[synclastica_86]

So, I just took delivery of my 435i with m sport package. After putting new rims on it, I now wanna get it wrapped. First things first, I wanna know who should I go with? I found a few shops with that will do it that gave me quotes ranging from $22,000HKD to $29,000HKD ($2,850-$3,750US). Do any of you have experience with Wrap works, Impressive wrap, Vibrant wrap, color concepts or wrap me? Since the material the use to wrap is pretty much the same, I guess it boils how good they are with their hands.

FYI, I have parking sensors on my car. How will they be taken care of? I've seen some wrapped cars simply have them covered with stretched vinyl. It's not flush with the rest of the car and looks like that it's popping out. I really don't want this. Can they cut holes in the main piece to accommodate the sensors then cut small pieces to cover the sensors?

There's also the issue of the roof rack mount points. I've seen an E92 with those sealed in the wrap. Is that a must? Will I lose the use my those mount points?

I'm particular worried about the more complex regions such as near the keyhole and on the door handle. I have comfort access and hence the groves on the door handle. Will the wrap be able to go around those? (I've heard that you can buy a cover for the keyhole, but I don't know where?)

I also want to get some M performance CF parts on the car, namely front lip, rocker panels and spoiler. Do I need to get them done before or after the wrap?

What else should I look out for when wrapping? Thanks for all the help is advance. As usual, here's a great place for car knowledge!!!

[teaston]

Whats wrong with the current colour of the car?

[synclastica_86]

Originally Posted by teaston

Whats wrong with the current colour of the car?

Alpine White. Does it make a difference?

[teaston]

Originally Posted by synclastica_86

Alpine White. Does it make a difference?

No to be honest, AW looks awesome imho!

Surely the money could be much better spent elsewhere?

[synclastica_86]

Originally Posted by teaston

No to be honest, AW looks awesome imho!

Surely the money could be much better spent elsewhere?

I like white as well. That's why I think I'm going to go for matte white. There are too many gloss white bimmers around. I want my ride to be more unique.

[teaston]

For that much money you could get full m performance or ac schnitzer kit. Would make much more difference to the look of the car imho.

[synclastica_86]

Originally Posted by teaston

For that much money you could get full m performance or ac schnitzer kit. Would make much more difference to the look of the car imho.

I'm already going for the M performance kit as soon as it comes out. I gonna order the spoiler and rocker panel this week and will order the front lip and the diffuser when they come out.

In terms of value for money, I think that if I get it wrapped in a matted color, then I don't need to join one of those pricy waxing plans ($14,000 HKD a year). As long as I don't change colors more than once every two years, I should be spending less.

[teaston]

Wow it sounds like you've got a lot of spare cash! I wish I had your money!

Sounds like you know what you want so enjoy it mate!

[synclastica_86]

Originally Posted by teaston

Wow it sounds like you've got a lot of spare cash! I wish I had your money!

Sounds like you know what you want so enjoy it mate!

Lol... I don't think so. This is the only area that I actually spend money on. I hardly spend anything elsewhere.

[teaston]

I guess you don't have a girlfriend/wife then!

Only a single guy could get away with that money spending!

[synclastica_86]

Originally Posted by teaston

I guess you don't have a girlfriend/wife then!

Only a single guy could get away with that money spending!

Married for 7 years... Lol. Wifey went back to law school a couple of years back. She's studying crazy right now. Doesn't even have time to have a decent dinner... Lol.

[teaston]

And she's ok with you spending all your money on your car?!

Why not take her on a nice holiday instead?

[synclastica_86]

Originally Posted by teaston

And she's ok with you spending all your money on your car?!

Why not take her on a nice holiday instead?

It's much better when it's "our" car. There's no "my" in our relationship... Lol. Plus, she doesn't have time for a vacation. She's a workaholic.

[Who?]

if you just got the car, it seems silly to wrap the car?

i plan on wrapping mine in a 2 or 3 years time, when i start to see blemishes in the paintwork and get bored of the colour (if ever)

spend money elsewhere. go get a nice watch

[synclastica_86]

Originally Posted by SJ00

if you just got the car, it seems silly to wrap the car?

i plan on wrapping mine in a 2 or 3 years time, when i start to see blemishes in the paintwork and get bored of the colour (if ever)

spend money elsewhere. go get a nice watch

Yeh, that's why I'm going with a more subtle color. I'll go with I wilder color when I change color a couple of years down the road. Waxing is really expensive in HK. So wrapping saves $ in the long run.

[Who?]

Originally Posted by synclastica_86

Yeh, that's why I'm going with a more subtle color. I'll go with I wilder color when I change color a couple of years down the road. Waxing is really expensive in HK. So wrapping saves $ in the long run.

When i got my car, I detailed and sealed my car.
Sealants such as opticoat last years (especially if you wash properly). waxing becomes redundant once you have decent protection.

wrap lasts 2/3 years max, so its not really saving money either way.

Detail+opticoat = $500-$1000 (possibly lasts "forver" 3+ years)
Wrap= $2500-3500

[synclastica_86]

What's an opticoat? Is it a trademark or is it the name of a generic product?

Well, in the past I usually go with a waxing and washing plan that's around $2000 a year. It's difficult for me to wash my car as I live in an apartment building. There are no self serve car washes in Hong Kong.

Plus I guess an advantage of wrapping is I can change colors at less than the cost of spraying.

Lol... Sounds so much like I'm trying to justify what I want to do... Lol

[1N54E92]

Originally Posted by synclastica_86

I'm already going for the M performance kit as soon as it comes out. I gonna order the spoiler and rocker panel this week and will order the front lip and the diffuser when they come out.

In terms of value for money, I think that if I get it wrapped in a matted color, then I don't need to join one of those pricy waxing plans ($14,000 HKD a year). As long as I don't change colors more than once every two years, I should be spending less.

If you like the current color then why not just clear bra the whole car in matte finish ?

[synclastica_86]

Originally Posted by 1N54E92

If you like the current color then why not just clear bra the whole car in matte finish ?

Will that cost less then the wrap? With the wrap, a get quite a few matted whites to choose from. Unless it's cheaper, then I don't see the point.

[Who?]

Originally Posted by synclastica_86

What's an opticoat? Is it a trademark or is it the name of a generic product?

Well, in the past I usually go with a waxing and washing plan that's around $2000 a year. It's difficult for me to wash my car as I live in an apartment building. There are no self serve car washes in Hong Kong.

Plus I guess an advantage of wrapping is I can change colors at less than the cost of spraying.

Lol... Sounds so much like I'm trying to justify what I want to do... Lol

Opticoat is a type of sealant than protects the paints clear coat. Wolfs hardbody is another great one that will last a few years.

Regarding the apartment and hard to wash dilemma, wrapping will still involve you washing the car. be it matte or glossy. I would suggest you got for the waterless wash route. Products such as Optinums No Rinse, Turtle Wax Rinseless wash or Meguiar's Ultimate Wash and Wax Anywhere allow cars to be washed with just one bucket of water (no buckets for the Meguiars). Ideal for people that live in apartments.

i know you really want to wrap the car, and by all means, but there are so many alternative options out there.

If you're really set on a different colour, wrapping is the only way to go.

[3 Stripes]

Have you considered plasti dipping your car?

[synclastica_86]

Originally Posted by 3 Stripes

Have you considered plasti dipping your car?

What's that?