|
09-16-2024, 01:12 PM | #1 |
Major
524
Rep 1,492
Posts |
Ceramic and upkeep
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 ? |
09-16-2024, 02:00 PM | #2 |
Private First Class
103
Rep 164
Posts |
$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.
|
Appreciate
1
theweebabySeamus412.50 |
09-16-2024, 02:07 PM | #3 |
Major
524
Rep 1,492
Posts |
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
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-16-2024, 03:01 PM | #5 |
Captain
2047
Rep 919
Posts |
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.
__________________
2018 F80 M3. YMB/BLK. ZCP. Three Pedals.
"Education will never be as expensive as ignorance." |
Appreciate
2
Westside Guy6758.50 bmwauug523.50 |
09-17-2024, 07:57 AM | #6 |
Major
815
Rep 1,145
Posts Drives: '01 Z3M, '12 335is, '22 540i Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: FLL
iTrader: (4)
Garage List 2012 BMW 335i [5.25]
2012 BMW 335is [5.00] 2008 Infiniti QX56 [0.00] 1967 Chevrolet Corv ... [10.00] 2001 M Roadster [10.00] 2022 BMW 540i [0.75] 2009 528i [9.50] |
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.
|
Appreciate
1
bmwauug523.50 |
09-17-2024, 08:30 AM | #7 |
Brigadier General
6759
Rep 4,992
Posts Drives: 2022 Z4 M40i, 2021 228i GC Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Hallandale Beach, FL
|
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.
|
09-17-2024, 10:21 AM | #8 |
Brigadier General
3970
Rep 3,194
Posts |
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.
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-17-2024, 01:28 PM | #10 |
Private
31
Rep 94
Posts |
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.
|
Appreciate
1
bmwauug523.50 |
09-18-2024, 08:24 AM | #11 |
///M driver
20330
Rep 671
Posts |
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.
__________________
'22 G80 M3 6-sp Portimão Blue/Tartufo (For sale)
'25 M850ix GC (Ordered) |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|