Is PPF worth it?

[Firstbmw96]

You guys think ppf is worth getting? If so do you recommend just the front or the whole car?

[LivingInSalt]

Yes

Full front, rockers, rear bumper

[Bandit009]

Originally Posted by Firstbmw96

You guys think ppf is worth getting? If so do you recommend just the front or the whole car?

Yes worth it. I did hood, mirrors, headlights, front fenders, front bumper. I might go back and have the rockers done.

[MPR]

I did front bumper, full hood, kidneys, and headlights.

If you don't get it you'll wish you did once your bumper and hood get loaded with rock chips. I put mudflaps on to hopefully help the rocker panels...which I'd like to eventually have painted, but probably never will, realistically.

[marcsg42]

I was the same way wasn’t sure it was worth it but im so glad I did
1- rock chips already got a tiny chip in the windshield so I’m sure one or to bounced off the hood already
2- when I wash the front end of the car which is usually the worst because of bugs and road debris I can be a little more aggressive and not have to worry about scratching the paint

[Redd]

Originally Posted by Firstbmw96

You guys think ppf is worth getting? If so do you recommend just the front or the whole car?

I've had Clearguard Nano PPF on my car for 7+ yrs 60k kms now. My opinion...

Worth It
1. Front end protection is definitely worth it. I go on runs with E60 M5s a lot and they kick up A SHIT TON of pebbles. I'm on my 4th windscreen in the last 7 years, mainly due to stone chips, but my front bumper and wing mirrors still look pristine. So, imho, front end and wing mirrors are a must do for PPF.

2. I PPF-ed my CF roof to protect the clearcoat.

3. A good PPF with a proper coating will make the car much easier to clean. It is much more hydrophobic than just coating on paint.

4. Many PPFs have self-healing qualities which are great to automatically repair mild surface hazing and bird poo etching. But it won't fix deeper scratches.

5. A good PPF (emphasis on good) will impart a deeper glossiness to the paint that is addictive to look at. My Clearguard Nano does that.

Not Worth It
1. A cheap PPF will impart a haziness or orange peel texturing effect on the paint that makes the car look like it was poorly painted.

2. Installer skill is important. Poorly installed PPF won't look nice, won't last long (start peeling at the edges), and may even damage your paint underneath the PPF.

3. PPF is still a film, and, like all films, can suffer damage. Bad door dings or scrapes can result in the PPF being cut and permanently damaged. Unlike paint, you cannot polish out scratches or imperfections from a PPF once it's been cut. The cut area will accumulate dirt quickly and look more unsightly than scratches on paint. The only option is to replace the entire PPF panel (expensive). For this reason, I would give it some serious thought if you want to PPF the side doors and rear fender.

4. All PPF will yellow over time. Anyone who says otherwise is lying. So I don't recommend doing it on white cars as it won't age well.

5. It is very difficult /impossible to do paintless dent repair on a PPF-ed panel. If you're the type to get minor dings /dents due to daily usage, u might want to consider that.

6. Due to its price, a PPF requires care as well. The self-healing nano top layer of the film can wear out if the car is not properly washed/cared for.

7. PPF will sometimes lift off the clearcoat/paint when it's being removed, even by expert installers. So don't think it's something you can easily remove and replace every other year.

So that's my personal experience from 7 yrs of high end PPF ownership. Hope it helps.

[Jbrown7403]

I echo everything Redd said in their very comprehensive comments! I was lucky to buy my F82 with ~ 8000 miles about 3.5 years ago and the original owner had a very professional PPF job done on the doors / roof forward. I’m now at ~ 48,000 miles and the car still looks almost brand new. I’ve done 5 long road trips, Austin - California, and not a single rock chip. At the very least, I would say front bumper, hood, front quarter panels + roof.

This thread shows the perils of a bad PPF job

https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1978197

[Westside Guy]

My Z4 is parked outdoors and subjected to intense sun and heavy Florida rain so I invested in allover Xpel PPF plus ceramic coating. I wanted to protect my investment and I don’t regret my decision!!!

I should add that the highways down here in South Florida are always under construction and PPF is proactive protection against your car being the recipient of rock chips!

[NYG]

100%

Aside from the peace of mind you get from common light damage.

It makes washing your car a breeze and don't have to worry about fingerprints.

[Game]

Had a car without PPF and my front end looked awful. Never again.

[bvrider1]

BSM , PPF makes the car look great!

[br438]

Full front, full hood, 1/4 front quarter-panels. - worth it. Every 3rd vehicle on the interstate in nashville seems to be a dump truck streaming bits of gravel and sand all over the place at interstate speeds. gah.

A year in and I may have the doors done... so that my wife can drive the thing and park... wherever she wants. hahahahaaaa....

[awesoM]

PPF is awesome. I have it on the whole vehicle except the roof. I take it constantly to the self car wash place and use the nasty brush to get the dirt off without thinking twice. In fact last Saturday it caused the side of the car to have light scratches. Sunday I parked it in the sun and like magic they were all gone in an hour.

Get PPF if you are like me and OCD about your car paint job constantly. It actually lets you actually enjoy your car more than obsessing over it. Though you may want to still park it in the "no ding zone" and get your steps in, but you can let go and park it with the normal folk :-)

PPF does nothing for resale value. Don't get it if that is your intent, only get it if you want to be set free and enjoy your ride :-)

[jkoral]

For long term owners, when to remove/replace PPF? 5 years? 7 years? 10 years?

[awesoM]

Originally Posted by jkoral

For long term owners, when to remove/replace PPF? 5 years? 7 years? 10 years?

Xpel has a 10 year warranty. So I would imagine after 10?

[Redd]

Originally Posted by jkoral

For long term owners, when to remove/replace PPF? 5 years? 7 years? 10 years?

Depends on usage and care.

[Techno 9000]

Had mine on for five years, still looks amazing.

If a manufacturer gives a ten year warranty, you might imagine it will last all of that time and some.

[Techno 9000]

Originally Posted by Redd

5. It is very difficult /impossible to do paintless dent repair on a PPF-ed panel. If you're the type to get minor dings /dents due to daily usage, u might want to consider that.

The guy I used removed a dent with a crease at the bottom to my satisfaction (and his), so it's eminently doable.
The PPF was dimpled by his work on the panel but, being Xpel Ultimate a self healing film, has returned to its normal state over a few weeks (it obviously got quite a workout from his efforts!).

[Allerum]

No I don't think is worth it. You're gambling nothing will ever ruin it resulting in the reapplication. Like a bigger dent, or scrape or fender bender. I've been happy with just a ceramic coat on my other cars. A few tiny chips but you can't tell unless your 1 foot away after 4 years and 50,000 miles. Save the $5k for other mods.

[Kinleyg]

I am right at 10,000 km on my car. I drove the car from the dealer to the shop I use and had xpel ppf put on the entire car along with ceramic pro on top. I agree that it's a lot of money but it was 100% worth it. It's already saved me 3 times from damage.

If I wasn't planning to keep the car for a long time I don't think I would have done the whole car but I'm really happy I did.

[zero21]

Originally Posted by Firstbmw96

You guys think ppf is worth getting? If so do you recommend just the front or the whole car?

It depends on the value of your car and the likelihood of you selling it.

Unless you have individual paint or something crazy, I'd probably just say no, it's not.

I'm seeing dudes buying 40k cars and spending 7k on ppf

[5_chill]

No. It’s a $5000+ bill every 4-5 years that you’ll have to reapply just for your mind to be at ease about your paint. The second time around, you’re at $10k+. That’s enough to paint.