XPEL Ultimate Plus vs SunTek Ultra Paint Protection Film

pglover19 · 10-02-2018, 06:52 AM

My wife's vehicle is scheduled to be wrapped in the next 3 weeks. The local installer in my area only installs the XPEL film. I have done some research and a lot of BMW owners prefer the SunTek film over the XPEL film. The reason is because the SunTek film has a glossier shine than the XPEL film. My wife's vehicle is black sapphire metallic and I concerned that the XPEL film will not have the shine I am looking for.

I would like to hear from X5M owners that has the XPEL Ultimate Plus wrap on a dark color like black sapphire metallic.

elisiX · 10-02-2018, 09:42 AM

I’ve got Xpel on my BSM and it’s perfectly glossy.

It’s also the better quality film. Go Xpel.

pglover19 · 10-02-2018, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elisiX

I’ve got Xpel on my BSM and it’s perfectly glossy.

It’s also the better quality film. Go Xpel.

Can you post some photos. What areas did you get covered?

Kruppa · 10-02-2018, 01:10 PM

I had Xpel Ultimate on my black Audi Q5 - entire front all the way to the doors. Zero reduction in gloss/shine. I also had CQuartz Finest added after which only added to it. I would have zero concern about impact to gloss with this product. 2 full winters of New England driving and there was only 1 little mark in the entire front which came out 95% when a heat gun was placed on it since it has self healing properties.

pglover19 · 10-02-2018, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kruppa

I had Xpel Ultimate on my black Audi Q5 - entire front all the way to the doors. Zero reduction in gloss/shine. I also had CQuartz Finest added after which only added to it. I would have zero concern about impact to gloss with this product. 2 full winters of New England driving and there was only 1 little mark in the entire front which came out 95% when a heat gun was placed on it since it has self healing properties.

Great feedback. So the ceramic coating was applied after the wrapping.

Kruppa · 10-02-2018, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pglover19

Great feedback. So the ceramic coating was applied after the wrapping.

That’s correct, always after. More recently I tried Ceramic Pro coating on another vehicle. Didn’t notice a big difference - think CQuartz may have had a little more gloss.

Here's some pics...as you can see there is no difference in gloss up front vs anywhere else.

jiggz · 10-03-2018, 03:26 PM

Both are very good products. Both have self-healing properties.

Check out this article for comparisons (cliffs notes - there's not much difference) -

https://exclusivedetail.com/best-paint-protection-film/

clutchdj · 10-03-2018, 11:06 PM

I have used both xpel and suntek. Xpel has less of a shine thats more noticeable on metallic compared to Suntek... but Xpel is a tad more dense. I think Xpel does a better job protecting against rock chips and debris. Anyway you can't really go wrong b/c you gain so much from quality PPF. I was graized by a nyc bus while parked last year in my work truck. His plastic panels rocked my entire front fender and the xpel saved all of the paint except for a 1" scratch. It was really unbelievable. I have pictures.

cbarden · 10-04-2018, 02:10 AM

Xpel is a little bit thicker so it can give better protection on the bumper and rockers.

DgjoX6M2016 · 10-05-2018, 08:09 AM

Can this material be purchased at auto part stores and applied as a DIY? I was thinking just for ends of rocker panels where debris tends to get kicked up.

Kraftwerk AG · 10-05-2018, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DgjoX6M2016

Can this material be purchased at auto part stores and applied as a DIY? I was thinking just for ends of rocker panels where debris tends to get kicked up.

Check Amazon. There are some companies that sell pre-cut kits using Xpel, 3M, Nano Fusion, etc. if you are so inclined.

DgjoX6M2016 · 10-07-2018, 06:20 PM

Wow. That xPel material is great. Ordered some from amazon and have one rocker panel/skirt done. Not sure how to handle the curves at the rear bumper/exposed trunk area but will figure it out. Can't one piece it so will have to cut in advance. Will be doing the front of the truck and leading edge of hood as well. Anyone know of the parking sensors work through this material? Thanks for input.

spierce · 10-07-2018, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DgjoX6M2016

Wow. That xPel material is great. Ordered some from amazon and have one rocker panel/skirt done. Not sure how to handle the curves at the rear bumper/exposed trunk area but will figure it out. Can't one piece it so will have to cut in advance. Will be doing the front of the truck and leading edge of hood as well. Anyone know of the parking sensors work through this material? Thanks for input.

What are you guys getting charged for the entire front for xpel?

DgjoX6M2016 · 10-07-2018, 08:02 PM

I am doing it DIY. Material for side skirting is $22. 6"x 84". Not sure what other size material is available. Will be buying more for front. The material essentially disappears when applied. It is crystal clear. Amazing. Soapy water, I wear latex shop gloves, clay bar all first, and work on manageable areas.

pglover19 · 10-08-2018, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DgjoX6M2016

I am doing it DIY. Material for side skirting is $22. 6"x 84". Not sure what other size material is available. Will be buying more for front. The material essentially disappears when applied. It is crystal clear. Amazing. Soapy water, I wear latex shop gloves, clay bar all first, and work on manageable areas.

Can you provide a link to the material you are ordering.

F85_RN · 10-08-2018, 05:50 AM

Xpel and cquartz finest

DgjoX6M2016 · 10-08-2018, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pglover19

Quote:

Originally Posted by DgjoX6M2016

I am doing it DIY. Material for side skirting is $22. 6"x 84". Not sure what other size material is available. Will be buying more for front. The material essentially disappears when applied. It is crystal clear. Amazing. Soapy water, I wear latex shop gloves, clay bar all first, and work on manageable areas.

Can you provide a link to the material you are ordering.

Hey there. Search xPel in amazon. After a few vitamin supplements you will see the xPel product. Various sizes. I bought 6 x 84 to make sure the entire rocker panel was covered.

ajgraham · 10-09-2018, 03:04 AM

I'd recommend buying it from the Xpel website as you can get different size and length rolls so you're not over buying or making it more complicated. I'm currently trying to measure the surface areas I need to cover (basically the rocker panels, lower doors and most of the front of the car and bonnet), and then buy the rolls for those areas.

You can also buy the tools and other supplies that they recommend: http://www.xpel.com/bulk-paint-headl...tion-material/

Sylvan Lake V35 · 10-12-2018, 01:08 PM

I know the sales manager for North America from one of the two companies, they are the same film just the glue is different. I have heard the argument forever about which is better people seem to love which ever they have, but anyway they both buy the film itself from the same producer than add proprietary adhesive to it.

Personally I have had several vehicles done in the past, I like to have the entire hood covered, entire fenders, lights, mirror caps, front bumper, pillars and 6” of the leading roof line protected and usually the rocker panels as well. I get the hoods and fenders fully covered then you don’t see the line that you get when only partially covering them.

pglover19 · 10-12-2018, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sylvan Lake V35

I know the sales manager for North America from one of the two companies, they are the same film just the glue is different. I have heard the argument forever about which is better people seem to love which ever they have, but anyway they both buy the film itself from the same producer than add proprietary adhesive to it.

Personally I have had several vehicles done in the past, I like to have the entire hood covered, entire fenders, lights, mirror caps, front bumper, pillars and 6” of the leading roof line protected and usually the rocker panels as well. I get the hoods and fenders fully covered then you don’t see the line that you get when only partially covering them.

I am about to take my wife's X5M in to get it wrapped. One of my concerns is seeing lines or seams. What areas of the vehicle would I need wrapped in order to not see seams or lines?

F85_RN · 10-12-2018, 02:55 PM

Yeah I still got lines where aggressive curves on the side fender and from bumper.... they told me they can't avoid without making small slit in those films

pglover19 · 10-16-2018, 05:13 AM

I plan to take my wife's X5M in to get it wrapped in the next 2 weeks. I am trying to avoid lines or seams in the wrapping. Here are the areas I plan to get wrapped in order to avoid seeing lines or seams. Please provide feedback or advice on the areas to wrap to avoid seeing lines or seams.

Areas to wrap to avoid seams or lines:
1. Front bumper
2. Entire left and right side of the vehicle including the front and rear door up to the roof line.
3. Rear bumper.

So, the areas not being wrapped is the hood, roof, and the back hatch.

10-02-2018, 06:52 AM	#1
pglover19 Private 11 Rep 90 Posts Drives: BMW X5 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	XPEL Ultimate Plus vs SunTek Ultra Paint Protection Film My wife's vehicle is scheduled to be wrapped in the next 3 weeks. The local installer in my area only installs the XPEL film. I have done some research and a lot of BMW owners prefer the SunTek film over the XPEL film. The reason is because the SunTek film has a glossier shine than the XPEL film. My wife's vehicle is black sapphire metallic and I concerned that the XPEL film will not have the shine I am looking for. I would like to hear from X5M owners that has the XPEL Ultimate Plus wrap on a dark color like black sapphire metallic.
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10-02-2018, 09:42 AM	#2
elisiX Major 687 Rep 1,328 Posts Drives: '20 X3M Competition Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	I’ve got Xpel on my BSM and it’s perfectly glossy. It’s also the better quality film. Go Xpel.
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10-02-2018, 01:10 PM	#4
Kruppa Second Lieutenant 437 Rep 239 Posts Drives: 2023 M5 Comp & 2024 X7 Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Charleston, SC iTrader: (0)	I had Xpel Ultimate on my black Audi Q5 - entire front all the way to the doors. Zero reduction in gloss/shine. I also had CQuartz Finest added after which only added to it. I would have zero concern about impact to gloss with this product. 2 full winters of New England driving and there was only 1 little mark in the entire front which came out 95% when a heat gun was placed on it since it has self healing properties.
	Appreciate 1 XPEL343.00 Quote

10-03-2018, 03:26 PM	#7
jiggz Brigadier General 2140 Rep 3,647 Posts Drives: E90 M3\|F15 X5 50i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (2)	Both are very good products. Both have self-healing properties. Check out this article for comparisons (cliffs notes - there's not much difference) - https://exclusivedetail.com/best-paint-protection-film/
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10-03-2018, 11:06 PM	#8
clutchdj Colonel 1873 Rep 2,396 Posts Drives: a few cars Join Date: May 2015 Location: NY iTrader: (6)	I have used both xpel and suntek. Xpel has less of a shine thats more noticeable on metallic compared to Suntek... but Xpel is a tad more dense. I think Xpel does a better job protecting against rock chips and debris. Anyway you can't really go wrong b/c you gain so much from quality PPF. I was graized by a nyc bus while parked last year in my work truck. His plastic panels rocked my entire front fender and the xpel saved all of the paint except for a 1" scratch. It was really unbelievable. I have pictures.
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		BMW X5 and X6 Forum (F15/F16) > BMW X5 (F15) and BMW X6 (F16) Forum > BMW X5M (F85) and X6M (F86) Forum
XPEL Ultimate Plus vs SunTek Ultra Paint Protection Film

10-04-2018, 02:10 AM	#9
cbarden Private First Class 49 Rep 135 Posts Drives: M5 Join Date: May 2017 Location: Fl iTrader: (0)	Xpel is a little bit thicker so it can give better protection on the bumper and rockers.
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10-05-2018, 08:09 AM	#10
DgjoX6M2016 F86, G05, E91 455 Rep 778 Posts Drives: F86 X6M Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	Can this material be purchased at auto part stores and applied as a DIY? I was thinking just for ends of rocker panels where debris tends to get kicked up.
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10-07-2018, 06:20 PM	#12
DgjoX6M2016 F86, G05, E91 455 Rep 778 Posts Drives: F86 X6M Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	xPel Wow. That xPel material is great. Ordered some from amazon and have one rocker panel/skirt done. Not sure how to handle the curves at the rear bumper/exposed trunk area but will figure it out. Can't one piece it so will have to cut in advance. Will be doing the front of the truck and leading edge of hood as well. Anyone know of the parking sensors work through this material? Thanks for input.
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10-07-2018, 08:02 PM	#14
DgjoX6M2016 F86, G05, E91 455 Rep 778 Posts Drives: F86 X6M Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I am doing it DIY. Material for side skirting is $22. 6"x 84". Not sure what other size material is available. Will be buying more for front. The material essentially disappears when applied. It is crystal clear. Amazing. Soapy water, I wear latex shop gloves, clay bar all first, and work on manageable areas.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-08-2018, 05:50 AM	#16
F85_RN Private First Class 57 Rep 199 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW X5M Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	Xpel and cquartz finest Attached Images
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10-09-2018, 03:04 AM	#18
ajgraham Private 23 Rep 62 Posts Drives: Nada Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	I'd recommend buying it from the Xpel website as you can get different size and length rolls so you're not over buying or making it more complicated. I'm currently trying to measure the surface areas I need to cover (basically the rocker panels, lower doors and most of the front of the car and bonnet), and then buy the rolls for those areas. You can also buy the tools and other supplies that they recommend: http://www.xpel.com/bulk-paint-headl...tion-material/
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10-12-2018, 01:08 PM	#19
Sylvan Lake V35 Vanilla Gorrilla 31 Rep 610 Posts Drives: X5M & X5 35d Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Alberta iTrader: (0)	I know the sales manager for North America from one of the two companies, they are the same film just the glue is different. I have heard the argument forever about which is better people seem to love which ever they have, but anyway they both buy the film itself from the same producer than add proprietary adhesive to it. Personally I have had several vehicles done in the past, I like to have the entire hood covered, entire fenders, lights, mirror caps, front bumper, pillars and 6” of the leading roof line protected and usually the rocker panels as well. I get the hoods and fenders fully covered then you don’t see the line that you get when only partially covering them. __________________ X5M, Eisenmann exhaust, 22" HRE wheels, catless down pipes, Stage II tune/X5 Diesel, Lowered & Tuned
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10-12-2018, 02:55 PM	#21
F85_RN Private First Class 57 Rep 199 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW X5M Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	Yeah I still got lines where aggressive curves on the side fender and from bumper.... they told me they can't avoid without making small slit in those films
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10-16-2018, 05:13 AM	#22
pglover19 Private 11 Rep 90 Posts Drives: BMW X5 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	I plan to take my wife's X5M in to get it wrapped in the next 2 weeks. I am trying to avoid lines or seams in the wrapping. Here are the areas I plan to get wrapped in order to avoid seeing lines or seams. Please provide feedback or advice on the areas to wrap to avoid seeing lines or seams. Areas to wrap to avoid seams or lines: 1. Front bumper 2. Entire left and right side of the vehicle including the front and rear door up to the roof line. 3. Rear bumper. So, the areas not being wrapped is the hood, roof, and the back hatch.
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