BMW X5 and X6 Forum 2014-Current
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-08-2017, 05:29 PM   #1
X5hopefull
Enlisted Member
16
Rep
31
Posts

Drives: X5 35d
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Wisconsin

iTrader: (0)

Exterior protection

Getting my new x5 soon and deciding if ceramic coating the exterior is worth the money or not and does it really protect the finish ..... looking for expert advice ...thanks in advance....
Appreciate 0
      04-08-2017, 06:51 PM   #2
Enrico 35d
Private
Canada
8
Rep
60
Posts

Drives: 2014 x5 35d
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Montreal

iTrader: (0)

Can't comment on ceramic coating but if you plan on keeping it a while you should clear film ( 3M , Protex, etc...) the whole front end including partial hood and side mirrors as it makes a big difference in protecting against stone chips.
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2017, 05:12 AM   #3
PeanutButterJellyTime
'06 525xi, '14 435xi, '17 X5 50i, '16 428xi GC
PeanutButterJellyTime's Avatar
Canada
36
Rep
152
Posts

Drives: 2016 428xi GC
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Vancouver, BC

iTrader: (0)

I am getting the ceramic coating as soon as I fix my rock chip that was created in the half centimeter area that they didn't wrap with 3m. So unlucky.

As for expert opinion, I'm no expert. Sorry. I can say that some coatings would not require you to do any waxing and that the coating will protect from bird turn and mud splashes can bead right off your car.
Appreciate 0
      04-10-2017, 08:03 AM   #4
X5hopefull
Enlisted Member
16
Rep
31
Posts

Drives: X5 35d
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Wisconsin

iTrader: (0)

Yes I'm a where of the plastic film as protection ...I'm just wanted has anyone had the experience with this ceramic coatings I see offered as protection to the paint...good ..bad...thoughts...
Appreciate 0
      04-10-2017, 08:18 AM   #5
skim7x
Colonel
skim7x's Avatar
United_States
207
Rep
2,558
Posts

Drives: 335i, C63 AMG
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: USA

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2007 335i  [10.00]
I have the entire front end clear bra'd and getting ceramic coating done this weekend. From what I've heard, it's the best paint protection you can get. Especially since my car is black, I want to reduce swirl marks as best I can.
Appreciate 0
      04-10-2017, 10:43 AM   #6
stewy604
Lieutenant Colonel
stewy604's Avatar
289
Rep
1,547
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW X5 xDrive 35d M Sport
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Vancouver, B.C.

iTrader: (0)

In hindsight, I wish I would have done some form of extended protection (like Xpel), as well as the wrap for the front clip/rockers.
__________________
2014 BMW X5 xDrive 35d M Sport Mineral White
2011 BMW 135i M Sport Space Grey
2007 Suzuki GSX-R 750
Appreciate 0
      04-10-2017, 03:47 PM   #7
double_j
First Lieutenant
85
Rep
331
Posts

Drives: 2008 JB/B E90 M3
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast USA

iTrader: (0)

Ceramic coating will keep the car looking cleaner, make it easier to wash, and will help to prevent swirl marks. That said, it's not magic - you still will need to wash the car to keep it clean and it can still get damaged by rock chips, etc.

I personally don't think that ceramic coatings are worth it on daily driven, normal mileage vehicles. I'd much rather spend money on a good protection film since that will actually prevent chips and physical damage to the paint.

Even without a ceramic coating, you can protect against swirl marks with good wash hygiene and most paint sealants are so easy to use that it's not a big deal to reapply every other wash or so if you want a deep shine.
Appreciate 0
      04-10-2017, 08:54 PM   #8
Enrico 35d
Private
Canada
8
Rep
60
Posts

Drives: 2014 x5 35d
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Montreal

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by double_j View Post
Ceramic coating will keep the car looking cleaner, make it easier to wash, and will help to prevent swirl marks. That said, it's not magic - you still will need to wash the car to keep it clean and it can still get damaged by rock chips, etc.

I personally don't think that ceramic coatings are worth it on daily driven, normal mileage vehicles. I'd much rather spend money on a good protection film since that will actually prevent chips and physical damage to the paint.

Even without a ceramic coating, you can protect against swirl marks with good wash hygiene and most paint sealants are so easy to use that it's not a big deal to reapply every other wash or so if you want a deep shine.
I second that
Appreciate 0
      04-11-2017, 02:29 PM   #9
PeanutButterJellyTime
'06 525xi, '14 435xi, '17 X5 50i, '16 428xi GC
PeanutButterJellyTime's Avatar
Canada
36
Rep
152
Posts

Drives: 2016 428xi GC
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Vancouver, BC

iTrader: (0)

I am sure there are waxes and other procedures that can replicate the coatings but how often do I have to maintain it?

I have done a bit of research and read other folks comments on different products and I plan on getting the Gtechniq crystal serum black and Exo combined. My criteria were ability to repel water, scratch, UV, and longevity. Because I don't like to spend much time washing my car, this product appears to be perfect. No annual waxing or detailing is needed. Car washing is quick and the demonstration videos I have seen make me feel that all I need to do to dry my car is to drive it.


Water test:





Scratch test:
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:50 PM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST