Random X5 shot of the day... Add yours - let's make this an ongoing thread!

[M3-Namja]

Originally Posted by kanvas

Good sir, is that Jet Black?

Sapphire Black

[hdAge]

Originally Posted by M3-Namja

[IMG][/IMG]

Ceramic coating done yesterday. Picked up today

It does look great. I think ceramic coating stands out a tad more on a darker paint, am still contemplating to get it done for my Mineral White Metallic. How many days was the labor and how many coats did they apply?

[P1]

Originally Posted by hdAge

It does look great. I think ceramic coating stands out a tad more on a darker paint, am still contemplating to get it done for my Mineral White Metallic. How many days was the labor and how many coats did they apply?

Invest in a detailer that can focus on getting your paint perfect. There is nothing wrong with waxing or sealing. The amounts being charged for coatings is ridiculous. The margins are insane and the hype is silly. I've seen people spend thousands on this. Detailers are laughing all the way to the bank!

[hdAge]

Originally Posted by P1et

Invest in a detailer that can focus on getting your paint perfect. There is nothing wrong with waxing or sealing. The amounts being charged for coatings is ridiculous. The margins are insane and the hype is silly. I've seen people spend thousands on this. Detailers are laughing all the way to the bank!

The prices are insane, hence haven't pulled the trigger. Still digesting the information to understand to go with waxing and sealing or ceramic coating.

[P1]

Originally Posted by hdAge

The prices are insane, hence haven't pulled the trigger. Still digesting the information to understand to go with waxing and sealing or ceramic coating.

I used to detail on the side, and have everyone product imaginable. Just don't have the time to do it anymore, but that's a different story. The beauty of a vehicle's paint doesn't come from the wax/sealant/coating, but rather from the paint itself. Removing marring, scratches, hazing, whatever else you can think of, that's what you want to spend money on. I personally am a big fan of Swisssvax waxes, but tend (in the interest of time) to just apply a layer of Menzerna Power Lock every three months or so. Looks fantastic, plenty of protection, and honestly a very easy process.

[splitsensetam]

Originally Posted by hdAge

The prices are insane, hence haven't pulled the trigger. Still digesting the information to understand to go with waxing and sealing or ceramic coating.

luckily for me, my friend is a certified Ceramic Pro installer and only charged me $700 which included 2 step paint correction, 3 layers of 9H, 1 layer CP light. He also coated my wheels and glass.

Is it worth it? For $700 I think so. However, I would not pay what some of these shops are charging ($1,300 and up).

I also have MW paint and the gloss is incredible. The car seems to stay clean longer, and I don't need to wash as much. The rain even does a good job washing the car.

Had the CP done the same week I bought MY17 x5, and its been about a year now and still holding up. My car is driven daily and stays outdoor 24/7, and I can say I only have 1 small rock chip on my front bumper. The rest of the car is still mint.

[hdAge]

Originally Posted by splitsensetam

luckily for me, my friend is a certified Ceramic Pro installer and only charged me $700 which included 2 step paint correction, 3 layers of 9H, 1 layer CP light. He also coated my wheels and glass.

Is it worth it? For $700 I think so. However, I would not pay what some of these shops are charging ($1,300 and up).

I also have MW paint and the gloss is incredible. The car seems to stay clean longer, and I don't need to wash as much. The rain even does a good job washing the car.

Had the CP done the same week I bought MY17 x5, and its been about a year now and still holding up. My car is driven daily and stays outdoor 24/7, and I can say I only have 1 small rock chip on my front bumper. The rest of the car is still mint.

Do you happen to have a friend in socal who can do at this rate ? Good to hear the MW paint gets a good gloss effect, do you have any pics you can share?
The prices are certainly ridiculous and makes me think of just waxing frequently.

[hdAge]

Originally Posted by P1et

I used to detail on the side, and have everyone product imaginable. Just don't have the time to do it anymore, but that's a different story. The beauty of a vehicle's paint doesn't come from the wax/sealant/coating, but rather from the paint itself. Removing marring, scratches, hazing, whatever else you can think of, that's what you want to spend money on. I personally am a big fan of Swisssvax waxes, but tend (in the interest of time) to just apply a layer of Menzerna Power Lock every three months or so. Looks fantastic, plenty of protection, and honestly a very easy process.

This is what I had originally planned before starting to read about Ceramic Pro

[splitsensetam]

Originally Posted by hdAge

Do you happen to have a friend in socal who can do at this rate ? Good to hear the MW paint gets a good gloss effect, do you have any pics you can share?
The prices are certainly ridiculous and makes me think of just waxing frequently.

Unfortunately no, only in NYC.

https://instagram.com/p/BNrtw5LhXun/

The link above is my car after it was done.

[P1]

Originally Posted by splitsensetam

Unfortunately no, only in NYC.

https://instagram.com/p/BNrtw5LhXun/

The link above is my car after it was done.

A simple one-step polish + seal at the VERY least is around $300, so having all that work as you described for $700 is a good price.

[M3-Namja]

Originally Posted by hdAge

It does look great. I think ceramic coating stands out a tad more on a darker paint, am still contemplating to get it done for my Mineral White Metallic. How many days was the labor and how many coats did they apply?

I shopped around most places were asking between $1100-$2000. My buddy works for a dealer and referred me to a tint/detail shop. I was able to get every exterior part coated for $750 including face of the wheels.

I am happy with the results, the process was overnight. Dropped off the car 8am and picked up noon next day.

Waxing and sealing is good but here in FL but it's just too hot most of the year, and I don't have a lot of time.

[hdAge]

Originally Posted by splitsensetam

Unfortunately no, only in NYC.

https://instagram.com/p/BNrtw5LhXun/

The link above is my car after it was done.

Looks great, pic does show the glossiness.

[hdAge]

Originally Posted by M3-Namja

I shopped around most places were asking between $1100-$2000. My buddy works for a dealer and referred me to a tint/detail shop. I was able to get every exterior part coated for $750 including face of the wheels.

I am happy with the results, the process was overnight. Dropped off the car 8am and picked up noon next day.

Waxing and sealing is good but here in FL but it's just too hot most of the year, and I don't have a lot of time.

Thats a good deal and a great looking car.

[sssmokie]

Just sealed with 6 layers of Ceramic Pro 9H. I Hope it was worth it , but time will tell...

[P1]

Lolzzz. This all reminds me of the Zaino days. Anyone here remember that? People would literally add layer after layer and start bragging about how they had TEN LAYERS of Z2 over Z5. Aah, the good 'ole days...

[Habs11]

Originally Posted by P1et

Lolzzz. This all reminds me of the Zaino days. Anyone here remember that? People would literally add layer after layer and start bragging about how they had TEN LAYERS of Z2 over Z5. Aah, the good 'ole days...

Loved the zaino suite sans the glass polish

[splitsensetam]

Originally Posted by sssmokie

Just sealed with 6 layers of Ceramic Pro 9H. I Hope it was worth it , but time will tell...

wow 6 layers!! double what I have. Was that the platinum package?

[P1]

Originally Posted by splitsensetam

wow 6 layers!! double what I have. Was that the platinum package?

I know a guy who did 395 layers. Super glossy.

[splitsensetam]

Originally Posted by P1et

I know a guy who did 395 layers. Super glossy.

Lol Are you serious? That's a bit overkill.

[originalgoods13]

I think the general rule is 2 coats then after that it is just a waste of time and money.

I use Power lock as first layer and Einszett 1Glanz to top it off/maintenance. set me back 1 hour of my time and less than $100 for the next 5 years!

I have paint corrected my vehicle a couple of times after a couple of mishaps from the dealership.

I have tried coating of Gtechniq C2 and Exo V2, and applying was super easy.

1,100-2,500 USD is quite ridiculous for the current pricing.

All my supplies cost less than $500 and 25 hours of labor in total.

[P1]

Originally Posted by originalgoods13

I think the general rule is 2 coats then after that it is just a waste of time and money.

I use Power lock as first layer and Einszett 1Glanz to top it off/maintenance. set me back 1 hour of my time and less than $100 for the next 5 years!

I have paint corrected my vehicle a couple of times after a couple of mishaps from the dealership.

I have tried coating of Gtechniq C2 and Exo V2, and applying was super easy.

1,100-2,500 USD is quite ridiculous for the current pricing.

All my supplies cost less than $500 and 25 hours of labor in total.

Amen. This guy know what's up. I agree 100%. Folks, stop falling for all the hype and use your head.

[NOVA99]

Drive it like you stole it. Fuck all the waxes. Most important is a windshield "wax" like Rain-X to make sure rain, snow, and other shit that lands on your window keep your vision clear at 100mph+. Good tires, clear vision, and let it rip.