PPF for interior trim? Pluses and Minuses

[kstavrov]

Hey guys,

So I’m pretty much in a dilemma if I should get my new X5 (which I expect in the end of the year) with PPF for the interior piano black trim. I know this is the most difficult trim to be protected but it’s the only one I liked from the avalable in our local configuration.

My biggest concern is that I’m kinda scared if interior gets somehow damaged in the detailing process (not sure if each part has to be removed). And I guess I’m confused to put somekind of plastic layer on this beautiful piano finish - it’s just like sex with condom - not as good as without, but protected (I’m a dermatovenereologist btw).

I’m kinda okay with fingers and fine lines on it.

For now I’m stuck on the idea to start without, see how bad it can be and if it gets easy damaged I will go for new polish and then the ppf stuff.

Looking forward to hear some opinions of people who have this trim or tried ppf in the interior - do u regret and why? Is it noticeable that there is ppf installed? Pictures will be helpful too.

Thanks!

[David70]

Like keeping plastic on your sofa and lamp shades to protect them, protect them for who or from what? Someday in the future you can sell your car with a perfect interior and they can enjoy it?

I'm careful with my interior and have very little damage.

Interested in hearing what all of this costs.

[Westside Guy]

I have Xpel on my glossy black interior trim and it does the job and looks perfectly fine.

If you don’t protect it , the center console will develop visible micro scratches that will drive you crazy.

[kstavrov]

Originally Posted by David70

Like keeping plastic on your sofa and lamp shades to protect them, protect them for who or from what? Someday in the future you can sell your car with a perfect interior and they can enjoy it?

I'm careful with my interior and have very little damage.

Interested in hearing what all of this costs.

Are you with piano black trim?

[David70]

Originally Posted by kstavrov

Are you with piano black trim?

Yes, on my 2013 Cadillac ATS. I bought it used in 2014 so had it over 10 years.

No part of the car is perfect but all of it looks excellent, when I consider what it is worth, how much I drive and what I would buy next I can't bring myself to writing a $50k check for another car (new car price plus selling mine).

I'm careful with it and don't understand people that have all the trim scratched up, very few reasons to touch most of it. I'm happy I didn't spend a lot of money covering all of it.

[kstavrov]

Originally Posted by David70

Yes, on my 2013 Cadillac ATS. I bought it used in 2014 so had it over 10 years.

No part of the car is perfect but all of it looks excellent, when I consider what it is worth, how much I drive and what I would buy next I can't bring myself to writing a $50k check for another car (new car price plus selling mine).

I'm careful with it and don't understand people that have all the trim scratched up, very few reasons to touch most of it. I'm happy I didn't spend a lot of money covering all of it.

Thanks mate, I needed to hear something like this

[David70]

Originally Posted by kstavrov

Thanks mate, I needed to hear something like this

One thing to add, worst thing to use to clean anything that scratches easily is paper towels. I only use cotton cloth rags and water and/or mild cleaner.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by David70

One thing to add, worst thing to use to clean anything that scratches easily is paper towels. I only use cotton cloth rags and water and/or mild cleaner.

I would only use a microfiber cloth.

[nonam3]

I have the piano black PPFd on my X3 and don’t regret it. Can be a bit more careless with wiping it down and cleaning it. But I’m also part of the minority of OCD detailing. I guess it depends on how long you plan to keep the car. Wiping it often with just a microfiber will still produce scratches and swirls just like it would on exterior paint over time. My installer had a template film for it so I imagine yours would too to negate needing to disassemble the trim pieces. But if damage is your concern, you should also be fine leaving it as is and just wipe it down with an interior detailer to reduce scratches/swirls from wiping it dry.

[Yuille36]

I had the piano black dash trim right below the carbon fiber in my F85 X5M, I got so tired at looking at swirls, I had an upholstery shop covered it in Alcantara, and I'm much happier now. There was a certain option with the X5M were one could opt for the Alcantara dash trim, it might have been the Comp package.