Ceramic and upkeep

[bmwauug]

Hi All, before I shell out $2k for ceramic coating, I wanted to ask how practical it is for upkeep and a daily driver (X5MC) - meaning regular washes in the case of midwest winters etc.

And in the end for those who've done it, is it money well spent ?

[M2taz]

$2k seems very expensive for just ceramic coating, I'm guessing they're also doing prep work? Decontamination wash, clay bar & paint correction beforehand? For upkeep I've used bead maker after every wash, but there's some others like obsessed garage drying aid I just purchased but haven't tried yet. Ceramic coating is just a semipermanent wax which will last a few year. Only you can decide if it's worth the cost. I've done it on two cars with PPF and will be doing it again on my incoming g80.

[bmwauug]

the price is actually $2400 - prep, Gtechniq Crystal Serum, Gtechniq EXO top coat, wheels and calipers. Seems high - but I'm trying to assess if it helps keep the car clean and glossy. looking for a 4-5 year plan. Plus to keep warranty, its ~$300 upkeep

[M2taz]

Depending on your comfort level working on paint and time, you can also do it yourself for only a few hundred. It's really not that hard especially on a new car.

[DocL]

I don't live in a harsh climate where it snows and there is salt on the ground. But Ceramic will definitely help making it easier to keep clean. I don't do much to my car except wash it maybe once a month and twice a year i spray it with the replenish spray that the detailer sold me. I'll never own another car without having it ceramic coated.

[ppointer]

I have had the ceramic applied to three of my cars, all 2+ years ago. I find it easier to keep those cars clean, plus I haven't seen any staining like I have in the past -- bird droppings or tree sap, for example. I will definitely do it again in the future. In fact, I am planning on getting paint correction and ceramic applied to my M Roadster this month or next.

[Westside Guy]

The ceramic coating on my Z4 is so good that I often receive a free car wash when driving on the highway in a heavy rain storm. The water beads and rolls off of my car and by the time I arrive at home it is virtually spotless.

[tcphoto]

I chose to DIY at the end of May after some paint work. I washed, clayed, used compound on the old paint but not the recently painted sections. I then applied Cerakote and I'm more impressed after it rains. It was literally an all day project and requires 24 hours to cure, watch the weather forecast so you don't have issues curing.

[bmwauug]

thanks. -this is all very helpful.

[zsalim240i]

I would do it, to me it's worth for the gloss alone. If you're going to be taking it through the scrubo-matic car washes then it's not going to last as long, but for touch less and hand wash - it'll last a few years, especially gtechniq ultra.

[Llarry]

Originally Posted by bmwauug

the price is actually $2400 - prep, Gtechniq Crystal Serum, Gtechniq EXO top coat, wheels and calipers. Seems high - but I'm trying to assess if it helps keep the car clean and glossy. looking for a 4-5 year plan. Plus to keep warranty, its ~$300 upkeep

My experience with a '17 F80 M3 that I had for four years is that yes, it keeps the car relatively clean and glossy. I paid a bit less than 2K if memory serves and my detailer did not charge for annual inspections, which many do. I'm a believer.

[bmwauug]

The two options I have are:

Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light - or - Undrdog Pro+

Also, is getting the do the wheels and calipers done make a difference ?

[Nettles]

Why not just let a detailer handle maintenance?

[bmwauug]

Originally Posted by Nettles

Why not just let a detailer handle maintenance?

I will. But won’t do that weekly.

[bmwauug]

X5M is in for the spa treatment now !

[reallymarkedup]

Originally Posted by Nettles

Why not just let a detailer handle maintenance?

Oh you can totally do that. Funny thing tho, most detailers will start by recommending a ceramic coating, because it helps with maintenance.

[ToddRGuy]

Originally Posted by bmwauug

the price is actually $2400 - prep, Gtechniq Crystal Serum, Gtechniq EXO top coat, wheels and calipers. Seems high - but I'm trying to assess if it helps keep the car clean and glossy. looking for a 4-5 year plan. Plus to keep warranty, its ~$300 upkeep

That price seems very high for Gtechniq. It’s typically cheaper than XPEL or Ceramic Pro. I would recommend getting some additional quotes, as you might be experiencing “German Markup”. Comparitively, I have a quote for a G60 and XPEL; it’s $1000. I’ve had ceramic pro (can’t recommend as they do not stand behind their warranty) but it was similarly priced.

[Emily172013]

Everyone's situation is different. Waxing with a top quality wax a couple times a year gives results close enough to ceramic (without the cost and drawbacks) and being retired, I love to spend an afternoon hand washing and waxing and admiring the results. I do PPF with Excel using the best installer in my area.

[Nettles]

Originally Posted by reallymarkedup

Oh you can totally do that. Funny thing tho, most detailers will start by recommending a ceramic coating, because it helps with maintenance.

It's very interesting right. We can go down a big rabbit hole with this thought because if you don't do your own maintenance then you're paying for a detailer to make their job easier. Meanwhile they charge full rate for a basic wash. I love detailing, but the lack of knowledge around it is fascinating for how simple it all really is. Let's just ppf/ceramic everything!

[reallymarkedup]

Originally Posted by Nettles

It's very interesting right. We can go down a big rabbit hole with this thought because if you don't do your own maintenance then you're paying for a detailer to make their job easier. Meanwhile they charge full rate for a basic wash. I love detailing, but the lack of knowledge around it is fascinating for how simple it all really is. Let's just ppf/ceramic everything!

My point is simply that a good ceramic coating (done by you or a shop) only helps whether or not you do your own detailing or you have someone do it for you. It's nothing to do with how easy things are, or how much amazing detailing knowledge you have, it's a thing that helps keep your car in good condition. But I am fully aware I'm wasting my breath, carry on!

[mattinfll]

I’m picking up in Spartanburg and am working with a well reviewed local detailer who has helped many PCD owners. He does a three year ceramic coding based on the system X ceramic system (pro system). $850 for entire exterior, trim, glass, and wheels. I’m on a three-year lease so I don’t really need more than that. But your price seems high. From what I have been able to research, System X ceramic seems to be a well regarded professional ceramic coating company

[mattinfll]

I will contract with a mobile detailer to keep the car looking as new as I can. But that will be every two weeks at most.

I want the ceramic on before I drive home from Spartanburg.

Brooklyn Grey has been the easiest color I have ever maintained ( on my X4). But that color is now on every Hyundai and Honda around me (no offense, I just like to be a little more individual).

So with TZ Blue, need to be prepared for easier cleaner.