Paint Protection Options (Film and/or Ceramic Coatings)

[ejholt]

I've had my 2017 X6M for a couple of days now and while getting the windows tinted they recommended that I install a Paint Protection Film. I've never used film, but have opted for Ceramic Coatings (i.e Opti-Coat, Modesta, Ceramic Pro, etc.).

I've used Modesta on both the Exterior Paint for my M3 and Q50S Hybrid and Opti-Coat for the Glass, Headlamps / Tail lamps, and Interior Leather, but looking to try something different as the market is starting to become more competitive in their offerings.

Nevertheless, has anyone installed a Film, if so, which brand do you recommend? Did you choose to cover the front end (bumper, hood, side mirrors, etc.) or go with covering the entire vehicle?

Has anyone tried combining both the Film and Coating? I had 1 installer recommend using a combination of both.

In using the film, have you found that it still keeps that brand new paint gloss shine when you took delivery, or has it faded over time? Do you wax over it and does this improve the gloss? Is the film that noticeable?

Thank You

[sbinshihon]

Originally Posted by ejholt

I've had my 2017 X6M for a couple of days now and while getting the windows tinted they recommended that I install a Paint Protection Film. I've never used film, but have opted for Ceramic Coatings (i.e Opti-Coat, Modesta, Ceramic Pro, etc.).

I've used Modesta on both the Exterior Paint for my M3 and Q50S Hybrid and Opti-Coat for the Glass, Headlamps / Tail lamps, and Interior Leather, but looking to try something different as the market is starting to become more competitive in their offerings.

Nevertheless, has anyone installed a Film, if so, which brand do you recommend? Did you choose to cover the front end (bumper, hood, side mirrors, etc.) or go with covering the entire vehicle?

Has anyone tried combining both the Film and Coating? I had 1 installer recommend using a combination of both.

In using the film, have you found that it still keeps that brand new paint gloss shine when you took delivery, or has it faded over time? Do you wax over it and does this improve the gloss? Is the film that noticeable?

Thank You

Yes, clear film is the best protection you can get for your paint. I would go with SunTek because their film is really clear, there are different 3M films you go with the highest quality which is also excellent .

Mainly, people go with front bumper,hood, fenders and mirror caps.. the parts where rock ships actually hit. However for 100k car I would do the whole car but it can be very expensive above 3k.

Go with a high quality film and keep the car out of the sun, the film is not noticeable. You can wax over it every 6 months or so to keep it looking fresh. The main thing to keep in mind is that to find a really professional place to install is for you as it can be very tricky with the curves on the bumpers in our cars.

[ejholt]

Originally Posted by sbinshihon

Yes, clear film is the best protection you can get for your paint. I would go with SunTek because their film is really clear, there are different 3M films you go with the highest quality which is also excellent .

Mainly, people go with front bumper,hood, fenders and mirror caps.. the parts where rock ships actually hit. However for 100k car I would do the whole car but it can be very expensive above 3k.

Go with a high quality film and keep the car out of the sun, the film is not noticeable. You can wax over it every 6 months or so to keep it looking fresh. The main thing to keep in mind is that to find a really professional place to install is for you as it can be very tricky with the curves on the bumpers in our cars.

Thank You

[vince7870]

Originally Posted by ejholt

I've had my 2017 X6M for a couple of days now and while getting the windows tinted they recommended that I install a Paint Protection Film. I've never used film, but have opted for Ceramic Coatings (i.e Opti-Coat, Modesta, Ceramic Pro, etc.).

I've used Modesta on both the Exterior Paint for my M3 and Q50S Hybrid and Opti-Coat for the Glass, Headlamps / Tail lamps, and Interior Leather, but looking to try something different as the market is starting to become more competitive in their offerings.

Nevertheless, has anyone installed a Film, if so, which brand do you recommend? Did you choose to cover the front end (bumper, hood, side mirrors, etc.) or go with covering the entire vehicle?

Has anyone tried combining both the Film and Coating? I had 1 installer recommend using a combination of both.

In using the film, have you found that it still keeps that brand new paint gloss shine when you took delivery, or has it faded over time? Do you wax over it and does this improve the gloss? Is the film that noticeable?

Thank You

On my first x5m I had the entire front end and hood covered in ppf and then entire car coated with nanolex si3d coating

On my 2nd x5m I only had bumper and rockers and wheel wells done and the entire car polished and then coated with nanolex si3hd. Results were amazing. Great Installer is a must. If your in ny nj area I have the guy for you.

[ejholt]

Originally Posted by vince7870

On my first x5m I had the entire front end and hood covered in ppf and then entire car coated with nanolex si3d coating

On my 2nd x5m I only had bumper and rockers and wheel wells done and the entire car polished and then coated with nanolex si3hd. Results were amazing. Great Installer is a must. If your in ny nj area I have the guy for you.

Wasn't aware you could do your wheel wells. How did those work out?

[vince7870]

Originally Posted by ejholt

Wasn't aware you could do your wheel wells. How did those work out?

wheel wells=fender flares and inner lips. if you don't do that and rocker panels the paint will get damaged from wheel kick up.

[elm3]

I have the whole hood, whole fenders, whole bumper, fender flairs, rockers, lower part of all 4 doors and lower of rear bumper. Pretty much where the rocks will hit the paint. I was going to do the whole X5M, but decided that it wasn't necessary. You should go with a clear bra and like everyone said, choose a good installer.

[ejholt]

Originally Posted by elm3

I have the whole hood, whole fenders, whole bumper, fender flairs, rockers, lower part of all 4 doors and lower of rear bumper. Pretty much where the rocks will hit the paint. I was going to do the whole X5M, but decided that it wasn't necessary. You should go with a clear bra and like everyone said, choose a good installer.

Thank You for the feedback!

[alvinabed]

I have the full 3M venture shield on my car. I think a wrap is a must!

[MadMarkus]

Originally Posted by alvinabed

I have the full 3M venture shield on my car. I think a wrap is a must!

Can't agree more!
The new film from 3M is great. Scratches can be removed with hot water or a hairdryer.
Picked up my X5M (Donington Grey) 2 weeks ago in BMW-World and had it wrapped same day in Munich.
They used 3M for both bumpers, fender, hood, side skirts, entrances, A-pillars, mirrors and the part of roof between windscreen and panorama-sunroof.
Same time frame of Kidneys, Air-Vents and part of the front have been wrapped in black.

I love it.

[X5M50D]

Originally Posted by MadMarkus

Can't agree more!
The new film from 3M is great. Scratches can be removed with hot water or a hairdryer.
Picked up my X5M (Donington Grey) 2 weeks ago in BMW-World and had it wrapped same day in Munich.
They used 3M for both bumpers, fender, hood, side skirts, entrances, A-pillars, mirrors and the part of roof between windscreen and panorama-sunroof.
Same time frame of Kidneys, Air-Vents and part of the front have been wrapped in black.

I love it.

Do you mind telling me the cost of this?

[MadMarkus]

Originally Posted by X5M50D

Do you mind telling me the cost of this?

The regular cost is about € 1.600,- (while 1 € = +/- 1 $).