
Option 1 - XPEL XR ceramic tint - more heat blocking (sides and back): $485.00
Option 2 - carbon tint: $290.00

Windshield protection (exterior):
Clearplex: $490.00

HE quoted me $5400 for the full PPF

These seem reasonable except for the full ppf price. Seems the full roof, rear bumper and the other half of the doors is another $2500?!?

[Pheonix]

What is the color of your car? I have Expel Ultimate on my e93 M3 and the PPF started to discolor after just a bit over 2 years. The car is only driven on the weekend and park in garage. I would not recommend Xpel if you have light colors.
Also, Xpel Ultimate definitely has Orange peel texture to it. If you want gloss, I highly recommend Suntek or Stek.
Other than that, I agree with posts above go full frontal PPF and whole car Ceramic after.

[miiipilot]

Originally Posted by Pheonix

What is the color of your car? I have Expel Ultimate on my e93 M3 and the PPF started to discolor after just a bit over 2 years. The car is only driven on the weekend and park in garage. I would not recommend Xpel if you have light colors.
Also, Xpel Ultimate definitely has Orange peel texture to it. If you want gloss, I highly recommend Suntek or Stek.
Other than that, I agree with posts above go full frontal PPF and whole car Ceramic after.

Brooklyn Grey

[Pheonix]

Originally Posted by miiipilot

Brooklyn Grey

I think the discoloration will show with that lighter shade.

[chris719]

If I could go back I would do full PPF. No ceramic, you can DIY it or use spray sealants that give 80% of the performance of a coating, plus the newer films have coatings already built in.

This is if you plan to keep the car long term. If you're leasing or only hold a car for a few years, just go without PPF and coat it yourself.

[miiipilot]

Originally Posted by Pheonix

I think the discoloration will show with that lighter shade.

I never thought about it discoloring
Thanks for the heads up

[Pheonix]

Originally Posted by miiipilot

I never thought about it discoloring
Thanks for the heads up

All PPF will eventually turn yellowish. However, I was extremely disappointed that Xpel Ultimate didn't even last that long (especially with a garage queen.). Yes, they have 10 years warranty but I didn't want to deal with the pia of having it redone (then will discolored soon after)
My buddy is a professional detailer and he said he saw many cars with Xpel PPF in similar condition.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by miiipilot

Brooklyn Grey

One of my friends has a Brooklyn Grey M3 Competition with allover Xpel Ultimate Plus and parks his car outdoors where it is subjected to Florida’s intense sunlight and heavy rain. He is a nit picker and hasn’t complained about any discoloring.

[Pheonix]

Granted my car is Alpine so it is noticeable, especially in the sun.
Here are some pics just took in the garage and you could tell the difference between PPF and None. Also, notice the Orange Peels of the Xpel?
The Blue is my DD Id4 with Suntek Ultimate. Could brealy tell which side is PPF.
I am just sharing my personal experiences so take them however you want.

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by Pheonix

What is the color of your car? I have Expel Ultimate on my e93 M3 and the PPF started to discolor after just a bit over 2 years. The car is only driven on the weekend and park in garage. I would not recommend Xpel if you have light colors.
Also, Xpel Ultimate definitely has Orange peel texture to it. If you want gloss, I highly recommend Suntek or Stek.
Other than that, I agree with posts above go full frontal PPF and whole car Ceramic after.

I've had Llumar Platinum on my F82 M4 for almost 4.5 years now, there isn't much orange peel texture to it and it's pretty glossy still to this day. It's not ceramic coated either.

FWIW, I just had Xpel Ultimate Black done on my roof and I don't have an a very orange peel finish. It's almost like paint and blends in with my sunroof glass pretty good.

[Clark_Kent]

Originally Posted by miiipilot

This place is L.E.G.I.T.

I was hesitant at first with my F87. It's in a very nondescript single-story industrial building. Almost sorta sketchy & rundown. It's in a nice suburb of cleveland.

😕🤔😕

I walked in and there is a 458, 599 GTO, and a GT2 RS. I laughed and said my garbage lil M2 will be fine.

Here are the prices of what I was looking at:

Paint Protection Film (XPEL Ultimate)
1a. Full front end protection (hood, fenders, bumper, mirrors): $1850.00
1b. Full hood, partial fenders, mirrors, bumper: $1425.00
2a. Rocker panels, behind rear tires, lower doors: $590.00
2b. Rear wheel arches - area in front of the rear tires: $200.00
3. A-pillars: $80.00 Roof Strip: $100.00 (if painted)
4. Headlights: $90.00
5. Trunk / luggage area: $70.00
6. Door cups: $30.00

Ceramic Coating (XPEL Fusion PLUS) 5 year warranty
1. paint prep, 1 stage paint correction and installation (all painted areas including film covered surfaces): $1290.00
2. Wheels off, calipers: $400.00

Tint:
Option 1 - XPEL XR ceramic tint - more heat blocking (sides and back): $485.00
Option 2 - carbon tint: $290.00

Windshield protection (exterior):
Clearplex: $490.00

HE quoted me $5400 for the full PPF

These seem reasonable except for the full ppf price. Seems the full roof, rear bumper and the other half of the doors is another $2500?!?

The above comment in bold is a trap. You should never subscribe to the notion that because a shop works on high end cars or exotics they'll do a great job on your car. A shop working on high end cars is not a proxy for high quality or an elevated attention to detail. All it means is they work on high end cars, full stop. A lot of these shops work on high end cars, it's very common. I can think at least 6 of them in my city that parade through Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens, Porsche GT cars, etc. on a weekly basis. You should still be meticulous in your dealings with them whether the shop is packed with mundane commuter cars or exotic cars.

[txmav]

Originally Posted by miiipilot

XPEL Ultimate for the PPF
XPEL Fusion PLUS for the ceramic

This is what I did (full car). It is expensive (around $8k including window tinting), but to me it was necessary because I have a black car.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by Clark_Kent

The above comment in bold is a trap. You should never subscribe to the notion that because a shop works on high end cars or exotics they'll do a great job on your car. A shop working on high end cars is not a proxy for high quality or an elevated attention to detail. All it means is they work on high end cars, full stop. A lot of these shops work on high end cars, it's very common. I can think at least 6 of them in my city that parade through Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens, Porsche GT cars, etc. on a weekly basis. You should still be meticulous in your dealings with them whether the shop is packed with mundane commuter cars or exotic cars.

I totally agree and that is why you need to do your research before selecting a shop to do the PPF work.
Assuming that expensive cars equals high quality work is like saying you will have great sex because someone you met is really attractive.

[dudley@07726]

Originally Posted by Pheonix

Granted my car is Alpine so it is noticeable, especially in the sun.
Here are some pics just took in the garage and you could tell the difference between PPF and None. Also, notice the Orange Peels of the Xpel?
The Blue is my DD Id4 with Suntek Ultimate. Could brealy tell which side is PPF.
I am just sharing my personal experiences so take them however you want.

The paint job itself has orange peel.

[Forzanerazzurri]

Originally Posted by dudley@07726

The paint job itself has orange peel.

Pretty well known in the industry that STEK (and others) has a much flatter appearance with better gloss than anything XPEL makes. Its just a better film overall.